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Nacel International

4.71 (42)Since 19578 Programs

Why choose Nacel International?

Established in 1957, Nacel was founded by two language teachers from France who started offering summer sessions in England for French teenagers. Their goal was to help students expand their knowledge of a foreign language and culture through an affordable, well-organized summer program. These programs grew steadily in the 60s and spread to Ireland. In 1969, Nacel organizers started working with some American teachers of French to provide summer homestay programs for French teenagers in the United States. Programs with Canada, Mexico, Spain, and Germany were added in the succeeding years. Over the years, Nacel's programs have successfully provided young people with opportunities to discover new things about themselves and the world around them.

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Nacel International Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.71

Total Reviews

42
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Best time of my life

April 06, 2026by: Cristian Toroser - United States

Program: High School Exchange in Chile

5

The trip was amazing. My family took me so many places. I experienced so much. I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone for this amazing trip. It was the time of my life and I can not wait to go back on a nacel trip to Mexico

Me and my friend

Greatest choice I’ve made in my life to come here

March 14, 2026by: Cristian Toroser - United States

Program: High School Exchange in Chile

5

My family was extremely nice. The directors were extremely nice. The school was very nice. I had the time of my life. I made many friends even though I didn’t speak amazing Spanish. It was still an amazing experience and I would do it again.

Me in class with friends

Amazing Experience and hard to leave.

February 14, 2026by: Aylin Nolan - Germany

Program: High School Exchange in Canada - Short & Long Term

5

“Thank you Lisa for everything. I am currently at my layover in Toronto and I am leaving for Germany in an hour. Thank you for the amazing time in Canada and all the organization. I really enjoyed my trip here and i am so sad to leave. But at least i have these amazing memories and a lot of new connections to people from all over the world. That all would not have been possible without you and i am so grateful for you and that you pour your whole heart into the kids experiences in Canada. Thank you so much!!” Aylin - Germany

Last day with my best friend from Australia!

Time to chill with new culture

November 29, 2023by: Azka Azhar - India
4

Its really very challanging step to live in a new culture where u are not familiar with their culture, launguage and u don't even no how they spend their life,how they celebrate theire festivals,holidays.So Its very joyful to learn all these things with suppoting of your host families .

2019 term in Chile

October 30, 2019by: Charlie H - United States

Program: High School Exchange in Chile

5

Nacel has really been very helpful during the application process and my stay in Chile. I almost missed my chance to do the 2020 term in Chile, because I forgot to look for my perfect study abroad program in ahead of time and by then I was very busy with my homework at school. But.. Anyway, Nacel opened the doors for me when the rest of the agencies didn't accept me because “I was late”. It's really impressive landscapes over there. We flew over the Andes Mountains! I have never seen such a beautiful country in my life. I landed on a Saturday afternoon at Santiago airport. There was my host family Los Arenas and my local coordinator. I had done Skype before with my host family. As I already knew them, it was very normal for me to run to greeting them. They showed me their love and affection with a lot of kisses and hugs. Chilean people are very kind and warm. We went to their house, they lived in a neighbourhood where you could clearly see the Andes far away, but near! I don't know how many photos I've taken of that beautiful landscape. The next day, Domingo, they organized a delicious barbecue in the garden of the house. I met cousins and family friends. At first, I think it happens to all of us, I experienced new feelings: JOY of being in a new country and meeting new people, sadness because my parents were in the United States with my siblings and at that moment I was starting a new life and living new adventures. The feeling of sadness lasted very little because I have so much to do in Chile: adapt to my new life, unpack my suitcase, study, check new vocabulary, help my host family at home, and hanging out with friends. The first day of school was amazing! We woke up in the morning, the host mother ironed my uniform and prepared a ''colacion'' bag where there was a cheese sandwich, an orange juice and an apple. They dropped us off to school, and the vice-principal welcomed me with some students. I felt very good about that warm welcome. I felt very good and happy to be an exchange Student in Chile. Attending high school wearing uniform is great. If you haven’t tried yet, you should! We all look the same. My classmates are very nice and fun. I remember one time when I didn't understand something, during recess, they brought the English teacher to translate their message to me. I will miss everyone with all my heart. I will also miss the food: Empanadas, sopaipillas, cazuela, Humitas..everything! Chilean people have shown me that it is possible to be happy and always move forward and overcome obstacles. I hope that my little brother Liam takes Spanish courses at school seriously so that he can soon participate in this Nacel exchange program and perhaps visit the Arenas in Santiago.

