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Simplement Suisse

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11-Day Teacher-Led Language Immersion Program in Switzerland and France

11-Day Teacher-Led Language Immersion Program in Switzerland and France. Beautiful Alpine landscapes, picturesque villages, decadent chocolate, and world-famous Gruyère cheese. Explore the natural beauty and rich history of Switzerland while immersing yourself in the French language. First, fall into the rhythm of your French family’s daily life in cosmopolitan Lyon, whose center reflects 2,000 years of history, from the Roman Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, medieval and Renaissance architecture in Vieux (Old) Lyon, to the modern Confluence district on Presqu'île peninsula. Then, take the train to the quaint towns of Montreux and Lausanne, both located in Switzerland.

Program Price: $3,439

Please note that the base price does not include the cost of international flights* Prices are based on a minimum group size of 24 students. When the minimum group size is not reached, a small-group supplement will apply. Final prices are determined by dates, air arrangements, family stay communities and other program components as confirmed by Xperitas, as well as the total size of the group and number of leaders at the time of final billing. Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in fuel prices, exchange rates, and airfare costs beyond the control of Xperitas.

🛬Email virginie@xperitas.org with your departure city for an estimated international flight cost.

🐦Save $200 when you enroll before June 15, 2026 (discount applied to final payment)

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Travel Dates

All travel dates are tentative, pending teacher approval and airline confirmation.

OVERVIEW

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DAY 1

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Departure

The adventure begins!

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The adventure begins! Pack your bags and set off on an exciting journey to Lyon, France!

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Meals Included: None

DAY 2

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Family Stay

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Today is the day you’ve been waiting for! Arrive in Lyon and meet your famille d’accueil!

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Meals Included: Dinner

Days 3 - 6

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Family Stay

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Dedicate some meaningful moments and quality time to bond and connect with your host family. Engaging in shared activities, such as cooking together, exploring local attractions, or simply sitting down for heartfelt conversations over meals, can help foster a deeper connection and create lasting memories.

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

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Montreux

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Bid farewell to your host family as you embark on a new day's journey. Hop aboard a charter bus that will whisk you away to the enchanting mountain resort of Montreux, nestled amidst stunning vistas of Lake Geneva, framed by the majestic Alps in the backdrop. Once you arrive, allow yourself to be captivated by the charm of Montreux. Stroll along the meandering paths of the Riviera Promenade that hug the tranquil shores of the lake, where you'll be treated to postcard-perfect scenery at every turn. For a taste of local indulgence, make your way to the Vieille Ville, the historic old town of Montreux. Here, you can savor a delightful cup of hot chocolate at one of the charming outdoor cafés.

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Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 8

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Montreux

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Start your day with a captivating journey to the Alimentarium, a renowned institution dedicated to the exploration of food and nutrition. Marvel at the evolution of cooking techniques, the diversity of cuisines, and the cultural significance of meals. In the afternoon, visit the Château de Chillon: the medieval fortress, its array of turrets, towers, and heavy stone walls, once served as the rather un-summery summer home of the Dukes of Savoy. In the 1800s it became a state prison, made famous in a poem by Byron. Your day concludes with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Geneva.

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Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9

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Lausanne

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Prepare for an enchanting day as you embark on a journey by motor coach to the quaint village of Gruyères. Once there, immerse yourself in the charm of this picturesque destination by wandering along its cobblestone streets. A highlight of your visit will be a tour of the cheese factory, where you'll gain insights into the art of cheese-making, a quintessential Swiss tradition. Prepare to savor a truly delectable culinary experience as you partake in a delightful raclette lunch. This gastronomic delight is a celebration of Swiss cuisine that promises to delight your palate and immerse you in the rich tradition of alpine dining. Following your cheese adventure, indulge your sweet tooth at a delectable chocolate tasting experience at a nearby chocolate factory in Broc. Savor the velvety cocoa creations that Switzerland is renowned for, allowing your taste buds to revel in the rich world of Swiss chocolate. With your senses satisfied, the journey continues to the stunning lakeside city of Lausanne, gracefully nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here, you'll discover the prestigious International Olympic Committee headquarters, as well as the inspiring Olympic Museum. Explore the history and significance of the Olympic movement, gaining a deeper understanding of its global impact.

