Has anyone done a french exchange or homestay?
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 by admin
Im studying french in secondary school and im in my 5th year. I really want to go over to france and study the language, and i was thinking of doing a french exchange with Dalmac or someone. The only thing is none of my friends want to do it and i would be doing it alone and was just wondering is this the best way to do it? And will the person i exchange with be in my house while im in theirs?
I’ve never done an exchange in France but I’ve done an exchange with a German school three times. The first time several of my friends went. We spent a lot of time together and had a great time. The second and third Time I was staying on my own. It was a lot more difficult, and I did get homesick, but I still had the fantastic time. The second and third time I did work experience, and not only was it great fun, but it really improved my language skills and looked great on my CV. I have been asked about it in interviews and all the interviewers were impressed by the fact that I had lived away from home and worked.
Yes, it is difficult. You will feel homesick and i is difficult to be immersed in another language. But it is also great fun, even without your friends. If you are lucky, like I was, you will make friendships that will last for years. I got on so well with one of my partners that we have visited each other’s houses as holidays, and indeed the two of us are going camping together this summer. I’d say go for it. It’s also, as I have recently discovered, very good practise for when you go to university, as you prove to yourself early on that you can live away from home.
Go for it. Trust me, it’s well worth it.
February 24th, 2010 at 3:55 am
DO NOT DO IT
I went a couple of weeks ago WITH the school so i saw most of my mates during the day.
It was awful. Horrible staying in a strangers house, you can’t so anything and you get SO homesick.
Seriously, worst most uncomfortable thing i have ever had to endure.
:S
Sorryyy x
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February 24th, 2010 at 4:20 am
With an exchange, you normally spend a week or two in their house with them, then they come and stay in your house with you.
It’s the best way to learn French I reckon. I had an amazing time when I went, of course it’s strange but then it’s a different country but the experience is brilliant and you’ll see and learn so much.
It’s only for a few days so as long as you’re not a complete wuss who gets homesick easily, freaks out in different situations and cries for their Mum, you’ll be fine!
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February 24th, 2010 at 4:31 am
I’ve never done an exchange in France but I’ve done an exchange with a German school three times. The first time several of my friends went. We spent a lot of time together and had a great time. The second and third Time I was staying on my own. It was a lot more difficult, and I did get homesick, but I still had the fantastic time. The second and third time I did work experience, and not only was it great fun, but it really improved my language skills and looked great on my CV. I have been asked about it in interviews and all the interviewers were impressed by the fact that I had lived away from home and worked.
Yes, it is difficult. You will feel homesick and i is difficult to be immersed in another language. But it is also great fun, even without your friends. If you are lucky, like I was, you will make friendships that will last for years. I got on so well with one of my partners that we have visited each other’s houses as holidays, and indeed the two of us are going camping together this summer. I’d say go for it. It’s also, as I have recently discovered, very good practise for when you go to university, as you prove to yourself early on that you can live away from home.
Go for it. Trust me, it’s well worth it.
References :
February 24th, 2010 at 5:15 am
I’m doing that this summer. There are different types of exchanges, some last longer than others and everything like that. Here’s what’s going down with mine:
I’m living with her for 2 weeks, and then she’s coming back and living 2 weeks with me. So we’re together all the time
I’m not like alone in her house.
I know there are some exchanges that differ, so when you find a program, just look around their website and see what its all about
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