Combining secondary school studies and homestay in an English speaking or French speaking host family… it’s the best way to dramatically improve your English and/or French language skills, don’t you think?! Maybe you should consider enrolling in an Academic Year in Canada…
Canada is not only famous for its natural scenic beauty and wonderful landscapes, but also for its ethnic diversity and warm-welcoming people. Just enjoy the video!
Marie is a French student aged 26. She decided to study in Nacel’s language school in Granada for 4 weeks. Afterwards, she accepted to give us a short interview to speak about her experience. If you plan to study Spanish in Granada with us, this is a must-read! 1 – Why did you choose to participate in such a program (language school) and what were your main objectives?
I chose to participate in this program because I wanted to improve my Spanish quickly. I have a diploma of International and European Law, and knowing foreign languages is important for what I’m doing, and I especially like Spanish. My objectives were to study again what I already knew and to reinforce my Spanish level. I found the application procedure well done and simple, the only problem was that it was in English (nb: Marie is not a native English speaker).
2 – Do you think you have reached your goals?
I think I have reached my goals.
3 - Speak about the school!
Regarding the school, I’m very happy, courses were of my level, teachers really competent, really attentive, really open. Teaching’s method was different with each teacher but adapted to students, and we were few in each class. The school was very well located since it is in Granada’s center, and was less than 5 minutes away from my accommodation. The team was very warm, timetables well done. All in all, very good!
4 - Speak about the accommodation!
The accommodation was nice, well located. The only negative point is that I was living with two American students who spoke a lot of English and very few Spanish. Also, their accommodation option was different since the landowner came twice a day to cook for them, which was not really enjoyable. I think it would have been more enjoyable to put people with same accommodation option, and not 2 people of same citizenship in a flat shared by 3.
5- How was the student’s life in Granada?
The school organizes several activities a week. Each time, at least one teacher accompanied us. For example, visits of the city, “rutas de tapas” o “las teterrias”. I really liked that a lot, especially the Albaycin district. Since we were not too many, it was easy to hit it off with other students, and I’m still in contact with almost all the persons I’ve met there.
6 – How was Granada?
I already knew Granada before going to that school and I really had a crush on the city, that’s why I asked for this destination. This city is really enjoyable. In my opinion, you really must not miss Albaycin district visit, see a Flamenco show, and visit “las Alpujarras”.
7 – How were Spanish people there?
Spanish people at school were very welcoming. I did not really suceed in meeting Spanish people outside of the school, furthermore I only stayed for a month. I really love the tradition of drinking a glass at night while eating tapas, which is cheaper than having to cook, and it is much more convivial.
8 – How do you consider this experience?
For me, it was a very positive experience. I would advise this program to others because I think that it is a really nurturing experience, on the cultural side, apart from the fact of learning or improving language skills. I’m only waiting for one thing: go back to Granada, maybe with this type of program!
9 – Do you have tips for future participants?
Only one advice: have a careful look at where the accommodation is located, because even if Granada is a small town, you don’t see that first, and I personally spend some time finding my accommodation. You really should not relieve on bus drivers, because they aren’t helpful at all (even school teachers have confirmed this).
Here are some advices about life in Germany, especially in a German host family.
Inform the family
Inform the family and tell the members when you will be at home, when you need to wake up… so that they won’t be worried.
If you want to rest, tell the family that you are going to your room: don’t isolate yourself without advising your family. They could think you are feeling bad in their home.
Be thoughtful
A little present, like flowers for your hostess or a round of ices for the family, will show your hosts that you are generous. Your gift will be highly appreciated.
Be open to German activities
If your host family offers you to participate in activities, accept! If you say no because you are too shy to say yes, your family may take your “no” seriously. So say yes if you want to do something. Bring with you some clothes adapted to sports since German people love sports. Bring also clothes adapted to rain!
Children
If there are children in your host family, try to spend time with them. Try to communicate with them, but never reprimand the children.
Open up
Bring pictures of your family, home town… so you will be able to speak about your life home to your German host family. They will be very interested in discovering your life.
Always be polite
Always be polite with your host family. Don’t forget to say “Bitte” and “Danke” when you ask for something.