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10

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Lausanne

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Discover the town of Lausanne, view the Place de la Palud, featuring the Hôtel de Ville (town hall), which has a 17th-century Renaissance facade and today is the headquarters of the Communal Council. Also, on the square is the Fountain of Justice, dating from 1726. Continue up the Escaliers du Marché, a covered flight of medieval stairs on one side of the square, to the Cathedral of Lausanne, one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in Europe. The cathedral stands 500 feet above Lake Geneva. End your day with a farewell dinner in town.

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Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11

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Return

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Transfer to the airport, depart for United States.

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Meals Included: Breakfast

The order of this itinerary and all itinerary items are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances that may arise prior to or during the program.

INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

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What's Included

  • Round-trip airfare from city listed (and any airline fuel surcharges)

  • In-country transportation (air, motorcoach, van, as applicable)

  • All overnight accommodations

  • Insurance for accidents or illness and trip cancellation coverage due to medical reasons only

  • International phone allowance $10 per day for one leader while in country

  • Xperitas Family Stay with all meals included

  • Local Family Stay Coordinator on call during family stay

  • 24/7 Xperitas emergency support while abroad

  • Meals as indicated on the itinerary

  • Entrance fee allowance of $60 per student

  • Public transit allowance of $20 per student

Activities Included

1 Full-day bus excursion, Cheese factory visit, Chocolate factory visit. Suggested activities that can be covered by entrance fee allowance: Alimentarium, Château de Chillon, Boat ride on Lake Geneva, Olympic Museum ,

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What's not Included

  • Airline baggage fees

  • Increase in air cost due to requests for specific travel dates or airline

  • Costs incurred due to late or missed flights

  • Passport, visa or other document costs

  • Transportation to/from departure city

  • Any meals not indicated on itineraries

  • Spending money and gifts

  • Any fees associated with advanced seating assignments

  • Small-group supplement when group has fewer than 10 participants

  • Tips for guide(s) and/or bus driver(s)

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION SCHEDULE

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Important Deadlines

Payment reminders will be sent 1 week and 1 day before each payment is due.

Accepted Payment Methods

Payments may be made by credit card, debit card, ACH transfer, or check. A 2.9% processing fee applies to all credit and debit card transactions.

Checks must be made payable to Xperitas and include the participant’s full name and destination country. Postdated checks are not accepted and will be returned.

Family Stay Application

  • Family Stay applications are due on November 1, 2026.

Passport Submission

  • Passport information and copy of passport due on December 1, 2026/February 1, 2027

XPERITAS FINANCIAL AID

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Bringing Equity to Student Immersion Travel

Xperitas is a nonprofit educational organization committed to making our short-term immersion travel programs accessible to as many students as possible. We provide meaningful financial aid on a “needs based” sliding scale to create equitable access. Over the past decade we have dedicated over a million dollars to financial aid, scholarship and classroom grant programs.

Financial Aid Applications Due October 15!

THE FAMILY STAY EXPERIENCE®

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Authentic Language Immersion

At Xperitas, we work with teachers to provide their students with outstanding language and cultural immersion experiences. We believe that when students have an authentic experience outside of the classroom, using their language skills in a different culture, they make a deeper cultural connection. Our programs are designed to inspire students to make personal connections with communities worldwide and gain greater cultural awareness. Benefits reported to us by teachers, parents and the students themselves are as follows: 

  • A better understanding of language and the nuance of dialect 

  • An understanding of language within the context of the culture 

  • A greater awareness of different perspectives  

  • A sense of increased independence, self-sufficiency, and cultural competence 

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How are Host Families chosen?

Since 1972, we have carefully selected families who volunteer to share their home, language, and culture with our student travelers. Students live with a local host family while abroad on their language immersion program, creating an authentic language and cultural immersion experience, unmatched by other cross-cultural programs. No Family Stay Experience is “typical”; every one is as unique as the families that host.

  • Families are volunteer, not a paid service

  • Students share meals and family routines in the target language

  • Families and students explore differences and similarities in culture and tradition

These connections can last a lifetime! Many students and host families stay in touch for years afterward.

The success of our Family Stay Experience® is due to our network of of dedicated Family Stay Coordinators around the world, who work tirelessly to ensure a safe and enjoyable hosting experience.

  • Xperitas Family Stay Coordinators are local to the host communities

  • Recruit and screen families in their own networks and match them to Xperitas participants

  • Are on call 24/7 during the program to address any issues that arise