School Groups
The Traveling Classroom
One-week intensive language programs for school groups in France, Italy, or Austria
16 or 20 class periods of 45 minutes each
12 or more students
“The Traveling Classroom” is our intensive language week program for school groups. This highly successful program continuously adapts to changes in curricula and educational goals. It is tailored to the needs of different types of schools and individual schools. This makes an intensive language week with Pierre Overall a valuable, lasting learning experience for all participants.
Services Included in the Package
Host Family & Half Board
Transfers & Excursions
On-site support
Travel Arrangements
Course Certificate Based on the CEFR
Language Course with FLE/ILS Instructors
Benefits for Students
Overcoming Inhibitions About Speaking by Getting to Know the Country and Its People
Improving language skills through daily immersion in the language
A boost in motivation and, as a result, improved academic performance after an intensive language week
Strengthening personal responsibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills
Promoting Independence and Self-Confidence
Orientation in an unfamiliar environment and fostering intercultural openness
Creating memories, making friends, and building international connections
Personal growth and, therefore, valuable support as one matures
Benefits for Project Managers/Schools
Travel, lodging, classes, and activities—all in one place
Low prices when booking directly, without a middleman
Tailored precisely to your needs
Simple Billing
Direct Communication
A valuable supplement to language instruction at school and at home
Strengthening a sense of unity and teamwork in the classroom
Our Language Travel Destinations
The Program at a Glance
“The Traveling Classroom” with Pierre Overall is much more than just a valuable supplement to language instruction at school back home: In addition to deepening language skills, it also offers students an opportunity for personal growth, individual maturation, intercultural openness, taking on personal responsibility, finding their bearings in a new environment, and discovering the world. In short: it provides valuable support as they grow into adulthood.
Languages: French, German, or Italian
Destinations: Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Paris, or Versailles (France); Vienna or Vienna-Perchtoldsdorf (Austria); La Spezia (Italy)
Participants: At least 12 students (groups of fewer than 12 are possible upon request)
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights or 7 days / 6 nights; dates to be determined by the teacher or school
Accommodations for students: Private accommodations (host families) with half-board (breakfast and dinner); double or triple rooms, depending on the students' preferences.
Host families are carefully selected on site; any relevant allergies and/or intolerances reported in advance are taken into account.
Accommodations for teachers: hotel, single room, breakfast, or—at some destinations—a single studio without meals.
Classes: 16 class periods (45 minutes each) spread over 4 days, or 20 class periods (45 minutes each) spread over 5 days.
Classes are held in closed groups of 12–15 students with qualified instructors (FLE/DAF/ILS). The program can be individually tailored to specific educational needs. Upon completion of the course, each participant receives a certificate indicating the level of instruction received, in accordance with the criteria of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Travel Arrangements:
Pierre Overall – Pierre & Sprachferien GmbH holds all the official licenses required of a tour operator, as well as insolvency insurance, and organizes the trip for “Das reisende Klassenzimmer” under the best possible conditions.
Simply let us know your preferred date, the number of participants, and any other preferences, and we'll send you a detailed quote shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chaperones should come along, and how much does it cost?
Depending on the students’ age and maturity, as well as the scope of the project program, we recommend one accompanying teacher for every 10–15 students. At our course locations, accompanying teachers receive support from on-site staff. The costs for accompanying teachers consist of the net prices for travel, hotel accommodations/breakfast, and public transportation tickets.
What criteria are used to select host families?
Host families can be private households of all kinds: single women or men of any age, single parents, traditional families, older married couples, etc. For us, the term “host family” is synonymous with “private household.” Hosts who wish to host our exchange students apply to us—or are recommended to us by existing hosts. We visit every single host family in person before they receive guests from us and clarify mutual expectations. We require a clean criminal record. On our part, it is important to treat the students with hospitality. The living space must allow for some privacy. Beds, pull-out couches, or sofa beds must be available for sleeping arrangements. The home should generally be neat and clean. Shared use of the bathroom and toilet must be possible. Conversely, host families can expect respectful and polite guests who respect the hosts’ privacy and personal habits. We investigate complaints about host families immediately and find a solution. If necessary, we will take appropriate action and no longer assign that host family. Conversely, we will report serious misconduct by students to the accompanying teachers and—if necessary—to the school administration.
What happens in cases of allergies, food intolerances, or special needs?
Any special needs, allergies, or intolerances that are relevant to the stay must be reported to us in advance. We can always find a solution. We find suitable hosts and pass this information on to them. The students in question then discuss their needs again with their hosts on site. In cases of physical or mental disabilities that require, for example, accessibility or special care, accommodation in a private home is usually not possible. In this case, we offer hotel accommodations together with the supervisor or with fellow students.
What is the travel process like, and how much does the overnight train cost compared to a flight?
As a rule, hosts meet their guests at the arrival location and take them home. In rare cases, if the arrival is during the day on a weekday and the hosts are at work, the luggage is stored until the students meet up with their host families. On day trips, the students are tired in the evening after arriving but are fresh and rested the next day, ready for class. On overnight trips, students are usually tired and quite subdued on the day of arrival, which generally does not justify any potential savings on accommodations. Depending on the destination and when you book, a night train or a flight may be more affordable. Since there are significant seasonal variations, we’d be happy to advise you and handle the booking for you.
Still have questions? We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about our language travel programs
Are you planning your intensive language week?
Please tell us briefly about your class: school, destination, group size, and preferred date. You’ll receive a no-obligation quote, usually on the same day.
Response within 24 hours · no-obligation and free of charge