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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Experience living for a month in Montpellier, France, known for its beauty, and fully immerse yourself in the charm of a European small town.
Montpellier, known as the "City with No Sunset" due to its 300 sunny days out of the year, is a popular destination for many Europeans who seek to enjoy leisurely time at outdoor cafes under the warm sun. In addition, Montpellier hosts various festivals such as operas, concerts, films, and plays organized by France throughout the city, allowing you to enjoy the Mediterranean beauty in a more romantic way. The city is constantly buzzing with events and cultural activities, making it an ideal spot to soak up the Mediterranean charm.
| * Anyone over 18 years old can participate, even if they do not speak French or English. Most participants have gone without knowing any French and have enjoyed their time deeply, falling in love with the charm of Montpellier :) |
1. Real locations of popular drama shooting spots like *My Love from the Star*, *Secret Garden*, and *Beethoven Virus*!
The picturesque and romantic settings of this village often appear in scenes where the lead characters of popular dramas fall in love fatefully. Did you know that this French cultural village in Gapyeong, Korea, replicates the streets of Montpellier in France?
Experience the fairy-tale-like charm of this place. Now, visit Montpellier for a month and stroll through its real streets yourself!
2. A Mediterranean city with 300 days of sunny weather out of 365 days a year.
The emerald blue Mediterranean Sea meets the charm of southern France! With clear and warm weather all year round, Montpellier offers relaxation and tranquility.
Locals in Montpellier are known for their cheerful personalities even among Europeans, and the city always has a bright atmosphere.
Especially, Montpellier is famous for its French wine origins, and just enjoying a glass of wine while looking at the Mediterranean makes you wonder if this is paradise on earth.
3. The heart of Western Europe! Travel easily to Spain, Italy, Paris, Cannes, Nice, and more!
Montpellier's biggest charm is its quaint atmosphere throughout the city, with many interesting alleys to explore and its close proximity to the Mediterranean, allowing for leisurely sea enjoyment!
Another advantage of Montpellier is its central location in Western Europe, making travel to other countries easy.
Montpellier serves as a hub for travelers heading to Spain or Portugal in the west, Paris or London in Northern Europe, and Italy or Eastern Europe. Enjoy a month-long stay in Montpellier, a city that attracts travelers from all over the world, and plan your next trip to another charming European town!
4. No more boring one-month stays – from learning French to cooking classes and making local friends!
Live your travel like everyday life, and your everyday life like travel! Enjoying a month-long stay like a local is charming, but without speaking the language or having local friends, you can't truly enjoy the country. That's why we offer basic French lessons, cooking classes, and various free activities to help you enjoy Montpellier like a local. Engage in various activities to make local friends and immerse yourself in the culture and charm of France as a local, not just as a tourist!
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Highly Recommended by Gap Year Planners The project planning intentions developed and overseen by the planners
Instead of just taking photos at famous tourist spots or following a tight schedule, live at your own pace as if travel is woven into your life! I hope this becomes a time to see, hear, feel, and experience new things through living, learning, and engaging directly in your travels, challenging yourself, and finding motivation. Montpellier, in particular, impressed me with its various events and busking on every street and the leisurely enjoyment of the day under the warm sun. Gift yourself with a month-long stay in the charming European town of Montpellier, to recharge and reflect on your life amidst a relaxed pace! |
■ Growing with the Project
| Project Week 2 | Project Week 4 | Project Week 8 |
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STUDY IT! |
EXPERIENCE IT! |
BREAKTHROUGH! |
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1-1. The Leisure and Relaxation of Montpellier 2-1. The First Encounter with International Friends 3-1. Healing and Freedom in a Resort |
1-2. The Preciousness of a Relaxed Life Like a Local 2-2. The Intimacy and Strong Bonds with International Friends 3-2. Feeling My True Self |
1-3. Transforming into a Positive Self Through Gratitude for Small Things and the Value of People Around Me! 2-3. Expanding Horizons and Values Through Encounters with Various People 3-3. A Confident Me with Assurance About Myself! |
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
This project involves a one-month stay in Montpellier, the largest city in southern France and a charming European town, where you can immerse yourself in French culture. Discover hidden gems and spend your days enjoying the balance between familiarity and novelty!
1. Live with a local family in France and experience life as a local!
Experience the special time of becoming a local in Montpellier, France, where you can immerse yourself in the relaxed pace of life rather than just passing through as a traveler!
Through this month-long stay, you will live in a local's home and learn about French culture and the relaxed lifestyle of the French people!