Vocabulary
When you try to communicate with your German host family, try not to use expressions that could be misunderstood. Instead of expressing things from a negative side (Ich will nicht, Ich mag nicht, etc.), try to use positive expressions (ich möchte lieber, es würde mir gefallen…).
Food
Try to taste everything your family offers you. Don’t do comparison and always congratulate your hostess.
Breakfast is really important in Germany: don’t neglect it!
If you want to cook a meal from your country, ask to your German host family their authorization, as well as how do electronics work.
We hope these advices have been useful!
Share your German experience with us!
Going to Canada? The advices below will help you with meals and manners there!
Meals
-Food in Canada can be different from the one you are used to. Try to sample everything, and if you don’t like something, say it (politely and tactfully) to your hosts.
There are 3 meals in Canada: Breakfast: usually taken between 7 and 8 am, it is milk or coffee, with toasts and marmalade or cereals and milk, and orange juice. It is an important meal, don’t skip it! Lunch: It is usually a quick, light meal. Usually, it will be a sandwich, a cake, a fruit and a drink. Dinner: Generally taken between 5 and 7 pm, it is the most important meal of the day. Usually, the whole family meets, and you will likely have fruit, meat and vegetables, and a dessert. This is the occasion to practice your English or your French!
-If your family is not from an anglosaxon origin (70% of the Canadian population), the food will likely be influenced by their origin.
-If you want to cook a traditional meal from your country to your Canadian host family, ask them the permission, and also how to use electronics, since they can be different from the one you are used to.
-If you are not going to be home for a meal, inform your host family. Manners
Always be polite with your family: use “please” and “thanks” when you ask something.
Communicate with your Canadian hosts: if you need something, you will have to ask them since they can’t know otherwise.
Always tell your host when you will be home or out, so that they don’t worry.
Upon arrival, ask their hosts about their habits: when the television can be watched, in which rooms you can go or not…
Don’t isolate yourself. Since Canadian people are really respectuous of others’ private life, if you shut yourself in your room they will think you don”t want to be disturbed. If you are tired, just tell them you need to rest a little.
Don’t expect your hosts to come to you to speak, watch TV… They will expect you to come spontaneously.
If you want to bring a friend over, first ask to your hosts.
You are planning to live in a Canadian host family? The advices below will help you to have an enjoyable experience with your host family abroad!
First day
Upon arrival, you will likely be very tired, and speaking in English or French with your Canadian family could be difficult.
Don’t worry, your family knows that. Don’t try to speak about too complicated subjects: instead of that, try to speak about where you come from, your family… You will have plenty of time during the rest of your stay to have long conversations with your Canadian host family.
Canadian host families
Canada is a multicultural country: Canadian citizen come from many countries. Even if they are not Canadian natives, they will speak with you in English or French, depending on the location of your stay.
The nuclear family is not as common as before: you may be with a divorced parent for example. Almost all women work in Canada. Even if this is different from your own family, you must try to adapt yourself: be open-minded!
Canadian Room
You may have to share your room with another foreign student, usually from a different country. This will be something you will know before departure.
Also, in some Canadian houses, rooms can be small: if you don’t have enough room for your things, tell it to your Canadian family: they will indicate you a place to put your things!
Washing clothes
Ask to your Canadian host family when they do your laundry, so you can give your clothes. Offer to do your own laundry if they show you how the machine works.
Bathroom
You will have to share the bathroom with the other members of the family. Try not to use it for more than 15 minutes. Ask to your Canadian host family which time is the best for you to take your shower. Bring your own products (shampoo, soap…).
Sundays
Sunday is a relaxing and religious day in Canada. Your family will be pleased if you accept to accompany them to church.
Household
In Canada, cleaning is made on weekends. Since women work, all family members participate in the house chores.
As a host, you will be expected to do little chores on a daily basis: make your bed, keep your things tidy.
Offer to dress up the table, and after eating help to clean up.
We hope these advices have been useful. Don’t hesitate to share your Canadian experience with us!
You are flying to Australia and will live with an Australian host family. You may feel a bit afraid since you don’t know what to expect of the family, or how to behave. Here are some general advices to help you get along well with your Australian host family.
Don’t go there as a tourist!
