Language Homestay FAQs

What and how do I "teach"?

At the Virtual Academy, participants are mentored on methods of learning English as a second language, and Andégo supports participants in creating lessons that are meaningful, immersive and fun to French speakers. Although Andégo offers support on the topic of language acquisition and methodology, Language Homestay participants have agency in choosing how and what they want to teach, while acknowledging the specific needs of their host family. At the Virtual Academy, participants brainstorm lessons together and are gifted a Language Homestay English Teaching Handbook (filled with fun activities for all ages and levels of learners!). Andégo categorizes language learning into three different types of instruction: 1) grammar and vocabulary-based instruction, 2) conversation-based instruction, 3) holistic and immersive-styled instruction.   

Examples of these different types of instruction could include 1) preparing a 17 year old French student for their high school final exams, 2) speaking in English at the dinner table and/or analyzing a poem in English together, 3) cooking, playing sports, or building puzzles in English while focusing on targeted and realistic language use.

What is the teaching agenda like? 

The agenda depends heavily on the need and schedule of French host families, in addition to the interest and comfortability of the Andégo participant. At the Virtual Academy, Andégo supports participants in navigating conversations about lessons and timetables with their hosts. Moreover, resources are provided to support participants in crafting engaging and meaningful lessons.

What will I do when I am not “teaching”?

When not sharing the English language with a French host family, participants can engage in extracurricular activities with their host family, or individually. Activities could include sipping un café on a terrace, traveling to a neighboring village for un petit séjour, playing football at a park with locals, or signing up for a French language course.

What about COVID-19?

France is currently open to most travelers of various countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Andégo is working closely with our French partner organization, Terrre des langues, and French families to ensure that Language Homestay participants feel safe. To stay current with domestic and international travel requirements, refer HERE.

What if I don’t speak or study the French language?

Pas de problème ! No problem! This program avoids a French language requirement, in hopes of providing broader access to those interested in a linguistic and cultural exchange. French host families understand that they could host a participant with no French language abilities. It is important to note, however, that Andégo needs participants to be willing to practice linguistic curiosity and vulnerability. If participants don’t speak French (yet), Andégo hopes that they will engage with their host family to learn some basic vocabulary. There will be linguistic and cultural misinterpretations. C’est normal ! It is normal! During the Virtual Academy, Andégo prepares participants for the linguistic and cultural exchange so that participants are well-equipped to navigate misunderstandings. 

Qui sait ? Who knows? You may arrive in France French-less, and return home with a sac full of vocabulaire conversationnel! 

What if I am multilingual?

The Language Homestay Program accommodates English speakers who demonstrate native-like fluency. This is due to the high demand of English language instruction requested by French speakers. If participants speak another language in addition to English, they are encouraged to communicate their skill to Andégo in their Application. Andégo values multilingualism and cultural pluralism. Although unable to confirm need and placement for languages other than English, Andégo will strive to align participants with a French family seeking both English and/or a secondary language of instruction. 

*Please note: Andégo honors all languages and understands the intersectionality of language, race, socio-economic status, ability, ethnicity, and creed. It is our mission to support participants in sharing their languages with French speakers in ways that are authentic to their identity and to the preservation of their home-culture. 

Where will I be staying when placed? 

All participants will be placed in a homestay in France. Andégo, in cooperation with Terre des langues, places students in medium to large-sized towns so that Homestay Participants have access to public transit and activities. 

What will my accommodations be like?

In the French homestay, Andégo ensures that all participants have a room separate from other household members to respect privacy and well-being. It is important to note that historical architecture, however, could influence the size of the general home. Many participants will experience smaller living spaces than they are used to at home and will most often share a bathroom with French family members.

To what ages do I teach English?

Depending on the host family, individuals needing English language services could be children, adolescents or adults. Andégo understands that language acquisition requires different lesson preparation from the Language Homestay participant depending on the age, the experience with the English language, and the objectives of the French family. Andégo therefore aligns Language Homestay participants’ preferences with the needs of the French family. In the Application, participants indicate which ages and levels they could be interested and willing to teach. If participants are placed in a family where both children and adults are seeking two different forms of English education, Andégo supports participants in lesson planning and delivery to streamline prep-time.

How many people in my French family do I teach?Depending on the need and size of the French host family, Language Homestay participants could teach 1-3 individuals during one language session or during separate sessions. 

Can I come early or stay after my homestay?

