Useful information

There are a few tips that will help your child feeling confident and secured abroad. Here are some ideas for him/her:

• Self-learning: try to learn usual expressions you may have to use in your daily life, do thematic wordlists (food, entertainment, clothes…).
• Try to read a book or see a movie in original version, with subtitles in the language too: this is a good training to improve your hearing skills and this will prepare you to your life abroad.
• Collect information about the country or area you will be living in: How is the climate there?

What activities can be done? Are there places to visit? If you are doing a Tour, check the different places you will go to! These tips will leave you with many ideas of outside-of-the-classroom activities and help you to plan your trip so you won’t miss a visit!

Any question, contact us! 

Usually, students bring a small gift from their home country to their host family but it is not mandatory at all. It should not be a high-value gift but something typical from your country and culture.

If your child plans on taking electronic devices with him/her, you should check if he/she will need an adapter and buy one if he/she does.

A small, two-entry language dictionary may be very useful (must-have!), as well as a travel book of the city/area, with plan.

Participant must be aware that they are responsible for the handling of their own luggage. We advise you to travel with a light luggage.

The Nacel escorts (if any) will help the student if possible, but are not to be considered as “carriers”. For domestic transfer, especially by plane, most of the companies will only allow 20kg of personal luggage. Extra luggage will be charged, and the participant will be responsible for those expenses. Don’t forget to write your name, address and phone number on each piece of luggage you may have. Take your most important belongings with you on board (hand luggage): necessary drugs if you are sick on board or have a medical treatment; acceptance letters, passport, visa papers, insurance certificate, details of your host family and/or of the person who is supposed to pick you up at arrival, emergency phone number for the program, electronic devices like camera and music devices, jewels if any, glasses etc. Please take into account that you are not allowed to travel with liquids in your hand luggage, do not bring bottles!

Any question, contact us! 

Generally speaking, he/she will need a valid passport. For many programs, a visa may be required too. Please inform you at the local Embassy of your destination country: tell them where he/she wants to go, how long, how many classes he/she will have there, and all relevant information requested.

Nacel won’t deal with visa issuance. If you need an Acceptance Letter, a Supporting Letter or a proof of payment, we will provide these documents under certain conditions (please consult us about this).

Students aged less than 18 years old (minor children) are kindly requested to book the assistance service of the major airlines and train companies for unaccompanied minors, to avoid any difficulties during the travel.

NACEL programs never include the travel between home and host country. Parents of children aged less than 18 years old will be requested to sign a Parents Travel Release.

The amount of spending money your child will need depends on the program.

Generally speaking, children participating in a summer program need around 60 euros/week in Europe, and 90 euros/week in other countries, if they are accommodated on a full board basis.
During a long-term program, he/she may have to buy clothes, books, personal hygiene items… so he/she may need more spending money from time to time.

Do not forget that during a homestay program, students will have to pay for their extra activities so they should plan these expenses.

Adults should bring more spending money in order to be able to participate in activities, eat outside etc…

The amount needed really depends on your lifestyle and what you are planning to do during your trip (shopping or studying? eating out or sharing the family’s included meals?...)
We recommend that participants bring with them either an international credit card that allows them to withdraw money from a bank, or traveller’s cheques. This way, they won’t get out of money if they did not plan the right amount for their trip.

3 to 10 days before departure we will send you information about your accommodation (name, address…). However, in case of an unexpected event (disease or cancellation of the host family for example), or in case of a late application (6 weeks before departure), this delay can’t be guaranteed. We advise you to send a short email or make a short phone call to your host family, so that you can have a first contact with them before you arrive in their home.

The amount of spending money you will need depends on the program.
Generally speaking, if you participate in a summer program you may need around 80 euros/week in Europe, and 100 euros/week in other countries, if you are accommodated on a full board basis.
During a long-term program, you may have to buy clothes, books, personal hygiene items… so you may need more spending money from time to time.
Do not forget that during a homestay program, you will have to pay for your extra activities so you should plan these expenses.
Adults should bring more spending money in order to be able to participate in activities, eat outside etc…
The amount needed really depends on your lifestyle and what you are planning to do during your trip (shopping or studying? eating out or sharing the family’s included meals?...)
We recommend that you bring with you either an international credit card that allows you to withdraw money from a bank, or traveller’s cheques. This way, you won’t get out of money if you did not plan the right amount for your trip.