The whole point of a host family is to help you experiment the everydaylife of the country. It is really likely that your Australian host family will work and won’t have a lot of time to take you out!
Enjoy the time you will have with your Australian host family but don’t expect them to have so many time.
If you are going there with a group program, don’t go there to meet your friends: you will be in Australia to experiment the Australian life, so you wouldn’t benefit as much of the experience if you are always with friends from your country.
Don’t go there only to improve your English!
Your family knows you want to improve your English and will always be pleased to correct you when you are wrong. However, they wouldn’t understand that you have traveled to their country and live with them only for this. Share your own culture, try to be open. Also, if a member of the family or a child in the neighborhood is learning your own language, you would please him/her by challenging him/her sometimes!
Open yourself to your Australian host family!
Give your friendship to your Australian host family. Share your feelings with your family, but always pay attention to the vocabulary you are using, since some expressions like “I don’t care” or “It’s stupid” is a bit strong.
Your host mom and host dad will want to be your Australian parents: call them how they tell you to do, without hesitating!
Share your family expenses!
Even if you don’t have to, your Australian host family will appreciate small marks of attention: for example, flowers for your host mother, or a round of ices.
Also, if the family takes you out, always offer to pay for your part!
We hope these advices have been useful. Remember that a host that is open-minded, smiling, polite and generous will always go well with his/her host family! Share your experience in Australia with us!
So you’re going to Spain, and you want to know how meals are taken there? Read this short article to get more information about Spanish meals!
In Spain, there are three main meals. Meals are usually taken late.
Breakfast (desayuno): Usually taken between 7 and 10 am, it is usually milk or coffee, with cereals and milk or toasts, marmalade and butter.
Lunch (comida): Usually served between 2 and 3.30 pm, it is often taken as a snack: sandwich, with a fruit, a cake and a drink. However, in restaurants, it is much more generous.
Dinner (cena): It is served late, around 10pm. It can be salad, meat and vegetables and a fruit or a dairy product. In some families, dish is put in the center of the table, and everyone serve itself with its own forks and knife.
Spanish food is really various, and each regions has its own specialties: try to taste it! If you go to a restaurant, tapas are served in generous portions.
Spanish food can be considered as tasty, but with a lot of sauces and fat, so pay attention!
Share your own experience of Spanish food with us!
You will stay in Germany for a while. Here are some useful sentences and words to use while there!
Meeting people How are you? Wie geht es Ihnen? I’m happy to meet you! Es freut mich, Ihre Bekanntschaft zu machen. Did you travel well? Haben sie die Reise gut überstanden? I travelled well. Die Reise war gut. You have a very nice house. Sie haben ein schönes Zuhause.
First practical information Where is the bathroom please? Wo ist das Badezimmer bitte? Could you show me my room, please? Können Sie mir mein Zimmer zeigen? I really like my room. Mein Zimmer gefällt mir sehr. I’d like to phone in [your country]. Ich möchte in [your country] anrufen. I called the wrong number. Ich habe mich verwählt. The line is busy. Die Leifung ist besetzt.
Meals When do we have breakfast? Wann frühstucken wir? When do we have lunch? Wann essen wir zum Mittag? When do we have dinner? Wann essen wir zum Abend? We eat around 1 pm. Wir essen um (gegen) 13 Uhr. Can I help you? Kann ich Ihnen helfen? I’m going to dress the table. Ich decke den Tisch. I’m really hungry. Ich bin sehr hungrig. I’m thirsty. Ich bin durstig. It’s excellent. Es schmeckt köstlich. Thank you, I’m not hungry anymore. Vielen Dank, ich bin satt. Could you prepare me a packed lunch (for excursions)? Können Sie mir einen kalten Imbis zubereiten.
Health I’m not feeling really well. Ich fühle mich nicht wohl. I’ve got an headache. Ich habe Kopfweh. My teeth hurt. Ich habe Zahnschmerzen. I have caught cold. Ich habe mich erkältet. He has a cold. Er ist verschnupft. He has a lot of fiever. Er hat hohes Fieber. I have a sore throat. Ich habe Halsschmerzen.
Shops Can I help you? Kann ich Ihnen helfen? I’m just looking. Ich sehe mich nur um. Can I try it? Kann ich es probieren? It doesn’t fit me. Das gefällt mir nicht. It’s cheap. It is billig. It’s too costly. Es ist zu teuer.
