Each year in early June, Ashley Hall students have the opportunity to take part in a truly immersive and life-changing experience through our Summer French Immersion Trip to Switzerland. This program invites students to step beyond the classroom and into daily life abroad—building language skills, confidence, and global connections that last a lifetime. This unique program is a family stay experience, pairing each student with a local host family in Switzerland. During their stay, students attend a local school, where French is not just a subject—it is the language of everyday life. From classroom discussions to meals at home, students are fully immersed in the language and culture, gaining authentic exposure that simply cannot be replicated at home.
For many students, this level of immersion is where learning truly comes alive. As one current student reflected, “These experiences made everything feel a lot more real and impactful. French suddenly became not just a class that I’m going to, but a language and an experience and something that I know that I can do in my future because I’ve already done it.” Moments like these mark a turning point—when students begin to see themselves not just as learners of a language, but as confident users of it.
The experience is intentionally challenging and deeply rewarding, regardless of a student’s current level of French. Students are challenged to stretch themselves in meaningful ways academically, socially, and personally. The same student shared, “My advice would be to go on the trips and go all-in. Do all the stuff, do everything. It is hard to travel a lot of the time, but when you’re done, you feel so accomplished because you know that you put so much into it and you know that you got so much out of it.” That sense of accomplishment—of meeting a challenge head-on and rising to it—is one of the most powerful outcomes of the program.
Beyond language acquisition, the Summer French Immersion Trip reflects the broader value of travel as an essential part of learning. This idea is explored further in a recent episode of Ashley Hall’s new podcast, We Are Ashley Hall, available for download here. The episode highlights how immersive travel experiences enrich academic learning, foster independence, and help students see themselves as capable, engaged global citizens—providing meaningful context for why experiences like this are such a vital extension of classroom education.
Just as importantly, the trip fosters meaningful relationships—both abroad and within our Ashley Hall community. Students form lifelong connections with their host families, make friendships across the globe, and strengthen bonds with classmates and fellow Ashley Hall peers. It is an experience that aligns beautifully with our mission to empower girls to take intellectual risks, build confidence, and engage thoughtfully with the world.
Families interested in learning more can find additional details and a sample itinerary on the Learning Commons, under the Travel Program Resource Board. We invite students and families to inquire and begin the conversation about this unforgettable summer opportunity—one that challenges, inspires, and leaves students knowing they can do hard things.