Generally speaking, you will need a valid passport. For many programs, a visa may be required too. Please inquire at your local Embassy of your destination country: tell them where you want to go, how long, how many classes you will have there, and all relevant information requested. Note that it may take 2 to 3 months to get the necessary papers, so get it touch early!
Nacel won’t deal with visa issuance. If you need an Acceptance Letter, a Supporting Letter or a proof of payment, we will provide these documents under certain conditions (please consult us about this)

Usually, students bring a small gift from their home country to their host family but it is not mandatory at all. It should not be a high-value gift but something typical from your country and culture. This is much better if you think about and choose yourself the gift you would like to give them, they will enjoy it if you can explain them what it is and why it is so typical for your country.
If you plan on taking electronic devices with you (mobile phone, games consoles, hair dryer etc.), you should check if you will need an adapter and buy one if you do.
A small, two-entry language dictionary may be very useful (must-have!), as well as a travel book of the city/area, with plan.
You must be aware that you’re responsible for the handling of your own luggage. We advise you to travel with a light luggage. Think about what you would really need and what is not really needed, think about the length of your stay and the climate of the country where you go.
The Nacel escorts (if any) will help you if possible, but are not to be considered as “carriers”. For domestic transfer, especially by plane, most of the companies will only allow 20kgs of personal luggage. Extra luggage will be charged, and you will be responsible for those expenses. Be careful, it can be quite expensive! Don’t forget to write your name, address and phone number on each piece of luggage you may have. Take your most important belongings with you on board (hand luggage): necessary drugs if you are sick on board or have a medical treatment; acceptance letters, passport, visa papers, insurance certificate, details of your host family and/or of the person who is supposed to pick you up at arrival, emergency phone number for the program, electronic devices like camera and music devices, jewels if any, glasses etc. Please take into account that you are not allowed to travel with liquids in your hand luggage, do not bring bottles!

There are a few tips that will help you feel confident and secured abroad. Here are some ideas for you:

Of course! The transfer fees may be included in the price of the summer camp, depending on your choice. Sometimes, there may be an extra charge.

Going away from home, to a new country, with a different culture and language can be overwhelming for a child and could lead to homesickness.

We want to share with you some tips on how to prepare your kid to go to a summer camp abroad:

• Let your child participate in the camp selection process. Ask questions and listen to what they say so they feel involved in choosing the right camp for them. This collaborative approach will not only instill a sense of ownership but also prepare them for the exciting adventure ahead.
• Be supportive and understanding by reviewing the camp’s description with your child. If these conversations foster questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for answers. If they get nervous, you should remind them that you support them.
• Before your child leaves, give them a big hug and say goodbye. Make it clear that although you will miss them, you are excited about the wonderful experience they are about to start. Let them know that you are very proud of this step and you will also be busy during that time.

Booking deposits are not refundable for voluntary cancelations.

Cancellation fees differ depending on the program, with a minimum of 350 USD.

Refunds depend on the camp you choose. Please request the program handbook for the latest refund policy.

No refund will be given to a participant who shortens their stay at a summer camp abroad.

Most certainly, you can choose the length that is more favorable to your needs. It could be a term, semester or an academic year.

We also offer short-term homestay and school integration experiences in various countries, starting from just two weeks.

If you are new to a language, you may fall into the category of beginner or false beginner, depending on your level of basic knowledge. 

To determine your level, you can take an online language-level test. Additionally, language schools will assess your level before placing you in a suitable group. 

Our language schools offer classes for all levels, ranging from beginner to intermediate and advanced.

It's important to know that you may or may not need a visa to study in a language school, and it all depends on:

• Your origin and destination countries,
• The course length. 

Don't risk making any assumptions and contact us today to ensure you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

Once your placement is confirmed, you can start getting to know your host family right away!

Feel free to use any communication channel that works best for you, whether email, phone calls or video calls.

Families have the opportunity to apply to become a host family for a student, whether it be for a short or long stay. The purpose of this is to share their language and culture with someone from abroad. 

Host families can either be volunteer-based or paid homestays, depending on the program and country. 

Our team meticulously selects, visits and screens each host family to ensure they meet our standards. This includes checking the hosting conditions, the host family’s motivations, and expectations. We also provide them with an explanation of the program's goals and what is expected of our students.

