If you’re like me, it is entirely possible that you have spent over a semester studying at Tufts and still know nothing about its other campus for undergraduate study. Tufts has a total of four campuses in Boston/Chinatown, Grafton, Medford/Somerville, and Talloires, respectively. The first two are for graduate students, leaving us with Medford/Somerville, which, as all Tufts students know, is the main undergraduate campus, where you will spend the bulk of your college experience. However, less of us know about the Talloires and what it's all about.
Every undergraduate school has unique gems that can remind students how lucky they are to be there. In my opinion, Tufts in Talloires is one of Tufts’ most remarkable, prized jewels and best kept secrets! Talloires is a small resort town of a thousand people, twenty minutes away from Annecy, the capital of the Haute Savoie region, located in the French Alps. Tufts in Talloires offers a six-week study program with courses worth two full Tufts credits, taught by full-time Tufts professors. During the expedited summer study abroad experience, you stay with a host family, take two classes, participate in remarkable field trips, hike the Alps and have numerous opportunities for independent travel and exploration. Its unique attributes and abbreviated summer session make it perfect for students seeking a memorable study abroad program that will fit in their schedule.
Without further ado, here are 10 Reasons why Tufts in Talloires is the perfect solution for Tufts athletes, double majors, and engineers who want to study abroad:
1. You don’t need the hefty foreign language background most Tufts abroad programs require for non-English speaking countries.
Remember: “Je ne parle pas Francais, pardon.” This phrase is wonderful in that it both politely clues French speaking people into the fact that you are new to the language and still have a lot to learn and also will almost certainly be countered with the question: “English?" Many of your peers, host families and other French citizens speak English and are willing to help you!
That being said, show a willingness to learn in return. You are going to a foreign country with a beautiful language! Try your best to immerse yourself in the culture and the language and you will realize you can learn way more in six weeks than you ever thought possible.
2. The beyond beautiful area -- I dare you to go and not find yourself speechless looking at Talloires' campus!
Your classes will be held inside this historic French monastery, or, if the weather permits, on the beach by the gorgeous Lake Annecy! Just look, it is the cleanest lake in all of Europe and one of few that also provides an unparalleled view of the Alps.
3. The classes: Small class sizes in interesting subjects from music, art, and culture to the study of infectious disease, with amazing field trips to ballets and the W.H.O, taught by full Tufts professors? Yes, please.
The Talloires campus and curriculum serves as the perfect setting to bond with professors--a goal that may seem to be slightly more daunting in college than high school. However, the Talloires experience puts you in small classes with full-time Tufts professors that are happy to be teaching (we are sure it is because of the students and has nothing to do with the location), available for help, and eager to get to know you. College students are under constant pressures such as maintaining high GPA’s and forging relationships with professors for guidance and letters of recommendations. Don’t get me wrong, classes in Talloires are challenging and major time commitments, but they frequently meet with the review of being two of the most rewarding classes students have ever taken. Field trips deepen your insight into the material and passionate, approachable professors are at your finger tips.
4. The food. Even if you are not a self-declared foodie like myself, you will find something new, exciting, moderately shocking and possibly life-changing in the French cuisine.
Annecy is said to have some of the finest cheese in the world and is home to many regional delights from the fish of Lake Annecy to plants and seasonings from the Alps. Additionally, it is relatively equidistant, no more than a two hour train ride, to Italy, Switzerland, and Lyon, France (understandably declared by many to be the food capital of the world!).
5. It is called the Venice of France and for good reason.
It has all the classic charm of Italy’s famous canal city. If you’re looking for a romantic setting to spend with your significant other, or a scenic stroll to wolf down the best gelato of your life, Annecy does not disappoint and its relative anonymity in comparison to Venice will save you from excessive crowds and tourist traps.
6. It’s Europe! So, many countries, famous cities, and breathtaking sights are easily close enough for weekend travel! Go exploring. 
7. The only thing that will make you question if you really want to travel every weekend is how much there is to do in Annecy!
Annecy has something for everyone. Whether you are looking to indulge your adventurous side and parapent from the Alps, bike 26.2 miles around Lake Annecy, water ski, and paddle board or check out the animation festival, shops, and numerous Michelin star restaurants, you will find what you are looking for and more in this Haute Savoie capital.
8. Experience the striking scenery and approachable animals of the Alps!
Everyone has heard of the classic post-high school dream of backpacking through the Alps. Tufts in Talloires gives you as large of a taste of that experience as you desire, offering weekly day hikes, a group trip to the first Winter Olympic village of Chamonix, and two overnight hikes lead by a connoisseur of all things French and hiking expert named Bernard to make the experience as safe, scholastic, and stunning as possible.
9. The host family experience!
This is the perfect time in your life to experience the host family living experience. You’re ready; you’ve survived and perhaps thrived being on your own in college and the craziness that is dorm life. At this point, I imagine on some level you are craving a break and return to a home setting- a kitchen, dining table, private bathroom, and maybe even (shock!) adult family figures. Not ready to give up the college excitement of putting yourself in new environments? You do not have to. Enjoy learning about a new culture, adjusting to changes, and gaining a second family that you very well might stay close with for years to come.
10. Expand your Tufts circle. More often than not, the students at Tufts are incredibly fascinating and astoundingly busy, and one of the main complaints I have heard from my peers is that they constantly feel like the want to meet as many as possible of these fascinating people, but do not have time. If this sound like you, here’s yet another reason Tufts in Talloires may be for you!
You’ll get to spend just over six weeks with just under 100 Tufts peers traveling, studying, and bonding that you might have never meet otherwise. Beyond your host family, you’ll gain your Tufts Talloires family along the way!
Over 50 percent of Tufts students study abroad, and more often than not, I have heard from those who do not that neglecting to do so is one of their biggest regrets. Tufts offers programs around the world, but you are struggling to find a program that can fit in your schedule from athletics, to academics and work, consider spending six weeks in the Haute Savoie. I did it on a whim, based on recommendation from a previous participant, and can confidently say it was one of the most exciting, satisfying, and beneficial experiences of my life. Discover Tufts’ take on “summer study” in the French Alps, enjoy that your only responsibilities are to learn and explore, and create beautiful memories that will refresh your perspective and leave you with countless stories. It is more than worth it!
