Family Stay Philosophy

The Family Stay experience is a unique opportunity for students to become more than mere tourists. Students have already learned much in their classes about French culture and the French language. Living with a host family will give them the chance to use the language they have studied and to experience the French way of life.

All French host families have a teenage son or daughter at home in order to facilitate integration into the family. Only one American student is placed in a home to encourage communication in French and to provide each student with their own experience.

During my Family Stay all I spoke was French. It was the first time I had really used French outside of class. It was very enjoyable to see people understand what I was trying to say in French. I also learned how welcoming French students are to Americans.

Ryan, Viewpoint School, CA

Family Stays are typically designed to take place while school is in session, so the Americans will have the chance to visit their host brothers' or sisters' school during their stay. Family Stays are also arranged to extend over a weekend to allow the whole family to spend time together.

We know that parents and teachers are always concerned to know what will happen if their student is not comfortable with their French host family. It is normal that students may feel a bit uncomfortable at the beginning of their Family Stay. They are nervous about staying in a new family's home, communicating in French and living in a different culture. However, students must give themselves enough time to adjust to this experience. They should not be quick to jump to conclusions within the first 24 hours.

However, if a serious problem does arise, it is essential that students contact someone in France. VIE cannot help with a situation unless we are made aware of the problem. Students will be given all the necessary contact information for teachers, our Paris office and the local Family Stay organizer. Our bilingual staff is available to provide support whenever necessary and there are backup families available in the event that a change needs to be made.

Each year we make approximately 1,200 Family Stay placements and Family Stay changes are rare. In most cases, the experience is overwhelmingly positive – we often read on evaluation forms that students wish they could have spent more time with the families!

Many students consider the Family Stay the most rewarding part of their experience in France. The stay with the host family often becomes a lasting friendship, not to mention a step towards personal growth and greater cultural awareness.