Arrival and departure

From Dublin Airport both locations are less than 20 kilometres from Dublin Airport. Transfers to and from the airport take approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic. Students under the age of 18 who travel unaccompanied by an adult must book and pay for arrival and departure transfers.

You must enclose a current prescription and bring the medication in its original packaging with the leaflet marked with the child's name.

We believe that the success of a stay abroad largely depends on the quality of the host family. Our local coordinators carefully select and visit prospective host families.
Our host families are:

• Warm, welcoming & open minded,
• Proud to share their lifestyle & language,
• Willing to include an exchange student in their family & community,
• Aware that today's youth need to be world citizens.

Sometimes student are hosted in an individual room, sometimes in shared rooms. It depends on the destination and program. However, students of different sex won’t share a room.

Generally speaking, there won’t be more than 4 years of difference between two children sharing the same room. In all programs, host families have no duty to organize activities for the student (students must being their own spending money). Students must be mature enough to get occupied by themselves.

We offer programs with a residence accommodation.
The residence can be the boarding house of a school, or a youth residence.

The accommodation may be organized in multishared bedrooms (up to 6 beds per room). Note that the bedrooms may not be locked for security reasons in some residences.

Bathrooms may be common to several bedrooms. Bedrooms and bathrooms are single sex.

A room deposit can be requested by the residence’s representative; this room deposit is given back at the end of the program when no damage due to the participant is noticed.

For some programs like language school, we offer accommodation in residence. Please see the description of the residence on each school’s webpage.

Generally speaking, participants will get hot meals during their stay when the meals are included in the package. When there are outings/excursions, participants get a cold packed-meal for lunch (if they are accommodated in full board). Exceptionally, when the outing is long, the participants can also get a cold dinner.

The host families and the residence cookers prepare common meals, and will not cook special meals for the participant (except for dietary, health or religious reasons).
Students should be prepared to taste all the food prepared by the host family; host families may feel frustrated otherwise.

Depending on the program, participants are accommodated:

• on a full board basis = one night, with breakfast, lunch or packed meal for lunch and dinner.
• on a half board basis = one night, with breakfast and dinner.

Students developing allergies or who requires special meals for diet or health reasons are requested to mention this on the application form when applying.
Late notices, during the stay, cannot be considered as valid.

Depending on the program your child will be participating to, different rules may apply. It can be program specific rules, host family or residence rules, Nacel's rules… You will be informed of the supervision level in your child’s program before departure, or by contacting us.

However, every participant, every group, will be supervised by a Nacel local representative. The Nacel local representative makes sure that the participant is enjoying the stay, and that the host family, the school or the residence’s staffs are also satisfied.

Depending on the program chosen, your child will have more or less free time. During a summer camp, children’s free time will be the shortest because we organize a complete timetable of courses and activities.

On the other hand, during a language school program, student will have free time as soon as he/she is outside of the classroom. Generally speaking, the more independent a program requires you to be, the more free time you will have, even if this rule counts some exceptions.

Supervision depends on the program chosen.
In some programs, like language schools or home lessons, there won’t be any supervision because these programs are aimed for adults. Students are considered mature and independent enough to be able to go around without any supervision. Of course, if they need assistance, they will be able to contact a local coordinator, but otherwise they will be in total immersion.

On the other hand, for some other programs, like summer camps, language courses, homestay programs and high school programs students will be monitored and supervised all day long, and won’t be independent.

For junior programs with homestay accommodation, students will have to respect the host family’s rules. This means that they can be allowed to go out, or may not and that they have to obey to the family’s recommendations for return hours. 

If they are living in a residence, they will have to abide to the residence regulations. Sometimes, parents are asked for a formal authorization to let their children go out by themselves.

There is no universal answer to this question. The improvement will depend on your child’s program and language learning abilities, and above all of his/her willingness to take the best out of his/her trip. If your child takes his/her trip to heart, he/she will no doubt notice an improvement back home, even if during his/her trip he/she did not acknowledged it. The more he/she will interest himself/herself in the language and try to communicate while abroad, the most noticeable change he/she will see.
 

In some immersion programs (like homestay programs), your child will likely be alone in his/her host family. In other programs, with various students, they can come from any country. This will promote cultural understanding, and help students to communicate in the host country’s language, since this is the only one they will all have in common.

