Archive for the ‘Host family’ Category
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
A “typical” host family with 2 lovely children: that could be what comes to mind when thinking about what a host family is. However, it exists various types of host “families”, generally depending on which kind of program abroad you’re taking part in. This is a crucial factor to take into account when choosing your language course program.
On the one hand, host families participating in the Junior Homestay program welcome a teenager like a new member of their family so that interaction is intensive. They supervise the student and immerse him in their family and daily life. The family is really eagger to share a lot with the student and learn from his culture too, even if level of integration in the host family life still depends on each host family of course. They can either be a family with children or retired people. In this kind of homestay program, the student does not attend any language course, it’s a pure immersion program generally for juniors during summer holidays.
On the other hand, host families hosting students attending a Language school program offer room and board, it is a mere type of accommodation. Students of this language school program are usually young adults and must be quite autonomous, since this kind of host family is not asked to organize activities for and with the student. Students organize then their leisure time freely, go to school to attend language courses and participate in optional activities. They go back “home” to have a rest, to study, to have their meals and to sleep…
In this kind of program, students usually do not spend so much time in the host family during the day and prefer staying with their schoolmates or visit the town. In opposition to host families for homestay programs, there might be no intensive interaction with the members of the host family and it may mainly deals with daily issues and daily conversation. These host families can either be a family with or without children, a single-parent family, retired people, a woman living alone…
Now that you know the main differences between host families hosting students for Junior Homestay programs and host families for Language school programs, you’re ready to go abroad!
Tags: academic year abroad, cultural shock, Homestay, Host family, Language schools, travel abroad
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Thursday, July 8th, 2010
The students of St Paul Preparatory High School in Minnesota (USA) have just been graduated!
Enjoy the picture of this multicultural promotion!
You’re interested in taking part to this unforgettable experience? You can enrol at St Paul Preparatory High School too!
Tags: academic program abroad, academic year abroad, english, International High School, learn english, learn languages abroad, USA
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Thursday, July 1st, 2010
You’re eagger to learn English, thinking of Great Britain but you’re not fan of rain? Don’t worry, there are so many locations in the world you can go to learn English, you cannot even imagine! Forget rainy United Kingdom, we’ve got a very interesting suggestion for you…
Have you ever heard of “Malta”? Even if you have, you might not be able to locate it on a world map, am I right? =)
Malta is a small island located in the Mediterranean, 100 km south of Sicily and 280 km north-east of Tunisia. Its national and official language is Maltese (an Arabic based dialect written in the Latin alphabet). English is a co-official language in Malta due to its strong British influence, since Malta has been a British colony between 1814 and 1964. Other languages are also spoken in this small island such as Arabic and Italian.
If you decide to learn English in Malta, you’ll be able to improve your English skills and enjoy sunny holidays at the same time. Indeed, Malta is famous for its Mediterranean/Subtropical climate and its wonderful historical monuments as well as its typical villages. You’ll enjoy the beautiful sea where you can dive. There are also very original villages such as Its nightlife is also known to be great.
Don’t wait any longer and book your English course in Malta!
Tags: english, fun, Host family, ideas, language abroad, Language schools, learn english, learn languages abroad
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Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Three weeks ago we talked about “culture shock” and tried to understand better what it deals with. Here are some advices to make the culture shock less important and the recovery easier when going abroad.
1) Cultural relativism: focus on the idea that no one culture is “right” or “wrong”. So don’t use your own standards to compare and judge other cultures with, but try to understand why the way of doing of the other culture differs from yours, and vice versa.
2) Get prepared: learn the language! Culture and language use are strongly linked. This will give you not only some control in the new culture once you get there, but also the opportunity to meet people and socialise. Making friends as soon as you can is important. Don’t forget to find out about food, customs and so on before you go, not to be unpleasantly surprised or even shocked.
3) Work on yourself: raise your self-awareness and listen to yourself! Be observant on what’s going on around you, and try to notice behavioral differences. Try not to lose your temper, keep your sense of humor and reserve judgement when you get frustrated.
4) Be sensitive, open and tolerant: when something goes wrong take a new look at yourself, try to understand if you might have done it the “wrong way” within the other culture. Don’t dismiss things you don’t know about. On the contrary, try to put yourself in the shoes of the other culture to better understand how their world is and why.
5) Be social and extrovert: even if you tend to be shy, adopt a new identity and be the person you’ve always dreamed to be. Forget stereotypes! You blind yourself to all the other charateristics peculiar to the other culture when you focus on stereotypes.
Some situations to avoid!
A common reaction to difference is seeking things you are acquainted with. This is part of the critical stage 2 in cultural shock process: you tend to over-idealise your own culture and as a result, to make the gap between both cultures become more important! So be careful, this generally leads to super ethno-centric moaning situations in which you tend to downgrade the benefits of your host culture. Don’t forget that the main objective when going abroad is not to entirely replicate your home country, do you think it would be worth going in a foreign country then? 
