I'm planning on doing the exchange student program to France..?
How can I ensure that the family I'll be matched with isn't like murderers. What should I expect to happen? Anyone have experiences to share? Any answers to my questions please share!! Im going through CEEF.
Studying Abroad - 4 Answers
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1 :
If you're going through a reputable company, the family you stay with won't be murderers. Just recognize that you are from two different cultures and there are bound to be differences. Always try to speak French, never English. Respect your host family; you will learn a lot from them and they will be your second family. Have a lot of fun! It should be a great experience.
2 :
Well I have to tell you they do back round cheks on ppl who volenteer for student exchange. I hope you know that you have to do eveything the other family does and live in the country for a year. make shere to read up on it b4 you decide. I am not tryin to be mean but this is something you should think about alot. If you did your reading and you really want to do this I wish you the best of luck. Oh and have fun in France!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) smiles!!!!!!!!!!
3 :
I can't really say much about your exact program as it is Canadian and thus not on the U.S. CSIET list. Generally, I tell US students not to use programs not listed there (they are the watchdog agency for certifying programs to operate here). Being listed doesn't guarantee a good experience with a particular organization, but it's a start. I'm sure Canada has something similar. As to the "murder" thing ... well, I've been doing this over 12 years now and never heard of that yet. However, you must be realistic there ARE unsuitable placements made all the time and exchange students have been placed in bad situations. In the U.S. (I can't speak for France) all host families and volunteers are required to undergo federal background checks. They must also have references from three community members (this is one of the things CSIET watches for). More likely, if you have problems with your host family, it's not going to be because they are axe murderers, more that you just have personality issues ... and these can often be worked out. The best thing to do is to find out who your local representative in France will be. You should get that information very soon upon arrival if not before. He/she is your "trusted" person in your new country. For lots of information on the entire experience -- from planning to returning home -- check out http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/ This site is written by current and former exchange student and has lots of great info. Plus, you can keep a diary there of your experiences as well. Have a great time! Being apprehensive is fine, being careful is fine, just don't let it overpower the experience!
4 :
To avoid disasters contact your closest Campus France office.
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