In some immersion programs (like homestay programs), you will likely be alone in your host family. In other programs, with various students, they can come from any country. This will promote cultural understanding, and help you to communicate in the host country’s language, since this is the only one you will all have in common.

There is no universal answer to this question. The improvement will depend on your program and your language learning abilities, and above all of your willingness to take the best out of your trip. If you take your trip to heart, you will no doubt notice an important improvement back home, even if during your trip you did not acknowledged it. The more you will interest yourself in the language and try to communicate while abroad, the most noticeable change you will see. Check the different steps of the language improvement!

Supervision depends on the program chosen.
In some programs, like language schools or home lessons, there won’t be any supervision because these programs are aimed for adults. Students are considered mature and independent enough to be able to go around without any supervision. Of course, if you need assistance, you will be able to contact a local coordinator, but otherwise you will be in total immersion.
On the other hand, for some other programs, like summer camps, language courses, homestay programs and high school programs you will be monitored and supervised all day long, and won’t be independent.
For junior programs with homestay accommodation, you will have to respect the host family’s rules. This means that you can be allowed to go out, or may not and that you have to obey to the family’s recommendations for return hours.
If you are living in a residence, you will have to abide to the residence regulations. Sometimes, parents are asked for a formal authorization to let their children go out by themselves.

Depending on the program chosen, you will have more or less free time. During a summer camp, your free time will be the shortest because we organize a complete timetable of courses and activities. On the other hand, during a language school program, you will have free time as soon as you are outside of the classroom. Generally speaking, the more independent a program requires you to be, the more free time you will have, even if this rule counts some exceptions.

Depending on the program you will be participating to, different rules may apply. It can be program specific rules, host family or residence rules, Nacel rules… You will be informed of the supervision level in your program before departure, or by contacting us.
However, every participant, every group, will be supervised by a Nacel local representative. The Nacel local representative makes sure that you are enjoying the stay, and that the host family, the school or the residence’s staffs are also satisfied.
Ask questions to your host family or to the residence leader on arrival:
1) What else am I supposed to do daily other than make my bed, keep my room tidy at all times, and clean the bathroom every time I use it?
2) What is the procedure for laundry?
3) Where can I keep my toiletries? What is the most convenient time for me to use the bathroom? What is the appropriate amount of time to be in the shower?
4) When are mealtimes? Which meals does the family eat together?
5) Would you like me to: set the table, clear the table, wash/dry the dishes, put everything away after the meal, take out the garbage?
6) May I help myself to food or drinks at any time, or must I ask first?
7) What areas of the home are private?
8) In my room may I put up pictures, posters, or bulletin boards or rearrange the furniture?
9) What time must I get up on weekday mornings? Holiday and weekend mornings?
10) May I invite friends into the home during the day? May my friends stay the night?
11) What are the rules of transportation?
12) What are the rules for local or international telephone calls?
13) What are the rules for computer use?
14) When is it ok to watch TV and how long is appropriate?
15) I don’t want to offend anyone, so when I am doing something that bothers you personally, would you please let me know?
Always remember that the key to a successful relationship is open communication!

Generally speaking, you will get hot meals during your stay when the meals are included in the package. When there are outings/excursions, you get a cold packed-meal for lunch (if you’re accommodated in full board). Exceptionally, when the outing is long, you can also get a cold dinner.
The host families and the residence cookers prepare common meals, and will not cook special meals for you (except for dietary, health or religious reasons).
You should be prepared to taste all the food prepared by the host family; host families may feel frustrated otherwise.
Depending on the program, you’re accommodated:

We offer programs with a residence accommodation.
The residence can be the boarding quarters of a school, or a youth residence.
The accommodation may be organized in multishared bedrooms (up to 6 beds per room). Note that the bedrooms may not be locked for security reasons in some residences.
Do not expect to live in a luxurious residence; these residences are suitable for short-term stays and offer all facilities needed but they are not a hotel.
Bathrooms may be common to several bedrooms. Bedrooms and bathrooms are single sex.
A room deposit can be requested by the residence’s representative; this room deposit is given back at the end of the program when no damage due to you is noticed.
For some programs like language school, we offer accommodation in residence. Please see the description of the residence on each school’s webpage.

