Location
  • France
    • Normandy
Length
4 - 12 weeks
Program Tags
Arts Cultural Immersion Language Immersion
Need-based funding, 529 Plan eligibility, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Activities
City Exploring
Timeframe
Academic Year Fall
Housing
Guesthouse Hotel
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
18
Age Max
22

Pricing

Starting Price
17500
Price Details
All inclusive of room, board, in-country travel and transfers. Some meals not provided.
Scholarships available.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Some Meals Tour Guide Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Some Meals
Apr 15, 2025
Nov 20, 2024
1 traveler is looking at this program

About Program

Creative Explorer offers a transformative opportunity to connect with the rich culture, history, and artistic spirit France. Set amidst Normandy’s breathtaking landscapes, this program invites you to explore Photography, Painting, Writing, and Film while uncovering your unique creative voice.

With guidance from professional artists, you’ll engage in both collaborative and independent projects, capturing the essence of the region’s natural beauty, its traditions, and its people. As you develop your craft, you’ll deepen your connection to French culture through immersive experiences—meeting local artisans, tasting regional cuisine, and exploring iconic landmarks like Mont Saint-Michel and Rouen, the birthplace of Impressionism.

The ideal gap year program for those seeking to combine creativity with cultural discovery, Creative Explorer provides a unique path to understanding the interplay between art, history, and the French way of life.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Berridge Programs is dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where participants feel seen, respected, and celebrated. We celebrate diversity and encourage self-expression, ensuring that all students can thrive within our creative, respectful community. Our mentors and staff are dedicated to cultivating a space where individuality is embraced, and everyone is empowered to explore their passions authentically. Our programs are designed to promote personal growth, cultural understanding, and positive impact while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and respect for all individuals involved.

Program Highlights

  • Immerse Yourself in France: Live in the French countryside, exploring its art, culture, history, and cuisine. Connect with French people through their crafts, traditions, and language, and experience the beauty and rhythm of life in rural France
  • Cultivate a Creative and Intentional Life: Learn how to integrate creativity, mindfulness, and a love for culture into your daily routines, enriching your perspective and deepening your connection to the world around you.
  • Grow Through Immersive Experiences: Push beyond your comfort zone with new challenges, from creative projects to cultural exploration, gaining confidence and resilience along the way.
  • Forge Lifelong Connections: Build deep, supportive relationships with like-minded peers and mentors, sharing experiences that inspire collaboration, personal growth, and lasting friendships.
  • Shape Your Vision for the Future: Reflect on who you are and what excites you, leaving with a clearer sense of purpose and renewed direction for the next chapter of your life.

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 11 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.9
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.9
  • Safety 5
Showing 9 - 11 of 11 reviews
Default avatar
Gabriel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great creative environment!

I had an extremely valuable experience developing my skills as an artist and my creative practice. The chateau is a beautiful place to live and visit and the staff are always accommodating with any questions you might have. The resident chef prepares a delicious blend of traditional French/Normandy dishes and food from all over. All in all, this I had a great time here in the chateau with the Berridge programs. I would definitely recommend this program and space if you are looking to grow as a creative!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Normandy boudin noir (blood sausage)
Pros
  • Great space to develop skills
  • Amazing travel opportunities
  • Food culture
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Berridge 24

This experience is indescribable in the feelings it brought me and how it equipped me with who I want to be in this life. Every person, staff, and other is so supportive and fosters such a beautiful community where everyone can be themselves. I went into it worried I was underqualified but came out with so much confidence in myself and my art. The chateau touches your heart and soul in ways that I never knew were possible of a place. I will never forget the people experiences and things I’ve learned here.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve wracking thing was just taking the step to come here. I was able to over come that with the support of the environment created by Andrea and Chris and all of the staff. They made us all feel like a family and treated everyone with so much respect and did not make us feel like they were above us in any way. Everyone is so fun and all the events were so thoughtfully organized and accomplished. I’m leaving with so much confidence in how I can navigate the world and my place in it and am not longer scared to give things my all.
Pros
  • Indescribably amazing staff and peers
  • delicious food both at the chateau and in all our travels
  • Being gifted new perspectives and outlooks on the world and others in it
Cons
  • None
  • None
  • None
9 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lenin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It was super

It was a super good experience that I enjoyed a lot- even though every once in a while some of the students would have problems with each other because we live with each other we are forced to work out the problems instead of ignoring them. Everyone is super nice and the staff are really sweet and supportive. Gonna miss being here a lot 😢

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
not the most nerve racking but still the eiffel tower was super tall which scared me pretty good but at the same time being up there and seeing how beautiful it was just made it worth it
Pros
  • People
  • Food
  • Balanced free time/work time
Cons
  • French stuff is expensive
  • Wish it was longer
  • Slow wifi
9 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers