High School Exchange in France

Since I started studying French at school, I've always wanted to go to France and visit Paris. I remember that all France pics I saw on social media were beautiful. I used to watch a lot of French movies with English subtitles ( because I didn't understand much without subtitles ) at that time, I loved them all. I loved everything related to France. Then, I was obsessed with studying in France and was very happy to have found this exchange program in France at an affordable price. The team from the beginning has been very sweet to me and I am grateful to them for all the support they have given me. Really. Well. Since I studied French for almost two years and it was my first time out of the United States, I decided to just leave for the fall term. I will always remember the first day I arrived in France. I landed in Paris, Elodie, my nacel escort welcomed me and we went to the student residence near Nacel language center.There, I met other exchange students who came for the fall term or school year in France and all together we spent three unforgettable days in Paris with the Nacel team. This was supposed to be an 'orientation' for us to get to know Paris, meet the team and other exchange students in France, learn more about France and start speaking French from that moment on. I think this orientation was essential because it helped many of us to adapt to the country little by little and to realize that you are no longer in your home country, but in a new continent and in a new country! It took me a bit of time to realize that I was no longer in the United States, Don't Ask. But, I don't know why. Well, in any case, to study in France was always a dream for me and I was there. France is great. After orientation and a few beautiful days in Paris, everyone had to go to the city where they were going to attend high school. I went to Chambéry. Obviously you travel with someone from the nacel team. In Chambéry station, my host family was there. When we met it was a very emotional moment. We had already been in contact with them before my arrival. We had done skype before, I knew them, but because of that, I felt comfortable when I saw them and I was very happy to finally meet them in person. Monday arrived, the first day at school for everyone, not just me. Although I went to France with the basics, people understood me. That was cool. But, to be honest, during the first week I did not understand that much. But as the days go by, you only listen to French and speak French, My ear got used to it. so I think I learned the language fast. I am very talkative. Speaking to everyone in French helped me a lot!. And listening to the radio in French also helped me a lot. Everyone was very kind to me at school, the teachers and my classmates. The school system is different from that of my country. Well, I already knew that before I came because we were informed. When I have to go back home to the states, I think I will be very sad because France is an awesome country, the food, the weather, shops, the people! I am really enjoying my stay here.

Our daughter had a wonderful experience being part of a French family for almost 6 months. The program staff was great and attentive through the application process, answering all of our questions. The local coordinator not only checked on our daughter periodically, but also gave us a sense of how her stay was going. I have only praise for the program - it is will well organized with the student's best interest in mind. I would highly recommend this program to anyone considering a study abroad.

After 2 years of studying french I asked my parents if I could join a High School program in France. After a long search I came across with the Boarding school program that Nacel offers and after comparing with other programs I decided to go for it. My boarding school in Rodez was great and I made good friends. This experience surely changed my life forever!

-Incredible welcoming family -High School program was great -Nacel organization was a unique support throughout the process -I got to know the culture first-hand thanks to my host family -Everything within the budget Putting my experience in words is simply impossible. You have to live it!

This program was all that I expected and more. As an overall experience, this has been great. I can notice my french level has increased, I have gained more confidence in every single interaction with my friends and my host family.

When I started the application process I really didn't have any idea of the incredible experience I was about to live. My main goal at the beginning was to improve my french level within a short period of time, but since the very first moment I started this adventure I understood there was a lot behind my premise. You have to adapt to a new weather, new language, new delicious food, new beautiful and friendly people, new lovely host family. I lot of things changed in my surrounding but at the end I noticed the real change was within me. This experience was a great gift from my old and afraid me to my new and fearless me. Don't be afraid and make this happen!!

I was scared to go on exchange, because little did I know that I would have the time of my life. I never expected to have seen so much of France, my host family were amazing and comprehensive. My friends were the best. I can proudly say that nowhere in the world will anyone find friends better than the ones I found in France. I have only one more thing to say, and that his a big huge thankyou! to the whole exchange team.