Why choose an accommodation in a host family? You will get first-hand information on the local culture and really experience the local way of life. You may also make life-long friends!
We believe that the success of a stay abroad largely depends on the quality of the host family. Our local coordinators carefully select and visit prospective host families.
Our host families are:

We are proud to offer a safe and inclusive space for campers from all over the world. Some of the most popular nationalities participating in our programs are from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Spain, and Mexico. The diversity of our campers makes it an ideal environment and an exciting opportunity to learn about different customs and traditions while making new friends. 

We are proud to offer a safe and inclusive space for campers from all over the world. Some of the most popular nationalities participating in our programs are from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Spain, and Mexico. The diversity of our campers makes it an ideal environment and an exciting opportunity to learn about different customs and traditions while making new friends. 

Most certainly! Among the purposes of our programs are acquiring cultural understanding and making new friends.  One of the paths to obtain them is via extracurricular activities.

It's possible that your high school may not offer programs related to your interests or hobbies. However, this shouldn't be a problem as your host town will likely have various clubs, community facilities, and sports centers where you can continue to develop your skills and make lasting friendships. 

Absolutely! Participating in a school exchange program abroad will help you stand out with your college and university applications. 

Studying abroad can provide you a unique academic experience that sets you apart from others. Besides that, your language skills will improve dramatically, you will learn to be more independent and gain more flexibility, open-mindedness, and intercultural skills that fellow university applicants will not possess. 

Colleges, universities and employers highly value exchange programs abroad experiences.

You will receive a certificate of attendance and an assessment of your level at the end of your course. 

You must take an official language test if you want or need to get a diploma. You may attend an Exam preparation course at the language school to prepare for the test. 

The teachers at our language schools are very experienced with the tests and can give you all the guidance you need to achieve your goals.

In language learning, it is essential to have teachers who can communicate effectively in the target language. While some teachers at the language schools may also be proficient in English, they prioritize using the target language as much as possible to help students immerse themselves in it.

Most language schools welcome students from the age of 16.

During the summer, most students are between 16-25 years old, as they have holidays and can dedicate time to learning a new language. However, between September and June, the student population of a language school may be more diverse.

There are fewer students aged 16-18, as they are usually in school, except during school breaks. Instead, the language school may have university students, professionals, and expatriates keen on improving their language skills and motivated to network with their classmates.

If you're interested in acquiring proficiency in a foreign language, enrolling in a language school abroad offers a unique and immersive experience.

 It involves complete integration into the country's language, culture, and daily life, providing continuous learning opportunities throughout the day. 

The instructors possess extensive expertise and are well-equipped to teach individuals from diverse backgrounds, utilizing effective and modern teaching approaches to expedite your language proficiency. 

Beyond the classroom, you'll have ample chances to practice the language during interactions with teachers, fellow students, and school staff and through various engaging activities.

You will stay with a local host family who will welcome you as an additional family member. Your host parents and siblings will provide encouragement, support, full board and share their daily life with you. 

Your safety is our main concern so, depending upon the country's regulations, every eligible host family is fully vetted by our Local Coordinators. Our screening includes a criminal background check for each member of the household who is 18 and older, as well as in person interviews and visits to the host family’s place of residence.

Our programs revolve around the warmth and comfort of host family accommodation, and we've got over 60 years of experience in making it happen!

We cannot guarantee that the host family will have children, including children of your age.

If you book our program for private one-to-one language lessons at the teacher's home, it's possible that some families may not have children at home or that their children may not be available during the time you are staying with them.

When booking a homestay immersion program abroad, they may or may not have children. If there are, we cannot guarantee that they are the same age as you. However, based on our students' experiences, living with families that have older or younger children can be a very enriching experience.

Depending on the country, prospective host families who participate in a homestay immersion program provide official clearance documents and authorization.

These legal requirements are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. 

In private one-to-one language lessons at the teacher's home, for an extra fee, you may book 10, 15 or 20 hours of activities per week or 3, 4 or 5 cultural visits per week. Your host teacher will be part of them, which will also allow you to continue learning and practicing the foreign language.

In a pure homestay immersion, some countries may offer tours for an extra fee. 

In general, the host family will allow you to improve your foreign language skills and to experience the culture and country from the inside, and not as a tourist. You can look forward to spending quality time with your host family, participating in their activities, and sharing your own experiences and knowledge about your home country.

During our sports camp in France your child will be surrounded by French teens. Improvement comes from constant immersion, using the language daily with native speakers. Studies show that four weeks of immersion can be as effective as a year of college language study due to the constant practice.

