Frequently Asked Questions
What do the French students expect out of their stay? The students are coming here to experience life in an American family. They want to learn more about our country through getting to know your family. They hope to improve their English language skills, to make new friends, and to share information about life in France. Sometimes the students will give you a real taste of France by cooking a special treat from their country!
What must I provide? A warm welcome, room, and board (your student does not need a private room, just their own bed, futon, etc.) and the opportunity for the student to participate in your daily life.
What will my student do during the day? The French students will have excursions on 3 or 4 of the days they are here. In April, they may attend school with your child for 2-4 days, depending on the school. Other than those times, the students do whatever your family is doing. Some families choose to take a half-day or day off work to spend time with their student, but each family handles this differently.
We have compiled a list of things that past families have done with their students, which can be found on the Contact Us page. Please note that you are not expected to provide non stop entertainment - these are just suggestions if you are at a loss.
No one in my home speaks French. Is that a problem? All students speak English to varying degrees. The French chaperones are available to assist you with communication difficulties. Some students bring French/English dictionaries, but past host families have told us that the language barrier is rarely a problem.
What do past host families say is the hardest part of hosting? Saying good bye on the last day!! Even family members who have had hesitations about hosting have often been in tears on the last day!
What if we want to host but cannot do it right now? Sign up to host a student for the next available time. It is never too early!
How do you match students with host families? We talk with families and/or carefully review the applications completed by host families and students to find common interests. We then present your family with a few student applications so you can make the final decision as to who will be the best fit for your family.
How often should the French students get together? We suggest a limit of twice per week. The students are here to be a part of your family – they can socialize with the other French students during group trips or when they are back in France.
Are single parents allowed to host? Absolutely! Single parents, blended families, retirees, grandparents, and families of all configurations have successfully hosted.
There are no teenagers in my home. May I still host? Though many students would like to be in homes with same age teenagers, it is sufficient if your French student has the opportunity to spend time with teenagers in your neighborhood, in your extended family, church group, etc.