Miscellaneous Where is the post office? Wo is das Postamt? Where can I change money? Wo kann ich Geld wechseln? Can you give change this bill for coins? Können Sie mir wechseln? How do I go to [a place]? Wie komme ich nach [a place]?
Meals and hygiene are two important components of everyday life : if you are going to live in an American host family, these advices below may be very useful!
American Meals
There are usually 3 meals in the typical American day:
Breakfast
Taken around 8am, breakfast is usually coffee or milk, with toasts, butter and marmalade, or cereals with milks, and orange juice. This is a very important meal, don’t skip it!
Lunch
Usually taken between 12am and 1pm, it is a quick meal, except on Sunday: Hamburger, hot-dog… Usually, you have to help yourself out in the fridge or go to the local fast food.
Dinner (or supper)
The American family doesn’t meet often to take this meal. It can be a pizza or a hamburger everyone eats when hungry. However, more traditional families take a real dinner together, eaten between 6 and 8 pm, with salad, meat, vegetables, dessert…
Don’t be afraid if your family doesn’t offer to prepare your meals: they will tell you to help yourself out and you should not hesitate to do so!
On Saturday and Sunday, in most families, breakfast and lunch will be replaced by a lunch, a “big breakfast”, that will be taken around 11am. On these days, there will be a dinner like the other days.
American people eat a lot of beef or chicken meat, but usually meals are balanced. Since people usually eat a lot of snacks between the meals, you will have to pay attention not to eat too much.
You should at least try to taste everything that is offered for you. And always thank your hostess and congratulate her for what she has prepared!
About clothes
Hygiene is a really important matter in the US: take it seriously!
- In most families, there will be several washings a week: ask to your family when you should give your clothes to wash it, and even offer your help to do it since usually washing machines are easy to use there: be sure to have understood how the machine works first!
American people really take cleanliness seriously. They would be bothered if you or your clothes were not clean: pay attention to this point: change your clothes and take a shower everyday.
We hope this information have been useful: don’t hesitate to share your experience with us!
Want to get general information about American life, especially in an American host family? This article is for you!
About customs
If you get in touch with the police, always stay calm and polite.
Regarding clothes, American are very tolerant, but monokinis are forbidden.
You have to behave really carefully with people of the opposite sex, since something that would be considered as usual in a Latin country could lead you to the Court in the USA!
In many American States, weapon’s possession is legal. It is highly recommended to stay calm in all situations.
People less than 21 can’t smoke or drink, and are not allowed to buy such things. If they want to do so, they will have to prove their age. Smoking is not really appreciated in the US and is strictly forbidden in many places.
Social life
Social life and communities are a really important component of American society. As an ambassador of another country, you will arouse a lot of interest, maybe you will even be interviewed by a local television: always answer positively to such manifestation of interest!
American houses
Most American houses are made of wood.
American houses are generally open: the kitchen, dining room and living room often communicate.
In most houses, toilets are in the bathroom. So, if a member of your American host family tells you he has to go to the bathroom, he may not be speaking of having a shower!
Most American houses have a front and backyard, and the front yard often communicates with neighbors’one.
American Host Families in Florida Florida is home to many hispanic families. If you are going there, you may see the parents speaking Spanish, and the children speaking English: it is a good opportunity to practice both languages!
Sundays
In many families, Sundays are dedicated to church. Even if you don’t share your family’s beliefs, if they offer you to accompany them to the service, they would be pleased to make you discover their own culture. Your family could not understand your refusal to accompany them. However, if they are “proselyte”, don’t hesitate to signal it to your local coordinator if that bothers you too much and make you feel uncomfortable.
Distances
USA are a big country: you will have to use public transportation a lot, and expect journeys of around 60 to 90 minutes!
If you have other useful information about American life, don’t hesitate to share it with us!
You are flying to the USA soon and will be living with an American host family? Here are some information you should know before departure in order to get along well with your family!
Think of yourself as an ambassador of your own country!