I participated twice and met new friends

September 10, 2019by: Simon U. - United States
4

Soccer camps in France helped me a lot with my French. I am a good student and I am quite good at sports as well. Although I really liked French classes in my school in the United States, I have always thought that foreign language lessons in a classroom are not enough to learn a language. 4 years ago, I wanted to apply to study a full year in France, but as I was 13 years old, I didn't feel ready for a one-year exchange! So I started looking for some options for that summer. I liked the soccer camp program because it was complete and I didn't have to worry about anything other than buying my tickets and taking my clothes. They picked me up at the airport and took me to the camps in Macon. The rooms are clean and my roommates were very nice. I returned to this camp 2 consecutive summers. I built a nice friendship with many French boys and girls and we keep talking on social networks. The 2 weeks always go by very fast as there are a lot of activities and good company there. It is definitely an experience that I recommend because I had a great time! I met boys and girls from Paris, Chambery, Lyon, Chamonix, Marseille... I used a lot my French with them and I learned new vocabulary about soccer and about their favorite songs. I'm very happy to have met them! When I came back home, I kept using my French with some of them by video call or messages. This helped me a lot not to lose the language and gave me a lot more confidence when speaking French at school. Now I am 17 years old, I still in contact with most of them and this year I am an exchange student in Lyon with Nacel ! I enjoy my time in France. Many thanks to Nacel!

Successful year in England

July 12, 2019by: Luca S - Germany
5

Dear Nacel, Thank you for all that you have done. You guys have played a big part in what was a successful year for my son in England. It will change his life in ways even if he doesn’t even know yet. I am sure it will not be the last you hear or see us, as England is now in our hearts also. Please tell the rest of your staff how great they have been and very much appreciated. The overall experience of attending school abroad and living with a (wonderful) host family has been very positive. To experience the vibrant & rich English culture first-hand has been invaluable to getting to know his own English lineage, as well as just having a lot of fun. Living and studying amongst a very culturally-diverse population, in a very dynamic part of the world, has opened my son's eyes to a very interesting life that extends far beyond the confines of our small town in Germany. And, most importantly for him and for us in some ways, the friendships he has developed with his host family and with fellow students & teachers alike will be treasured for a lifetime. My husband & I are forever grateful for the experiences & opportunities our son was afforded through your program. Thank you for everything! We hope that later he applies to a British university to continue living an immersion in English. Lincolnshire it’s a good place for students. It’s beautiful, safe and have at least a very good university. Greetings from Serieys family.

Kids have a great time in France

July 01, 2019by: Rory S - United Kingdom
4

We enrolled our children to this Sports summer camp because we wanted a supervised and fun program for our 13 and 16-year-old children during the summer. We found this camp in France and thought it was the best option for them because the kids could play tennis and meet other kids their age and obviously improve the language at the same time. We enrolled them. The application process was very easy and fast. We are in contact with our children during the stay. The boys are happy to meet new French boys and girls on the tennis team and the other sports that are practiced on campus. They are having a great time and I'm glad because that was the goal from the beginning, that they travel to another country to live a new experience and have a good time. They are very excited that on Saturday they will be able to go to the local amusement park. We are reassured by Nacel’s professionalism because we know that the team: the French teacher, the camp leaders and the coaches take good care of the children and make them feel comfortable in the campus. Our boys say weather is great and the food is good. So we're glad and we know they are in good hands. At first, the little one didn't want to go and almost didn't go. But then he loved to see the videos of the program and nowadays he confirms that the program is as fun as it appears in the videos. Many thanks to all the Nacel team who are always very attentive to the children and if the children are motivated to participate in a school exchange in France next school year, we will send them with Nacel, of course!

