In a rapidly globalizing world, exposure to foreign cultures and places is an important and valuable experience in preparing you for college and life. Not only will this make you more attractive to admissions officers and future employers, it will also greatly enrich your prospects.
If you are looking for a diverse, cultural and affordable study experience, look no further than Saint-Denis International School. Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, this is a traditional French boarding school for middle and high school students. With strong academic programs, a diverse student body, and experienced teachers, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a school that better transforms students into well-rounded graduates ready to succeed.
A picturesque and historic environment
The students of Saint-Denis International School live and learn in an environment close to magic. The school is located in the Loire Valley, home to medieval castles, charming cobbled streets, classic clock towers and stunning scenery, all in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded in 1858, Saint-Denis International School combines an inspiring location with strong academic programs. Source: International School of Saint-Denis
Students can spend weekends exploring the Jardin de la France, traversing verdant forests, and enjoying the fresh air and charms of the countryside. It is as if you have entered a picturesque fairy tale.
This is not to divert attention from the historic town of Loches, fortified by 12th century ramparts and a keep built 1000 years ago. Few schools can offer a location as historic, scenic and beautiful as this one.
During longer breaks, students can explore the surroundings. Regular bus lines from Loches connect the bustling student town of Tours, nicknamed “little Paris” for its cosmopolitan and artistic culture. The high-speed train and airport also serve as convenient gateways to Paris, London, Dublin, Marrakech, and more.
A multilingual student body
If you’re looking to speak French like a native, look no further. Saint-Denis has over 25 years of experience teaching French to foreign students at all levels. The school also offers online French lessons taught by experienced native-speaking teachers, providing a more flexible and accessible way to learn a new language. Bilingual or trilingual studies are encouraged at Saint-Denis, with 89% of students adopting at least two foreign languages.
Caption: Equip yourself with the skills you need to successfully prepare for higher education. Source: International School of Saint-Denis
The boarding experience in Saint-Denis only reinforces this. Saint-Denis offers a weekly boarding program, where students are exposed to a diverse community of local and international students from over 30 countries. As an international student, you will also benefit from staying with a host family during weekends and school holidays. All host families are linked to the school in one way or another and will help you acclimatize to life in France, from providing meals and transport to integrating you into French culture.
With this, you would be better equipped for the French Baccalaureate exams, which take place at the end of a three-year program specifically designed to prepare students for university. Saint-Denis offers a variety of general baccalaureate French-language specialties that cover several areas of study, including mathematics; history-geography, geo-politics and political science; economy; literature and languages; art; engineering; the Humanities; and more. It is an ideal option if you are looking to maximize your time in the country.
If you want to incorporate more than one language into your repertoire, Saint-Denis also offers a French-American program in the form of the American section of the International Option of the French Baccalaureate (OIB). This essentially adds a mix of additional subjects taught in English to the French Baccalaureate. To add to the appeal, the OIB is also recognized by the College Board of the United States, which will certainly open pathways to the best institutions of higher learning around the world.
Surround yourself with lush greenery and scenic after-school walks. Source: International School of Saint-Denis
Cultural or linguistic exchange options in various schools are also offered to students. Saint-Denis offers students the exciting opportunity to take part in linguistic and cultural exchanges in the United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, New Zealand, the United States and Taiwan, among others. Combined, you are guaranteed a unique blend of traditional and global study experience.
As a result, you will most certainly be molded into a true citizen of the world upon completion of your studies at Saint-Denis. Need proof? The school’s track record of sending each of its graduates to college certainly speaks for itself.
Comprehensive health and safety protocols
Of course, the current health and travel risks presented by the pandemic are valid concerns for international students. Saint-Denis takes the safety and well-being of its students seriously. It has enforced a strict health protocol, including rigorous testing, wearing masks and sanitizing, as well as encouraging student and staff health passes. Saint-Denis students can thus have a safe and relatively normal school experience with minimal health risks. More importantly, it allows the school to continue to welcome students from all over the world.
If you feel like it, apply for a position in Saint-Denis or visit the school virtually.,
Follow Saint-Denis International School on Facebook and YouTube