In a nutshell
Enjoy differences! See the positive side of this experience, and make the decision to adapt your habits and behaviour by changing them a little bit to better match the culture you’re in. You will be surprised on how fast things will pleasantly evolve. People will apreciate the effort you make, and you’ll enjoy a lot this unique and rewarding experience!
Have you ever experienced cultural shock? What happened and how did you cope with it? Tell us about it!
Tags: academic year abroad, advices, cultural shock, ideas, life abroad, study abroad, tips, travel abroad
Posted in Academic Year Programs, Homestay, Host family, International High School, Internships & Work Experiences, Language Teacher Assistant, Language Travel Scholarships and Financial Aid, Language Travel Testimonials, Language Travel Tips, Language schools, More Incredible Stuff, Teenagers, Tips to learn languages | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Next June 25th 2010 will take place an open doors day at Notre-Dame International High School which is about to open in September. This will enable you to visit this unique school and its facilities as well as meet the staff!
Interested in enrolling at Notre-Dame International High School or just curious about it? Don’t miss this opportunity! Notre-Dame International High School organises an open doors day on June 25th 2010, from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm for students interested in enrolling at this American school next to Paris. Students from all over the continents are already enrolled, we’re just waiting for you! Take part in this open doors day!
If you need further information about Notre-Dame International High School or its open doors day, contact this American boarding school near Paris.
Tags: academic program abroad, academic year abroad, english, France, Host family, International High School, learn english, learn french, study abroad
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Friday, June 4th, 2010
Going abroad and leaving your country, the one you’ve grown up in, your culture and traditions… that’s not easy for anyone. You can even quickly feel homesickness, due to what’s called “culture shock”. This mainly happens in a case of a long stay (several months) in a different culture. Culture shock has been divided up into a process of 5 main different phases. Let’s see them with Rebecca Fong, a teacher of intercultural communication at the University of the West of England.
1. Euphoria or exhilaration
This phase is also called “the honeymoon period”. It usually takes from a few weeks to a few months depending on your personnality and the cultural distance, that’s to say how different both cultures are. Everything is new and great, you see it as an exciting experience and you tackle your problems with good humour. Actually you’re too busy to get depressed.
2. You realise that you’re an outsider
You start to experience the differences between both cultures and to face some problems: trafic problems, you don’t like the typical food there… Even if people are pretty kind to you, you just feel like you’re a misunderstood person. This is a critical stage because you begin to over-idealise your own culture and make the gap between both cultures become more important. Lots of people give up at this stage after having suffered it for a while.
3. Recovery and acculturation
This is the learning process, your language skills definitely improve and, as a result, your contact with the culture also improves and you integrate better with it. You also make more efforts to be part of the community, making friends and being interested in typical manners and customs of the country. You’re on the right track to recover from your culture shock! However, in this stage, you might still want to impose your own ideas rather than accepting the one of the host culture…
4. You adjust properly and appreciate the other culture
You really start to understand the norms and values of your host culture for what they are, and feel pretty integrated and comfortable with it. You might even believe that some of your host culture’s values are better than your own! =)
5. Going back home
Going back home can be quite a challenge too. Indeed, you might face some difficulty to re-adapt to your own culture after a long period spent abroad! This might be considered as re-acculturation or re-entry shock. But don’t despair, as Rebecca Fong says; “there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the more times you experience culture shock, the easier it’s going to get.” (get more information about Rebecca Fong’s studies on culture)
Now that you know this 5-stage-process better, we’ll give you some advices on how to deal with culture shock when going abroad, how to acculturate and adjust properly to the other culture, making the culture shock less important and the recovery easier! In the meanwhile, you can have a look at these useful advices for students going abroad. See you next week!
Tags: academic year abroad, cultural shock, life abroad, study abroad, travel abroad
Posted in Academic Year Programs, Homestay, Host family, International High School, Internships & Work Experiences, Language Teacher Assistant, Language Travel Scholarships and Financial Aid, Language Travel Testimonials, Language Travel Tips, More Incredible Stuff, Teenagers | 1 Comment »
Friday, May 28th, 2010
Arabic, as part of the Semitic languages, is a very ancient language. As a result, it has had a strong influence in many other languages. For some of you, you can be sure that you use several arabic words every day without even being aware of it! As it is also the language of the Quran, millions of people are daily in touch with the Arabic language. Here are some good reasons to learn this beautiful language!