A dream come true

June 29, 2019by: Kaitlyn C - United States

Program: High School Exchange in France

4

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.

Amazing host family

June 07, 2019by: Kylie M - United States

Program: High School Exchange in Germany

4

Next week I'm leaving and I'm sad because I'm going to miss everybody: my host family, my teachers and friends. This experience has been the best of my life. I can't believe the school year has gone by so fast. Time flies fast when you're too busy with things you love and enjoy. At first it was difficult because I had never been so far away from my family. I studied German for almost 3 years before coming here and understanding people was not a problem. I already knew the language, but the German customs and culture was new to me. Thank God, my host parents were always there for me. We shared many things in common with my host brothers. They are a very active family. On weekends we did a lot of things. Shopping, sports, outings. Really, I was very lucky to have participated in a school exchange. Thanks Nacel for all your support as well. You guys’ve been very friendly and professional! My country is very far from Germany, but I know that I will come back here very soon. My dream is to be able to study at a German university. Germany is much better than my country and I feel very lucky to be studying here for the school year. I could not have asked for a better study abroad experience! Thanks again for all your help! I am enjoying very much my stay in Germany. Best Regards xoxo!

I’d do it all again!

May 29, 2019by: Sue L - Spain
4

This program was exactly what I was looking for and what I needed. I studied A-level in England. I really enjoyed classes there. As a huge fan of British writers, it was a dream to live this experience in Lincolnshire. Teachers were nice!!! They were not only nice, but they were enthusiastic about teaching the subjects, making class engaging and something that I looked forward to every day! The school is well organized and the team in general is very friendly and professional! I made local friends whom I still keep in contact with thanks to social media! My host family was amazing too. We have a nice relationship and I still talk to them. Where I used to live, there were very nice shops and alleys with lots of trees. It was my first time being away from home and I learned how to truly be independent. It was awesome being able to discover a new city for me and fully immerse myself in the British culture. Deciding to study abroad was definitely out of my comfort zone but I knew I had to take the leap to further my learning! I learned a lot about myself, how I was able to communicate and survive outside of my home. I definitely gained a lot more confidence as a person and as a traveller and of course I want to travel a lot more. I could not have asked for a better study abroad experience. Nacel agents were extremely helpful throughout the application process as well. Thank you very much !!!

Playing tennis in France with amazing people

March 20, 2019by: Lucia Bazan - Colombia
4

Loveeeed this program. I looked for some nice programs to get some French courses and found this program. It was the best decision of my life. The two weeks I spent in Macon were really fun. I had my first tennis lesson in France! Until then I had always taken tennis lessons in my mother tongue and the fact that the sessions were in French seemed strange to me. But then I got used to it! This program was more than I expected. My goal was to live a full French immersion and be able to speak it fluently. In two weeks I spoke more than a year in French classes in Colombia! My parents left me at the camp and stayed in a hotel nearby. When I arrived at the camp, I didn't feel so lonely because camp leaders were super nice to me and in the French classes I met two Norwegian girls who also wanted to improve their French. I have made friends with many nice girls and boys, and more particularly with four French girls who taught me many new words that I can use at school with my classmates. The truth is that I learned new everyday words that I had never learned at school. I really recommended this program to those like me who were looking for French courses with activities and who are interested in sharing moments with young French people of our age.Maybe, I will come back next year but i will choose another sport and I will not take French lessons!

