WHAT DOES THE HOST FAMILY DO ?

Brenda, Spring 2017, Indiana
It was a blessing for our family to have the opportunity to meet and get to know Andreas. The experience of hosting a student from France exceeded all of our expectations. We were surprised at how quickly we bonded and became friends.  We had laughs over language misunderstandings and found it very interesting to hear what is different and what is similar to his life in France. It was a very enjoyable and memorable time for our entire family. I highly recommend hosting a student from France because it helps you to grow, learn, and make connections that you would not otherwise make.  
We hope to host another student next spring.  Thank you for all you did to make the exchange possible!

Janine, Spring 2017, Miami
The French exchange student program through Inspired Gateways for Catholic schools is an excellent program where French students get to study in an American Catholic school while living with an American Catholic family.  Our student’s name is Vianney  and we had so much fun with him.  He is an amazing and very polite young man.  As soon as he got here, and until he left, we committed to teach him, and show him, as much as possible about our country.  He became instant friends with our son.  We also learned a lot from Vianney about France as we would compare cultures, food and places.  We have great communication with Vianney and his whole family, and although it was a temporary stay, we plan on keeping in touch and visiting each other.  Our families are now bonded through Vianney.

What is the experience like for the host family? 
This is a unique opportunity for a host family to actively experience a true intercultural and spiritual exchange within their own home. French participants learn about the language and lifestyle of the United States firsthand from their host families. Each family member and each participant, acting as both ambassador and friend, learn from each other. Hosting a student is a beautiful way to provide a rewarding and mutually beneficial experience for themselves and the participant. Catholic families enable the American and French teens to build a “Civilization of Love” by fostering friendships between Catholic teenagers, the future leaders of the next generation.

What are my responsibilities as a volunteer host family?
It is most important to treat your student as a member of your family. Loving acceptance and guidance are the keys to being good host parents. You will provide three meals a day, a private or shared bedroom with a bed for your student. Otherwise, just follow your regular routine and invite your student to join in on the family fun. Spending time together is the most important gift that you can share. Relax and have fun!

What about insurance? 
A comprehensive plan for medical coverage and a medical assistance for travelers is subscribed to by each participant. They are insured for illness, injury, and loss of life. The coverage begins and ends on their flights to and from their home country. 

Will French students speak English well?
The level and command of the English language will vary for each French student. In France, a 9th grade student has already studied English at school for four years. It is important to give him a couple of days to “settle in”. Usually, English fluency improves quickly when a student feels comfortable and accepted. When all else fails, the Google translator or a bilingual dictionary will help smooth over the rough spots!

How much does it cost to host a student?
Normally, it is relatively inexpensive to host a student. Occasionally, some of our teenage boys are big eaters and they may raise your food bill a little. The students bring their own spending money so they can pay their admission to extra activities and special events. Some families find that they spend a little more because they do more activities during the homestay so they incur additional expenses for their own family members. To offset this, the French families will provide a $200 stipend for the families who host during the summer months.
 

Michelle, Fall 2016, Indiana
We are a strong Catholic family and appreciated having a Catholic guest who shared our faith.