Since you will be staying in a private room in a French home, you can enjoy your privacy while also getting a close-up view of how the French live.
Additionally, living in a residential area ensures safety. If you have any questions about life in France, feel free to ask your French family! They will be happy to help.
- Minimum participation period: 2 weeks
- Private room/shared bathroom/shared kitchen provided
- Check-in/Check-out: Check-in on Sundays and check-out on Saturdays
- Pickup is provided from the train station/airport to the accommodation if you arrive between 8 AM and 10 PM. Details will be provided after program confirmation.
- The residential area is located approximately 5 to 45 minutes from the school.
2. Learn French culture: French language classes / French cooking classes
An opportunity to delve deeper into French culture! During your stay in Montpellier, you will have French language and French cooking classes.
Specifically, you can learn French cooking directly from a chef recognized among the top 100 chefs in the world! (Additional option available)
Immerse yourself in French culture for a month!
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■ Example French Cooking Class Curriculum Main dishes: Steak, Confit, Stewed chicken, etc. / Salads / Soups / Desserts: Tarts, Crepes, etc. |
▲ Video of the cooking class activities.
- Option A: 24 French lessons per week (5 days a week)
- Option B: 24 French lessons per week (5 days a week) + 8 French cooking lessons per week (2 days a week)
■ Example Class Schedule
| Option A | |
| Morning Class | 09:00 - 12:15 |
| Afternoon Class | 14:15 - 17:30 |
| Option B | |
| French Lessons | Morning Class: 09:00 - 12:15 / Afternoon Class: 14:15 - 17:30 |
| French Cooking Lessons + Dinner (2 days a week) | 18:00 - 21:00 |
* French lessons start every Monday and end on Friday.
* The above schedule is an example. Students will be assigned to either a morning or afternoon class based on their language level.
3. Enjoy free activities and make new international friends!
| Additional Activities | |
| Tutoring | Monday 12:30 - 14:00, once per session 1.5 hours, total of 2 sessions (An additional session can be arranged with the teacher) |
| Activities | Friday 12:30 - 14:00, once per session 1.5 hours, total of 2 sessions Different topics each week |
* Tutoring and activities are provided to help participants practice French after classes.
■ Free sports and cultural activities!
Participate in various activity programs to make friends not only with locals but also with people from around the world during your month-long stay!
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Cultural activities, French regional studies, Theater workshops, Comic workshops, Games, Photography workshops, Workshops, French slang, Chanson, French cinema, etc. |
* Activities are optional and you can freely participate according to your travel schedule or free time.
* Additional costs may occur for travel including accommodation/cruises, materials, or specialized instructors.
■ Project Notes
Participants who are new to French or are beginners should apply for the designated start dates.
2024 Designated Start Dates for Beginners in French
January 8 / March 18 / June 3 / July 1 / August 5 / September 2 / October 14
A French level test and orientation are conducted on the first Monday of the project.
Accommodation check-in/check-out dates: Check-in is on Sunday and check-out is on Saturday. Please consider this when purchasing transportation.
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■ No need for French / English proficiency required This project is suitable for French beginners. Join with the excitement of traveling! For “Learning French Culture”, English may be used for guidance, but basic communication skills are sufficient. Don’t worry, you can learn through gestures and expressions! |
SUPPORT
 Local Orientation |
 Online Orientation |
 Online Consultation |
 Local Institution Completion Certificate |
 KGY Certification |
 Pre-Departure Care |
 KGY Consultation |
 KGY Mission |
 24hr Emergency Care |
 Flight Ticket Booking Assistance |
 Real-Time Consultation Service |
 KGY Note Book |
 Project and Participation Costs |
 KGY Mission Scholarship |
 OT Documents |
 Local Accommodation (Single Room) |
 Pick-up Service (Round Trip) after Arrival |
 Local Language Classes |
 Local Cooking Classes (Additional Cost) |
 Free On-Campus and Off-Campus Activities |
 Local Class Materials/Resources |
 Tutoring |
Details of Support
■ Accommodation and Meals
- Accommodation with a local French family (private room)
- Safe pickup service (round trip) from the airport to the accommodation if arriving before 10 PM
■ Project Activities
- Thorough local orientation on living in Montpellier
- Learn charming French (20 lessons per week)
- Learn French cuisine from world-class chefs (8 lessons per week) *Additional option
- Teaching materials and class resources
- Tutoring service (2 sessions) to provide more opportunities to use French
- Weekly free activities like network parties, city tours, and excursions to meet new friends
* Some activities may incur additional costs.