Best year of my life

January 03, 2019by: Bruno M - Brazil

Program: High School Exchange in Germany

5

Hi! I had the best year of my life in Germany. I hope to experience another immersion program in the near future. At first, I was very nervous before leaving my country but then I felt better. My family was very supportive and they always been there for me. My host family was very cool as well. They helped me a lot when I didn't understand my homework. Now we’re really close friends with my host brother even if he supports a different football team. At the beginning of my stay, I was shy, but once I become more confident with family and classmates, I started talking a lot more. So, I can say that my german improved a lot. At least, I understand better German rap songs than before! The teachers were very patient and always made me feel comfortable at school. I tried my best to get good grades. Even if I had to study a lot at school, I also had time to go out with my friends as well. This experience has given me so much to take home that I don't know how to describe it. I never thought I could have studied abroad. But I could. I feel very lucky. Germany is amazing!

I loved Italy

December 16, 2018by: Jacky A - Argentina

Program: High School Exchange in Italy

5

This year, I went to Italy and it was my second time travelling with Nacel. It was a great experience as always. The school in Italy was small with really caring teachers. I felt very comfortable. Thank you!!!

Germany is better than I expected

December 07, 2018by: Rachel Burstell - United States

Program: High School Exchange in Germany

5

This year I was able to do my first semester of 10th Grade in Germany. When the end of the program arrived. I was very sad to go back to my country because in Germany I really had a great time. I met many new friends that I hope to see them again very soon. I learned many new things. My host family was very good to me. They were very supportive when sometimes I didn't understand my school homework very well. I learned new phrases in German and I understood better the grammar stuff that I had always found hard to understand. I really recommend this High school exchange in Germany program with Nacel. I will try to come back the next year, but for a whole year.

Great program

June 09, 2018by: Bobbi - United States

Program: High School Exchange in France

5

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.

Academic year experience in France

January 25, 2018by: Elena F - Mexico

Program: High School Exchange in France

5

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!

My semester program in Italy with Nacel

January 25, 2018by: Josh Forman - England

Program: High School Exchange in Italy

5

Hello! I sent on an exchange program to Milan, Italy with Nacel! The program was great I really enjoyed the orientation camp. After some days we were transferred to our host family and started school. It was a little hard initially, because I didn't speak the language but after the second month everything got better. I recommend you this program if you are looking for good food and friendly people! Josh

Perfect choice

January 05, 2017by: Frank

Program: High School Exchange in France

5

-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!

A complete immersion

December 22, 2016by: Paul

Program: High School Exchange in Italy

5

I was looking for a complete and a real cultural immersion not just simply a tourist learning a new language, and a cultural immersion was what Nacel offered me. It is quite different from what I was used to when I visited a new country and off course from what I expected. Thank you Nacel

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Jojanneke de Jong

Jojanneke de Jong

Interviewed in 2026

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Travel truly transformed my life—it broadened my perspective, helped me learn new languages, and allowed me to connect with people from all over the world.

Show Full Interview
Grace Fogle

Grace Fogle

Participated in 2019

Alumni

My mother traveled abroad in high school and felt this would be a great experience for me to immerse myself in the Spanish language and experience being away from home and meeting new people. She also hosted a young girl from France when she was young and said she remembers what a great experience it was and how life changing it was. It also gave me a chance to leave my school and see how another school was in another country. Also none of my siblings or friends have done this.

Show Full Interview
Céline Gibassier

Céline Gibassier

Interviewed in 2020

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

I have lived in different countries, studied international relations, and learned four foreign languages. Working in the language travel industry was pretty natural for me.

Show Full Interview
Nacel International

Nacel International

4.71

Ready to Learn More?

Established in 1957, Nacel was founded by two language teachers from France who started offering summer sessions in England for French teenagers. Their goal was to help students expand their knowledge of a foreign language and culture through an affordable, well-organized summer program. These programs grew steadily in the 60s and spread to Ireland. In 1969, Nacel organizers started working with some American teachers of French to provide summer homestay programs for French teenagers in the United States. Programs with Canada, Mexico, Spain, and Germany were added in the succeeding years. Over the years, Nacel's programs have successfully provided young people with opportunities to discover new things about themselves and the world around them.