Generally speaking, yes!  Travel with friends or family exploring France and Europe!  Andégo requires a copy of your round-trip flight itinerary.  You can also extend the coverage of your travel insurance plan (any fees of extending your insurance are paid by the Participant)

*Please note: Most citizenships (USA, UK, Canada) are allowed 90 days in France without Visa documentation. To check the entry requirements for your country of citizenship, click HERE. Travel extending beyond 90 days requires Visa documentation. 

Will I have insurance in France?

Yes, obtaining and purchasing Medical and Travelers’ Insurance that is accepted in France is mandatory prior to program departure. Andégo purchases a coverage plan for participants and insurance is included in the program fee.

How are host families prepared?

French families are provided with meetings and resources to help prepare them for the experience of hosting. Topics might include: how to prepare for a participant’s visit, how to help a participant feel safe at home, warning signs of culture shock, what to do in case of emergency, and more.

How do I know that I will be accepted by my host family? 

The Language Homestay program believes that “to be accepted” requires acknowledgement, transparent communication and respect between Andégo, participants and host families. Andégo therefore prioritizes acknowledging participant identity - race, gender, socio-economic status, ability, in addition to past-time preferences, lived-experiences and cultural heritage - and supports practices that provide opportunities during which participants and host families present themselves authentically. Andégo expects, and coaches, French families to practice respect for the participants that they are hosting. It is of utmost importance to Andégo that program participants feel safe & valued, and experience a sense of belonging. Once approved to the program, Andégo mentors participants in ways to foster intercultural, vibrant and healthy relationships with their host family so that both participants and the French family feel accepted by one another.  

If an issue arises, Andégo is always available for support. Most issues concern cultural-adjustment and communication barriers, which can provoke misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Andégo is well equipped to guide participants to solutions!

Can I choose where I will be placed?

All participants are placed in France with a French family. Although participants can provide preference of placement in their Application, Andégo and Terre des langues ultimately arrange programs based on availability of French families willing to host, as the availability and location of families are continuously changing.

Can I change host families?

Being placed and welcomed into a host family requires a lot of investigation, screening, communication and collaboration. It is not advised to change host families once a participant has been placed. Andégo does understand, however, that there exist circumstances in which a participant may need to change host families. This process requires dialogue to assess and seek rapid solutions. Solutions are collaborated on with the Language Homestay participant, Andégo, Terre des langues, and French host families. This topic is further discussed at the Virtual Academy.

Will I be able to contact my host family beforehand?

Yes! Contact with the participant’s host family is encouraged and Andégo supports participants in this process. Once Language Homestay participants have been placed in a French host family, they write a letter (in French or English) introducing themselves. This correspondence is reciprocated by the host family. Moreover, Andégo provides family contact information to participants and encourages email exchanges and Zoom meets. Navigating relationships with host families is discussed at the Virtual Academy. 

When can I apply and what is the application deadline? 

You can apply all year long! This program extends from 2 to 12 weeks based on preference and availability. Participants may indicate in their Application a preferred date of departure. The applicants’ preferred date of program departure needs to allow for at least 12 weeks for candidature processing and placement. For example, if a participant would like to depart for France on June 1st, they must complete their Application by early-March. Fees depend on the length of the program. Apply HERE.

Is the French family screened for security and safety? 

Yes, French families are thoroughly screened by our partners, Terre des langues. Screening includes an extensive application, interview and home-visit. 

Do I need to pay the program fees all at once? 

No, Andégo creates a payment schedule for participants. You can also find a copy of the payment schedule in their Participant Agreement.

Can I request an alternative payment schedule? 

Yes, we can work with you to set up an alternative payment schedule. Be prepared to complete all payments two to three weeks before your travel date. 

What travel documents do I need? 

Participants need a passport. If they do not yet have one, now is a good time to apply! U.S. citizens, click HERE.

What are my expenses while abroad? 

Participants pay for extra-curricular activities, supplemental travel, and personal purchases that are independent of their host family. This could include lunch in a neighboring village while traveling alone, a train ticket to Paris for the weekend, clothing, and souvenirs.

Who should not apply to this program? 

Those who are currently experiencing excessive behavior problems, drug or alcohol dependence or abuse, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, or other psychological disorders that might interfere with the program, or participants who have experienced any of these issues within the past year should not apply. Likewise, we cannot accept participants with life-threatening allergies, or participants who do not speak English.

What are my pre-trip responsibilities?

Participants need to:

-Submit Application and make payments on time.

-Participate in an Applicant Interview in English.

-Perform a Background Check ($33) and sign a Participant Agreement.

-Attend the Language Homestay Virtual Academy (pre-departure orientation).

-Prepare travel documents, such as a passport and insurance.

-Review materials from the Virtual Academy to prepare for this experience.