Students get menus with a wide choice of food, including soups, salads, hotplate specials, sandwiches, fruit, coffee, tea and pastries. Dietary requirements are catered for and students also learn about the local produce they are eating from menu boards located in the restaurant. Students will receive a timetable for their breakfast, lunch and dinner on arrival.

Rooms receive a full clean with a change of linen once a week, along with a mini clean. They are fully serviced between occupancies.

It is common in France not to have A/C in school buildings. As the camps are held in boarding schools that are available during the summer, they do not have A/C.

Your child will be welcomed by the host family, the school staff and/or the local Nacel staff.  This is a time when the student will get a lot of practical information. For some programs, host families will show to the children what the itinerary is to go to classes for example.

Children won’t be accompanied everyday to their classroom, and will usually travel by public transportation if they need to. If you have any question regarding this matter on a specific program, don’t hesitate to ask us!

Homesickness may happen to everyone, even people who have already been abroad without having faced any problem before. To prevent homesickness, keep in touch with your child, but not too much/too often (see below) and follow our preparation tips. If it is your child’s first experience abroad, a short-term experience would probably be the best choice for you to make, so that your child can “test” himself/herself.

The purpose of most of our programs is the immersion in another country’s language and culture. During the first days, it is normal if your child feels a bit homesick, and too frequent communication with his/her natural parents could delay his/her integration in the host country. An occasional phone call is ok, but daily contacts could disrupt your child’s integration in the program, and even worse, be the cause to homesickness!

The student will be helped by our local representative and his/her host family to visit a local doctor and take the necessary medical treatment. If hospitalization, surgery or repatriation is needed, the insurance should be first informed.

If necessary, our team at the headquarter located in France, which delivers a 24 hours emergency service, 365 days a year, may assist you. The phone number of this service will be given to you before the student’s departure.

Please be sure to have a medical insurance. We can provide you one, for an additional cost. Ask us for more information about the insurance policy!

Nacel offers a 24h/24, 7 days a week assistance in case of emergency. The phone number of this service will be given to you before the student’s departure.

Students aged less than 18 years old (minor children) are kindly requested to book the assistance service of the major airlines and train companies for unaccompanied minors, to avoid any difficulties during the travel.

NACEL  programs never include the travel between home and host country. Parents of children aged less than 18 years old will be requested to sign a Parents Travel Release.

Your local coordinator has an emergency phone number you may call anytime. Nacel also offers a general 24h/24, 7 days a week assistance in case of emergency. The phone number of this service will be given to you and to your parents before your departure.

You will be helped by our local representative and your host family to visit a local doctor and take the necessary medical treatment. If hospitalization, surgery or repatriation is needed, your insurance should be first informed.
In case of an emergency, please first call your local coordinator as he/she is on site and able to help you quicker. If necessary, our team at the headquarter located in France, which delivers a 24 hours emergency service, 365 days a year, may assist you. The phone number of this service will be given to you before your departure and on your acceptance letter.
Please be sure to have a medical insurance. We can provide you one, for an additional cost. Ask us for more information about the insurance policy!!

Homesickness can happen to anyone, even to those who have previously been abroad without any issues. To prevent homesickness, it's important to stay in touch with your parents, but not excessively, and follow our preparation tips. If it's your first time abroad, a short-term experience might be the best choice to test yourself. Most of our programs aim to immerse participants in another country's language and culture. It's normal to feel a bit homesick during the first few days, and excessive communication with your parents could hinder your integration in the host country. Occasional phone calls are okay, but daily contacts could disrupt your integration in the program and even worsen homesickness.

