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In July 2026, ICES ran three summer programmes dedicated to foreign language learning. Organised by the International Relations Office, the programmes owed much of their success to the meticulous coordination of Ms Gaelle DELAVOIE, International Relations Officer, whose careful planning ensured everything ran smoothly.
Summer Academy: International Students Take Their French to the Next Level
This summer, ICES welcomed 23 students from 11 partner universities across nine countries as part of its Summer Academy. Students took part in either a three- or four-week intensive French language course, with classes organised by proficiency level, from complete beginners to advanced learners. The programme was delivered by four instructors specialising in French as a Foreign Language (FLE): Mrs Catherine LOUVET, Mrs Fozia ENNASRI, Mrs Sabine STOCKBURGER and Mr Esteban LABULLE.
Class of Summer Academy 2026
The programme also included a range of cultural excursions to La Roche-sur-Yon, Les Sables-d’Olonne, La Rochelle and the Puy du Fou historical theme park. Accompanied by their four French tutors, students put their language skills into practice in authentic settings: describing the region’s Classical and Gothic architecture in French, discussing French literary classics from the fifteenth century to the present day, and even shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables at the central market, Les Halles.
Throughout their stay, the students lived at the Foyer Sainte-Thérèse, where they were welcomed by Ms Lisa GUYONNAUD, a recent graduate of ICES with a Master's degree in International Relations. She helped them settle into everyday life in France and organised a variety of social activities outside class. Highlights included screening FIFA World Cup matches in the residence common room and recommending the free summer concerts organised by the City of La Roche-sur-Yon.
Summer School and Summer Campus: Bringing the USA to Campus
Thanks to its long-standing partnership with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), ICES once again welcomed teaching staff from Colorado to lead English-language programmes for 13 French high school and university students.
Over the course of a two- or three-week programme, participants immersed themselves in American culture while developing their spoken and written English with the support of Mr Nate SIEBERT, Mrs Christine THOMAS, Mrs Shelby BLANCHARD et Mrs Allison SPEIR.
For the university students, the programme concluded with an official English language proficiency test, enabling them to obtain formal certification of their level.
The International Relations Office would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of these summer programmes and looks forward to welcoming a new cohort in summer 2027.
Class of Summer School & Summer Campus 2026