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!
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!
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!
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 schoolis 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!<<
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).
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!
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]?
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!
You are going to Ireland or to England, and you will be hosted by a local host family? Here are some useful information and advices related to food and meals!
About meals!
Generally, there are 3 meals in the UK:
-Breakfast: you will generally have cafe or tea, cereals with milk, toast with butter/marmalade. Breakfast is a serious business in the UK: don’t hesitate to eat a lot since the lunch will likely be light!
-Lunch: usually taken around 1pm, this is generally a light meal. A typical lunch would be a sandwich, potato chips, a little cake, a fruit, fruit juice, sweets like candy bars… In most homestay, the family will provide you this lunch. If you are a “big” eater, you should try to take pocket money in order to be able to buy more food.
-Tea or Dinner: The evening meal is served early, around 5.30 or 6pm. This is the most important meal of the day. Generally speaking, you will eat a main dish followed by a dessert. In most English host families, your dish will already be served when you will sit at the table! If you are home after 6 pm, it is really likely the family will have already eaten. Since Britannic consider as impolite to watch their host eating when themselves have already eaten, you will likely eat alone.
Other generalities about food in UK and Ireland:
-Red meat is not eaten a lot in UK due to its high price. You will more likely eat chicken, turkey, pork or sheep. Meat is usually served with a brown dressing called “gravy”
-Generally, vegetables are boiled
-Bristish and Irish people don’t use a lot of fruits, but they love “sweets” like puddings, cake, syrup fruits with custard…
-Usually, there is neither bread nor water at the table. If you want some, you will have to ask to the family.
Expected behaviour!
Here are some information and advices on how to behave during meals in English and Ireland.
- Your hosts will be pleased if you helped with little household chores, like dressing the table. You also have to make your bed and keep the common places you’re using clean!
- Always be on time, and advise the family if you think you are going to be late for a meal.
- If asked about what you are served, be honest but tactful.
- Regarding manners, don’t be surprised if you see your hosts loadings their forks or having their hands under the table. British and Irish manners likely are different from the one of your country!
- At the end of your meal, put your knife, fork and spoon on your dish, but don’t cross them
- Meals are usually taken rather quickly. The family rather gathers in the salon afterward with a cup of tea to do the conversation.
- Above all, be open and try to taste everything! Never forget to congratulate your hostess for what she has prepared, she will appreciate it!
Have you other advices to share with us? Don’t hesitate to do so!
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!
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!
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.