When you will be in the USA, you will represent your country, so your behaviour abroad will help forge an image of your fellow citizens abroad: be proud of it but don’t act like your country is better than the USA : they are just different countries. American are really proud of their country, and they wouldn’t understand if you were not proud of your own! Share your culture and your feelings!
Once in your family, you will see they want you to feel comfortable, like a true member of the family. Call your host parents the same way their children do.
Offer your help!
Being a host doesn’t mean you should act like you are in a hotel: offer your help for little chores like walking the dog out, dressing the table… In addition to please your family, these little chores will be good occasion to communicate with your American host family!
Share some expenses!
A good way to show that you are well educated is to share some expenses. If the family takes you out, always offer to pay your own expenses like tickets. You can also offer some flowers or a little present to your host mother. A round of ices will surely please everyone too!
Open yourself to your American host family!
Bring some pictures of your family or life abroad: you will be able to explain your everyday life to your American host family!
Don’t stay alone in your room, it could be misinterpreted by your host family. If you are tired and want to rest, inform your family.
If your family offers you to participate in activities, always accept it. If you say “no” to be polite, your family will take this “no” for what it is, I.e, a “no”. Don’t waste opportunities!
If your American host family has young children, try to have fun or play with them!
Pay attention to misunderstandings and misinterpretations: some expressions like “it’s stupid”, that you could say innocently, could be misinterpreted by your host family.
Be autonomous
In your family, if there is a teenager, it is likely he will have a job: Americans are encouraged toward financial independence, and having a job, especially during summer, is something usual.
Your American host family will have already thought of the problems such a situation could give, and may have associated friends and family so you won’t be alone!
Your American host family will expect your to be able to take care of yourself.
If you are an enthusiast and open-minded host, you will be able to integrate yourself quickly to your American host family and you will live a wonderful experience!
You are going to best hosted by an Irish or British host family, and you are a little bit afraid of what to expect? Here are some general advices about the behaviour that the family with expect from you, as well as general information about life in England and Ireland. Bristish and Irish families specificities:
-In many families, there will likely be a pet. Don’t be disrespectful toward it.
-You are an ambassador of your country abroad so don’t forget to stay polite and have a perfect behaviour! For example, ask to the family before doing any action like switching on the TV, inviting friends…
-Ask to your host family what is the most appropriate time for you to take your shower.
-Usually British and Irish families host students on a regular basis. This allows to get a better knowledge of the family, even if the hosting is not always as spontaneous as when the family is volunteer.
-Always be polite and ask nicely to repeat if you haven’t understood something.
-Don’t contradict your hosts, this wouldn’t be decent. If the family organizes some activities for you, thank them!
-Sunday is a special day in UK. British people like to take it slow on that day: they go to the religious service, meet family or friends… Enjoy it and use this special occasion to get to know better your hosts! Lunch will be served later on that day, around 2pm. The traditional Sunday meal would be Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. At the end of the day, British people usually have sandwiches and cakes made for the occasion.
-Regarding religion, most Irish families are Roman catholic, whereas British families tend to be Anglican. Scottish people are generally Presbyterian, and the Welshs are generally Methodists.
About general life in England and Ireland:
-Whatever the season is, it is highly recommended to bring a cloth item to protect you from the rain. The general temperature is 15.5° (Celsius) in summer, and room are usually not heated a lot, so don’t forget to bring items to keep you warm!
-Banks are usually opened from 9.30am to 4pm. In big cities they will likely be open on Saturday, whereas in the rural areas they will be closed.
-Post offices are opened from Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 5.30 pm, except on Saturdays where they closed at noon.
-Shops are opened from 9am to 5.30 pm generally. It is recommended to keep your receipts so you won’t have any problem or misunderstandings while leaving a shop.
-Don’t forget that in the UK and in Ireland, people drive on the left side of the road!
-To be able to enter a pub, you have to be 16 years old at least. However, if your host family goes to lunch in the pub, you will be able to accompany them, even if you’re not 16. Pubs generally close at 11pm.
-Coin machines near the beaches always attract suspicious-looking people. Try to avoid these places. Also, clubs and pubs surroundings around close time are also a place to avoid.
-If you are travelling with a group of foreigners, try to avoid speaking loudly in the public transports. You would be targeted as an easy prey to thefts.
I hope these advices and information have been useful for you!