■ Care Services
- Participant dispatch procedures : Project registration and dispatch procedures
- Orientation provided : Various orientation information to successfully complete the gap year
- OT materials : Materials with tips from planners for safe travel for first-time travelers
- Gap Year Notebook : A notebook for self-reflection during the gap year (▶ More Details)
- Gap Year Mission Discount
■ Certificates and Recommendations
- Issuance of local activity certificate
- Issuance of Korean Gap Year participant certificate and completion certificate
* Certificates and recommendations from local institutions will be issued upon request after the project ends. The format or issuance status of certificates and recommendations may vary according to the local institution's format. Certificates and recommendations will be issued after the project is completed and feedback is submitted.
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Other local expenses (meal costs / individual travel expenses, etc.)
* Please book your airfare and transportation after confirming your project participation and final departure schedule.
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
Message from the Local Institution Coordinator
Hello, Korean Gap Year participants! My name is Virginie, and I am the coordinator of the local project here.
Today, approximately 270 million people use French around the world. French is the fifth most spoken language globally. About 50 million people are learning French, and our institution welcomes around 2,000 students each year to learn French.
People learn French for various reasons, but one thing is certain: Montpellier is one of the best places in France to learn a new language and culture, after Paris. Each year, students from various nationalities come to Montpellier to learn French. Montpellier is known for its Mediterranean climate, efficient public transportation, and cultural events, making it a great place to live. Since 1998, I have been running a school here to help foreigners learn French.
Before starting this school, I traveled to many places in Asia. I was young at the time and well-remember how it felt to arrive in an unfamiliar place, not knowing the language and experiencing a new culture. Based on that experience, for the past 20 years, my primary focus at the school has been to help students feel at home while attending the school.
Along with our school's philosophy, providing personalized support is something our team values most. I believe this is one of the main reasons our school is well-known among foreigners in France and Montpellier. Our school is recognized in various fields such as the quality of education, teachers, student services, facilities, and management. We are one of the 12 schools that received top scores out of over 130 schools approved by the government. We will continue to prioritize innovation and development in our school.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location: Montpellier, France
Montpellier is a small European city located in the south of France. Known as the 'City that Never Sleeps' because it enjoys sunny weather 360 days a year, Montpellier is situated on the blue Mediterranean coast, making it a relaxing destination with sunny beaches and warm sunlight. Additionally, the city is characterized by a mix of historical ruins and old town traces alongside high-end shops and modern, contemporary buildings, offering a variety of experiences. It is a city of knowledge and art, where you can feel the unique charm of a southern French town, distinct from larger cities.
Montpellier also houses France's top medical school, creating a vibrant atmosphere with young people from around the world making up 25% of the population. It is one of the leading educational cities in France, along with Paris, and about 100 international students study here. During vacation seasons, the city sees students returning to their home countries, replaced by travelers from around the globe.
Experience Montpellier, a city composed of students from around the world seeking learning and travelers seeking romance, and fill your month-long stay with relaxation and enthusiasm!
Top 3 Recommended Travel Destinations by the Planner
Eligibility
- Healthy adults aged 16 and above
- Individuals who feel a strong need for rest due to a busy daily life
- Individuals who want to experience life romantically on the emerald blue Mediterranean coast of southern France
- Individuals who want to fully experience French and European culture by living in a local’s home
- Individuals who don’t want to miss out on the fun of international travel and meeting new friends
- Individuals who seek new stimuli and motivation through various classes and activities
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The minimum participation period for this project is at least 2 weeks .
| Duration |
Option A (Accommodation + Language) |
Option B (Accommodation + Language + Cooking Class) |
| 2 weeks | 1,820,000 won | 2,310,000 won |
| 4 weeks | 3,030,000 won | 4,010,000 won |
| 6 weeks | 4,030,000 won | 5,510,000 won |
| 8 weeks | 5,150,000 won | 7,130,000 won |
* For popular projects, there might be no availability, so please apply early if you want to participate on your desired dates. Especially from June to October, which is peak season, many people from around the world participate, so please apply as soon as possible if you wish to join during this period.
* Prices are subject to change depending on the time of application and destination, so please confirm with the staff before applying.
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- Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year missions and notes / Full materials provided upon confirmation / Additional personnel assigned if urgent / Support for document preparation if needed, etc.
* If you have trouble calculating dates, please refer to Naver's date calculator >> Go to Naver Date Calculator
** Note: In the case of extremely urgent applications, there may be no availability due to local conditions, and the process will proceed according to Gap Year refund policies. Also, any issues arising from the participant's lack of cooperation will be the participant's responsibility.
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