In the morning, all two-week villagers attend "la Grande Odyssée" which presents new key phrases each day. These phrases are repeated throughout the day and help even our most beginning language learners gain confidence in their speaking and comprehension abilities.
The two week villagers then split up into groups based on their language level. Grouping villagers with similar language levels together allows our staff to customize activities so everyone is able to learn in a fun, non-intimidating, yet challenging environment.
Les Odyssées emphasize language, vocabulary, and French idioms all in a culturally authentic context. For example, villagers in odyssée cuisine learn about different foods, what they like and dislike, the phrases you need to buy food, etc.
We offer two parallel programs for our returning two-week villagers: Helvetia and Afrique!
Helvetia is our Swiss odyssée where villagers learn French and German and even a little bit of Italian. This group studies the various regions of Switzerland and often meets with our German neighbors at Waldsee for activities. The get to learn about Swiss culture and politics, climate, geography, languages, and of course, the food!
Last summer, Lac du Bois had the exciting opportunity to begin Afrique!, a second two-week parallel program which focuses on teaching villagers about French-speaking African nations and their cultures. Villagers in this program get the chance to visit the Boukarou (a Cameroonian building where community members hold important meetings), participate in "la cérémonie du 8eme jour", write and act out African fables, play the Djembé (African drum), and even practice making "la mousse" for Senegalese tea.