1. Arabic is in the top 5 of the most commonly spoken native languages in the world. Arabic is spoken in more than 20 countries in the world, not only in the Middle-East, but also in North Africa. More than 450 millions people speak Arabic throughout the world. It exits various arabic dialects from one country to another: dialectical arabic is known as al-lougha derija, whereas literary Arabic, which is used in writing and in formal speech and understood by any Arabic country, is called al-lougha fusHa.
2. Knowing Arabic can promote intercultural understanding. Become interculturally competent and more tolerant about other cultures! When you learn a foreign language, you also learn a lot about culture, values and traditions of the countries the language is spoken in. This enable you to become more open-minded and aware of cultural differences, of the fact that there is not necessarily one “right” way to do something, and as result, to avoid intercultural conflicts!
3. The Arabic-speaking world has a rich cultural heritage. If you go to Andalusia in Spain, you’ll surely imagine even one second you’re in an Arabic country. Indeed, Arab people let historical monuments of a great beauty there. Arab-speaking countries have a long past history in sciences and literature… Arts and musique are unique as well… Have you ever tried bellydance? And what about Arabic food and dishes? Sure you have already tasted them! Enjoy the beautiful colors and the pleasant smells of their wonderful spices!
4. The Arabic-speaking world is a fast growing market for trade. As well as China, the Arabic regions of the world are developping themselves very fast, and there are more and more business opportunities with the Arabic-speaking countries which integrate the global market. As a result, there is high demand of Arabic-speakers in the Western world but low supply… to such an extent that some countries such as the US offer financial incentives to learn Arabic!
5. The mere reason that Arabic is a great and interesting language, not so difficult to learn after all!
So if you want to start learning Arabic or perfecting it, you can get more information on this Arabic school in Morocco … Discover your first name in Arabic calligraphy!
Tags: advices, fun, Host family, ideas, language abroad, Language schools, learn Arabic, learn languages abroad, Morocco
Posted in Host family, Language schools, Tips to learn languages | 1 Comment »
Friday, April 23rd, 2010
Have you ever heard about Andalusia? If you’re eager to learn about new cultures then you should go to this beautiful region of Spain. Lots of its cities are really worth seeing: Granada, Sevilla, Córdoba, Cadiz… Andalusia has actually a rich and unique history, and naturally enjoy a wonderful cultural inheritance thanks to the various civilizations that have been living in this region. Let’s introduce you to the cities of Granada and Cadiz!
Granada is one of the most magical places in the world, full of contrasts. Throughout the centuries Granada has gained a worthy reputation of merging cultures and diverse trends. One of the most outstanding examples of architecture in the world is the Alhambra, an arabic palace that won’t leave you indifferent…
The areas of Granada are so different from each other that you’ll never get bored… Get lost in the Albayzín, the old Arabic quarter or in the Realejo, the old Jewish quarter and why not in the Sacromonte, where you’ll enjoy some flamenco with the gypsies! Olé!
Apart from its historical importance Granada also offers endless cultural opportunities and entertainment thanks to its status as a university city: during the academic year half of the city’s population are students! Granada is in fact well-known within Spain due to its prestigious University. But if you learn Spanish in Granada, you’ll also enjoy wild night-life, warm welcome, las teterías which are wonderful arabic tea rooms, and so many other things…
On the other hand, if you want to learn Spanish in Cadiz you’ll surely enjoy its white sandy beaches, dunes and transparent waters! Indeed, Cadiz is almost entirely surrounded by water, except for a narrow strip of land which connects the city to another island, San Fernando.
Its idyllic location played a determinant role in its history of course. This rich history is not only present in historic buildings, but also in magnificent parks and charming squares where you will definitely enjoy having a rest.
Moreover, both Cadiz and Granada have an excellent climate: warm and temperate… So what are you waiting for? Learn Spanish while enjoying these beautiful and unforgettable cities! But be careful, you might feel like never going back home again !!!
Read Marie’s testimonial about her great and unique experience in a Spanish language school in Granada!
Tags: Host family, ideas, Language schools, learn languages abroad, learn spanish, spain, tips, travel abroad
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Friday, April 16th, 2010
Some weeks ago we introduced you to a new American boarding school in Paris called Notre-Dame International High School. The opening is now official!
The official opening of the new American Nacel School “Notre-Dame International High School” was sealed by Dr Frank Tarsitano, PhD President of Nacel Open Door and Yves Le Saout, Principal of Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux. Danièle Thevenin, Deputy Head, Steve Murphy, Director of the American school and Gerard Avundo, Director of Nacel Programs also attended the meeting.
The asset of Notre-Dame International High School relies on the fact that it combines an American curriculum with the French environment of the sister school Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux, a French school that provides an excellent education for many years now. Students will then become proficient in both languages and interculturally skilled!
Furthermore, this American High School in Paris will welcome students from many different countries. Some of them are from Brazil, Ukraine, Philippines, USA… Students will soon come from all continents! And you, where are you coming from?!
