Application to Host a French Student

Vistas in Education was founded in 1976 by educators committed to expanding international understanding and friendship. Since that time, we have organized tours and Family Stays for American students in France, and coordinated this summer host program for French students coming to the United States. VIE’s programs have become increasingly well known among French teachers and American families, all of whom have contributed to the success of this unique intercultural experience.

Additional information on the Minnesota Host Program can be found on our homepage and 'Hosting a French Student' main page.

Vistas In Education, Inc. regrets that, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, all VIE 2020 travel and host programs have been cancelled. Until further notice, VIE is not accepting travel registrations or applications to host a French student. Stay safe and stay healthy. The VIE Team.

You can welcome a French student for 2-3 weeks during July or August.

California (CA): July 07 – July 28
Illinois (IL): July 24 – August 10
Iowa (IA): July 09 – July 29
Nebraska (NE): June 20 – July 09
Ohio (OH): July 07 – July 28
Utah (UT): July 08 – July 28
Minnesota (MN): July 09 – July 29
Minnesota (MN): July 13 – July 31
Minnesota (MN): August 3 – August 24


We ask that each family indicate a first, second, third and fourth choice in their Host Family Application. Only indicate dates you will be able to host and leave any others blank. Please let us know immediately if your preferences change after you have submitted your application.

If you are interested in sharing your home with a French teenager, please respond as soon as possible; we give priority to the early applications when matching a French student with an American student.

All American families are welcome to apply for this program. It is not necessary to speak French. The students who come usually have a fair level of English. We do require that you have a teenager at home, as it makes integration into the family much easier for the French student.
Most important is:

• the true desire to have a foreign student in your home
• an openness and willingness to share
• an interest in learning about other cultures
• a warm, welcoming family environment
• a commitment to friendship and international understanding

Participating French students are between the ages of 12 and 18. They have all studied English for varying lengths of time. They are screened by our Paris office and selected based on their demonstrated maturity, understanding, and a willingness to learn not only English, but also to learn about Americans and American culture. They will be prepared before the trip with orientation materials that cover common cultural differences.

A French chaperone will accompany the students from France and will be available during the stay to help as needed. The VIE office in Minneapolis will be also be available at all times to help ensure a wonderful experience for all involved.

The French students have full medical and liability coverage. You will be given details and procedures before their arrival.

In late May or June, VIE will hold orientation meetings for all hosting families. You will be matched as carefully as possible with a French teenager of approximately the same age and similar interests as your son or daughter. At this meeting, you will receive a letter of introduction, including photo and address, from your French student so that you will be able to correspond with the student before his/her arrival.

Please list two adult references who know your family very well (adult friends or neighbors, not relatives). Please notify your references that we will contact them.