Posts Tagged ‘cultural shock’
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
Posted in Academic Year Programs, Homestay, Host family, Language schools, Teenagers | No Comments »
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 »
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 »
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
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!
Tags: academic year abroad, cultural shock, food, german, germany, Host family, learn german, learn languages abroad, tips, travel
Posted in Homestay, Host family, Language Travel Tips | No Comments »
Saturday, October 17th, 2009
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!
Tags: academic year abroad, advices, canada, cultural shock, food, Host family, language abroad, learn english, learn languages abroad, tips, travel abroad
Posted in Homestay, Host family, Language Travel Tips, Tips to learn languages | No Comments »
Monday, October 12th, 2009
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!
Tags: academic year abroad, australia, cultural shock, food, Host family, language abroad, learn english, learn languages abroad, life abroad, tips, travel abroad
Posted in Homestay, Host family, Language Travel Tips, Tips to learn languages | 1 Comment »
Friday, October 2nd, 2009
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]?
Tags: academic year abroad, cultural shock, germany, Homestay, Host family, learn german, learn languages abroad, study abroad, tips
Posted in Homestay, Host family, Language Travel Tips, Tips to learn languages | No Comments »
Monday, September 28th, 2009
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!
Tags: academic year abroad, cultural shock, english, food, fun, Host family, learn english, learn languages abroad, study abroad, tips, USA
Posted in Homestay, Host family, Language Travel Tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
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!
Tags: academic year abroad, cultural shock, Host family, learn english, learn languages abroad, tips, USA
Posted in Homestay, Host family, Language Travel Tips | No Comments »
Friday, September 18th, 2009
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!
Tags: academic year abroad, advices, cultural shock, english, Ireland, learn english, learn languages abroad, life abroad, london, package, uk
Posted in Academic Year Programs, Homestay, Host family, Language Travel Tips, Tips to learn languages | No Comments »
Sunday, September 13th, 2009
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!
Tags: academic year abroad, advices, cultural shock, food, Host family, Ireland, language abroad, learn english, learn language abroad, learn languages abroad, study abroad, Testimonials, tips, travel abroad, uk
Posted in Academic Year Programs, Homestay, Host family, Language Travel Tips, Tips to learn languages | No Comments »
Saturday, August 29th, 2009
Here are three other testimonials from Canadian students: one from Emma, who participated in an Academic Year Program in Germany, and two other from Kelly’s mother and Jennifer, who participated in our language courses in France.
”Student exchange program ‘wonderful’ experience” ( Joel Jacobson)
This article has been published in The Chronicle Herald from Nova Scotia, in September 2007, and is about Emma’s experience in Germany with Nacel.
Emma Reid of Halifax, Nova Scotia, participated in the Nacel Canada Academic Program (2006-2007). Upon her return, she says the experience in Germany was “wonderful‘. She continues to qualify there was an adjustment period for herself and her host family. Emma had minimum exposure to the German language before her departure.
“My schoolwork was impossible for me to keep up with, and my language problems weren’t helping me in any way. Then, one of her teachers in Germany turned things around. In one of my first German French Grade 11 classes, my teacher helped many of my classmates get to know me much better. He told us he had brought a newspaper article written about me. I was a little puzzled, considering the only newspaper article about me I could recall was the Great Kids piece written before I had even left Canada. He explained that friends of his were vacationing in Canada and were in Halifax the day the article was published. They saw that I would be attending the gymnasium school (in Trittau, near Hamburg) where my French teacher taught, so they brought the article home to him. He shared it with my classmates. Though it was a French lesson, I spent that entire class working on our English translating skills. They learned about my interests and background, a great way for them to get to know me, especially considering my poor German skills. It was a wonderful start to making friends.”
As the year progressed Emma’s German language skills greatly improved and her involvement in various activities also, turning it into a great success. Her host family enjoyed showing her their country, they travelled at all points of Germany. She misses the bakeries and enjoyed the directness of the people. ‘They don’t beat around the bush but say what they think,” say Emma. Now that she is back home, she feels because of her experience she could get along anywhere. “The experience was wonderful. I became much more independent. I’d recommend to anyone. I certainly opened my eyes and showed me people are not all that different. Yes, I was glad to get home, but kind of sad to leave my new friends, too.”
This is an email from the mother of Kelly, from British Colombia. She participated to our Language courses in France in 2005
” I just want to drop you a little note to say that Kelly’s trip to Lyon was outstanding. She loved Ludo (the Tutor) and she truly bonded with her French family. She is just full of stories and grand memories. She didn’t think that she actually learned much French from the classes but she certainly learned a lot from living in that environment - not only in comprehension but in her confidence to speak French and confidence in general. This trip further developed admiration and interest to learn more about the French and the French culture.” wrote Mrs. Sharp August 4th, 2005 via email
.
Kelly is currently in France, Academic Trimester Program in Boarding School September to December 2007 trough Nacel. She is happy with her weekend host family and the school. She is hoping to further her studies in Montreal next September.
Here are some excerpts from a letter to Nacel from participant Jennifer, living in Edmonton Alberta, and who participated in our Tutorial in France in 2005.
… “Overall, I gained experience and pleasure during my time in France-I enjoyed the tutor sessions (my tutor: Guilmette) immensely, and the excursions were excellent for learning about French history and culture”.
Jennifer continued to write ‘ I feel that I returned from France with a new sense of mind, and greater control over the French language. I can speak faster, and more fluently-although I’m nowhere near perfect-and I have had a glorious time reciting my many experiences to my friends and family.”
… my host parents “were very welcoming and accepting of my cultural differences, were always attempting to help me learn more about the French. My host-brothers also communicated in a proficient and friendly manner, as well-they were very welcoming.”
Did you like these testimonials? Don’t hesitate to share your experience abroad too!
Tags: academic year abroad, Add new tag, cultural shock, english, fun, Host family, International High School, language abroad, learn english, learn language, learn languages abroad, life abroad, study abroad, Testimonials, tips
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