FAQs

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.

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!

Please refer to our Sales Conditions section on this website.

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.

Booking deposits are not refundable for voluntary cancelations.

Cancellation fees differ depending on the program, with a minimum of 300 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.

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.

Definitively yes. Nacel International delivers an excellent insurance coverage, including Medical, Assistance & Emergency Repatriation & Civil Liability insurance, which gives the student quality protection. This insurance is an option. You can find the insurance’s price on the "Book Now!" page.

Any question? Contact us! 

No, you can choose to take it or not. But we want our student to have the best protection while travelling abroad and we would advise you to secure your stay abroad.

Any question, contact us! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Before departure, you will be provided with the contact details for the 24/7 emergency number, which offers English-speaking assistance.

Please remember to disclose any allergies during registration. If you indicate on the booking form that your child has allergies, we will provide you with an allergy form. Please complete the allergy form as soon as possible so that we can assess the camp's ability to accommodate your child's condition.

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

Ensure that your child is adequately insured for their stay in France. We recommend purchasing travel and cancellation insurance. We will request a copy of this insurance after camp registration.

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 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 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.

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.

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. 

While you are taking our language courses, we offer a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs, including staying with a local host family, sharing an apartment, or residing in a student residence.

Our accommodation options may provide full or half-board meals, depending on your preference.

With our comfortable and safe accommodation options, you can focus on your studies and enjoy your stay to the fullest.

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!

When you book our program private one-to-one language lessons at the teacher’s home, the placement process may only take a few days.  

In a pure homestay immersion program, we confirm the host family placement a couple of weeks prior to the student's arrival. This is only possible after we have visited, interviewed and screened the host family.

However, if the program includes high school integration, the host family placement can only be confirmed once the host school has accepted the student. This process may take several months.

If you book private language lessons at the teacher's home, we will choose a teacher and their family based on your preferences for location, accommodation, environment, and more.

When booking a homestay immersion program abroad, it is mandatory to fill out an application form where you may provide some useful information such as special dietary requirements, preferences regarding children or pets, etc. It will help us to ensure that your homestay experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

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.

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.

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.

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.