Here are some tips for you:
1) Communicate! Please talk about everything and be open with your host family. For example, tell them about your school life, where you are going, and what time you will return. Make a point to discuss host family rules, and schedules (such as when you can take a bath) right away.
2) Ask Questions. When in doubt, ask your host family for help. You might not understand everything at first, but your host family wants to help. You might feel less independent in the beginning, but these feelings will go away eventually. Don’t hesitate, or feel it is impolite to ask many questions. This is normal and expected.
3) Discuss Issues. Sometimes there will be small problems adjusting for you and your host family. It is important to talk about these frustrations even if they seem small. Always talk to your host family first about any problems. If you become sick, tell your host family right away.
4) Allow adjustment time. You may form an image of your host family within the first couple of days that isn’t accurate. Your host family might take you sightseeing, fix special foods, or be extra polite when you first arrive. Little by little, you and your host family will feel more comfortable around each other and act naturally.
5) Participate in Family Life. Don’t hide in your room. If you are feeling homesick, hiding in your room will only make it worse. Have fun with your host family, and share in evening or weekend activities.
6) Keep an Open Mind. Look at differences as new and fun experiences. This is your chance to try many new things that you might not be able to do in your home country. Take advantage of the opportunity!
7) Be polite and friendly. This is important. You might not talk very much with your family in your home country, but if you shut yourself off from your host family they will assume that you are homesick or unhappy. When you like something, be sure you tell them. A “thank you” and a smile can go a long way!
8) Help with Housework and Chores. Seriously, you would be surprised at how much an offer to do the dishes will mean to your host family.
Remember, your host family will also be nervous, especially if it is their first time hosting. They worry about whether you like the food, or their family. If you are open and friendly, you will help to put them at ease. At the end of you stay, you will probably find that you do not want to leave!

Exploring a new culture involves a sense of adventure, a willingness to take risks, ability to learn from your mistakes, and the responsibility of meeting people on their terms. You will have several new cultures to adjust to. These new cultures will be composed of new friends, family, teachers, language and situations. Apart from learning about the local culture remember that every social group and organisation also has its own unique culture. Keep an open mind; what is the norm in your country may not be the norm in other countries.

Do you know what ‘culture’ is? There are certainly many definitions. You may even have your own. The following definition is from Ralph Linton quoted in "Sociology, Themes and Perspectives" by M. Haralambos and M. Holborn (1990: 3rd Edition)
“… the culture of a society is the way of life of its members; the collection of ideas and habits which they learn, share and transmit from generation to generation …
…members of society usually take their culture for granted. It has become so much a part of them that they are often unaware of its existence… culture defines accepted ways of behaving for members of a particular society. Such definitions vary from society to society… “
When people from different cultures meet, the possibility for misunderstanding and conflict is high - unless they are already aware of the impact that culture has on their relationship.
Often we don't realise how much of our personality and the way we look at the world is affected by the culture in which we grow up.
Learning to do this is something that you can take with you and use anywhere in the world. It will make you a better person. Remember – don’t lose your sense of humour and ability to laugh at yourself! There may be times when you will make mistakes, don’t worry; this is also a part of the international experience you will have.

You will be welcomed by your host family, the school staff and/or the local Nacel staff.  This is a time when you will get a lot of practical information and you may also be introduced to the other participants, if any. For some programs, host families will show/explain you what the itinerary is to go to classes for example. You won’t be accompanied everyday to your classroom, and will usually travel by public transportation if you need to. If you have any question regarding this matter on a specific program, don't hesitate to ask us!!

Of course! The transfer fees may be included in the price of the summer camp, depending on your choice. Sometimes, there may be an extra charge.

It's important to note that different summer camps have varying policies regarding mobile phones. Some allow them to be kept with the children throughout the duration of the camp, while others only permit usage during designated times. 

Be sure to inquire about the phone policy of the camp you are interested in. In case of an emergency, we will provide you with at least one emergency phone number to reach your child, and they will also have a way to contact you. Rest assured that we will promptly notify you if any emergency arises.

Classes take place Monday through Friday mornings or afternoons, depending on your schedule. 

After breakfast, you can either take public transportation or walk to the language school, depending on your location. 

Upon arrival, you'll join your classroom and meet your teacher, ready for a full day of engaging lessons with breaks in between to rest and socialize with your classmates. 

Lunchtime offers a chance to try out street food from nearby restaurants, shops, and grocery stores while enjoying the company of new friends. 

If you're free in the afternoon, we encourage you to take advantage of your stay abroad program. You could revise your class notes, explore the city and surrounding areas, join optional workshops or outings organized by the language school, or simply chat with your classmates to practice the language skills you've been learning. 

The camp staff is not permitted to administer any form of medication to campers, including over-the-counter or prescription medication.

For stays of two consecutive weeks, laundry will be done at the end of the first week. However, we advise you to bring clothes for 10 days.

The supervision ratio is one adult for every 6 children. The camp staff is present during the campers' daily activities, including waking up, meal times, bedtime, evening entertainment, sports training, and language classes. Campers are not allowed to leave the campus unsupervised.