The school is due to open early September 2010 as planned.
You’re interested in taking part in this great project but want to know more about it? So don’t wait any longer, you’re about to live the most unforgettable experience of your life! Come on and join Notre-Dame International High School’s multicultural student body thanks to a High School program!
Tags: academic program abroad, academic year abroad, Add new tag, english, France, Host family, International High School, language abroad, learn english, learn french, study abroad, USA
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Friday, April 9th, 2010
You want to learn French in a language school? This French language school in Lyon offers a winning combination to those wishing to learn or to improve their French language skills in a great environment. What an amazing opportunity to go to Lyon, one of the most beautiful cities in France! Sure that you’ll never forget this unique experience and fully enjoy your stay in Lyon!
Lyon is a beautiful city with a rich cultural life. It is the second-largest metropolitan area in France after Paris. As a UNESCO world heritage site, Lyon has over 2000 years of history imprinted on its streets and monuments… Discover the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière as well as the Saint-Jean Cathedral, enjoy the Croix Rousse area, get lost in the huge and wonderful Parc de la Tête d’Or and so many other worth seeing things are waiting for you…
Lyon is also considered as the gastronomic capital of France (there might be various capitals in France then…), so take the time to try some specialities in its warm welcoming restaurants called “bouchons”!
You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy cultural events and performances throughout the summer period, for example the Fourvière festival which has become one of the main international festivals! It usually takes place in the Roman amphitheatres of Fourvière and the programme includes theatre, dance, concerts and cinema… Thousands of people travel to Lyon every year for this unique event!
This French language school is located on the Rhone banks in a pleasant area of the city centre. There is a student residence near to the school with a swimming pool and a cafeteria for students use. Half-day activities are of course organized by the French school during the week: worth visiting monuments, museums, theatres, concerts, worth seeing roman or medieval cities around Lyon and even visit to Paris! So, what are you waiting for?
The French school also offers university programs which enables you to attend higher education in France!
In addition, Lyon is 2 hours away from Paris, 1 hour away from the Alpes Mountains, 3 hours from the sea! So come on, learn French in Lyon and enjoy your stay! Get information about this French language school in Lyon! See you there!
Tags: France, fun, Host family, language abroad, Language schools, learn french, learn language, learn languages abroad
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Thursday, April 1st, 2010
Does a program combining French lessons, homestay in a French speaking family and discovery of Paris through activities exist? Yes, it does. Discover the Summer Language Camp in France…
If you want to make new friends from all over the world and to improve your French level dramatically in less than one month while enjoying Paris, then this program is for you!
1) Language courses in your tutor’s home: you will attend some French lessons with 3 or 4 other teens from different nationalities in the morning. All the group has more or less the same level in French, so that tutor will adapt his teaching to you.
2) Activities: visits, excursions… discover the area of Paris and the French culture in the afternoon! It will give you the opportunity to use what you’ve been learning in the morning!
3) Homestay in a French host family: you spend the evening and the week ends in a welcoming French-speaking host family. This family can welcome more than a student, often from a different culture from yours, so enjoy!
Don’t want to attend French lessons but prefer sharing the daily-life of a host family and getting fully immersed? Read more about the French Homestay in France!
Tags: France, fun, Homestay, Host family, language abroad, learn french, learn languages abroad, tips
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Thursday, March 18th, 2010
Do you dream of attending an American curriculum in a French environment? Then have a look at this and make your dream come true!
The Notre-Dame International high school is a private American school located in Verneuil-sur-Seine, just 30 minutes away from Paris by train. This private American school is established at Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux, a school which is well-known for its excellent education (one of the best in France) for more than 80 years now.
Notre-Dame International high school is part of the Saint Paul Preparatory school’s network. It actually offers an American curriculum leading to the US High School Diploma in the French environment of Notre-Dame Les Oiseaux. For the most part, courses are taught by American teachers in English, but some other courses are also taught in French, making the students become very proficient in both languages!
The campus of Notre-Dame is definitely unique: the Château de Verneuil is located in the heart of a beautiful wide park with gardens and lots of trees… so that pupils can study in a real pleasant atmosphere!
Moreover, this school offers lots of extra-curricular activities for all the students! Many clubs such as Photo, Theatre, Flamenco or Jazz for example are available. Many schools trips are also organized in France and in Europe, in order to enable students to discover various cultures.
Notre-Dame International high school’s boarding quarters’ and host families’ options are also an asset, above all for international students living far away. Host families enable them to get fully immersed in the French culture.
This a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so just don’t let go this opportunity!
Students of the school are waiting for you to share this unique experience. >>Join this American School in Paris now!<<
Tags: academic year abroad, France, Host family, International High School, language abroad, learn english, learn french, learn languages abroad, USA
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