A homestay is a cultural exchange between a foreign student and a hosting family. The student lives in the home with the family who treats him as a member of the family, but is not there to serve him.
Do I need to bring something to my host family?
A small gift from your country will be welcome and greatly appreciated but is not a necessity.
Will I be the only foreign student in the family?
Most of the time ; yes but of another mother tongue than yours. However , during certain times of the year (especially in the summertime) we cannot guarantee you to be the only student in the family, but you can make the request on the inscription form.
Will the family be near my school?
We respect an approximately 30 minutes travel time from home to your place of study.
Is it possible to share a room with another student?
Yes if you apply together. In this case you will have a reduced rate.
Can there be a student of my nationality in the homestay?
No.
Will I share my room?
You will only have a shared room if you book for a twin room (for yourself and a friend or member of your family). For safety reasons we do not allow our students to share a bedroom with an unknown student.
What should I bring in my suitcase?
Towels and sheets are provided by the host family and regularely replaced. You should bring your own toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shower gel, shampoo etc…). Please do not help yourself to the families’ toiletries. Toilet paper should not be used for cosmetic use. Used toilet paper should be disposed of in the toilet, not in the rubbish bin.
Feminine sanitary products should be wrapped in their packaging bag before being disposed of in the bathroom rubbish bin.
Can I visit the hosting family before the booking is confirmed?
It is not our way. You need to totaly trust us and be reassured that the family selected for you is the most likely to meet your expectations.
Will I have access to the internet?
All our families have a wi-fi internet access.
What is the deadline for registering?
It is advised to send us your registration form at least one month before your arrival. However we accept late registrations.
Can I use the bathroom anytime I want?
Showers in France should not exceed 3 to 5 minutes. It is important no to monopolize this shared space and to find out directly with the family the best organization.
Can I book a homestay with a private bathroom?
You can ask for it on the registration form but we cannot guarantee it during certains seasons (especially in the summertime).
How do I get to my hosting family?
It is your responsability to get to your host’s house. It is easy to use shuttles, Metro or Taxis from the airport to the center of Paris.
What if I do not like living with my hosting family?
Séjours France Famille will make every effort to place you with a hosting family in accordance with your request. There is a normal transition period during the first couple of weeks to get accustomed to your host’s way of living, family rules etc… During your stay you be dealing with new customs and habits which can be different from what you expected. Should any problem arise, do not hesitate to talk to your hosting family.
Nevertheless, should you continue to have a valid problem, Séjours France Famille will search for a new host family that matches your original request as closely as possible.
This is done on a case by case basis, and is at the management’s discretion. We always make sure to be fair to our students and will always try and resolve any problems.
Does my hosting family provide a cleaning service?
The cleaning will be carried out once a week in your room provided you have tidied it.
However, you must leave the kitchen and bathroom clean after use. It is polite and appreciated to offer your help for small tasks such as clearing the table.
Does the hosting family take care of my laundry?
Yes at a minimum rate of once a week. The laundry is returned dry but not ironed.
Can I use the kitchen?
Yes but only for dinner time with a limited access and duration fixed with the hostess.
Will there be people of my age in the family?
We will do our best but cannot guarantee it. However you can precise your wish on the inscription form.
Will I have a set of house keys?
Yes, the hostess will give you a set of keys. We call to your attention that in case of loss, all expenses are at the student’s charge (cf. rules for students on our website).
At what time can I arrive in my hosting family?
Arrivals are after 6 pm. Please email or phone your arrival details to your hosting family as soon as you have booked your plane or train.
I am Staying on a half-board basis, will I have dinner with my hosting family every night?
You can of course eat out. However, please make sure to inform your host as soon as possible and with plenty of notice to enable the family to get organized.
I am staying on a B&B basis, can I use the kitchen?
There is no access to the kitchen at lunchtime.
For dinner, you will have a limited access to the kitchen to cook a light meal.
Your hosting family will show you where to store your food.
I have specific dietary requirements, can you help?
Of Course. In this case it is imperative to inform us about it on you registration form.
For example, if you are a vegetarian and wish to book on a half-board basis, we will place you with a host family who is either vegetarian themselves or happy to provide vegetarian meals.