France Homestay & High School Experience 2012-13

Introducing....

the French experience of a lifetime

Each year following the end-of-year exams many excited Australian Year 10 and 11 students travel to France to stay with a host family and attend a Lycée (senior high school).

As participants in G·E·T Educational Tours unique “Living Lessons” in France Homestay & High School “exchange” style program, they’re not just immersed in French culture and language, they enjoy the French experience of a lifetime.

Perfect for a student preparing for Year 12 and further tertiary education, this unique program offers 16-18 year old students of French the opportunity to enhance their language skills, experience the independence of international travel in a safe environment and prepare for the future with confidence and maturity without the obligation for their families to host a French or other foreign student in exchange.

Applications for the “Living Lessons” France Homestay & High School Experience in the Australian summer of 2012-2013 close April 2012 for departures in November and December 2012.

“LiVING LESSONS” in France HOMESTAY & HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE 2012-13

“My final weeks flew and by this stage I could have decent conversations with people - being immersed in the culture really is the best way to learn the language “

“I’m having loads of fun here....

I can't believe it's been a month since I've arrived. It's a bit sad 'cos it's going too quickly."

Typifying Australian students participating in G∙E∙T Educational Tours “Living Lessons” in France Homestay & High School Experience, Queenwood School for Girls student, Adelaide Coleman (pictured top right), was immersed in French culture and language, and "having a ball".

Students including Adelaide enthuse about their time with their French host families.

Each year students opting for the 2 and 3 month programs travel in November and December and return home in time for the start of the Australian school year.

Those choosing to immerse themselves in French culture and language for 10 months depart in August.

G•E•T Educational Tours managing director, Anne-Marie Mitchell, said - unlike some programs - students are guaranteed to be placed with a host family in France.

While the style of the program was similar to “exchange” programs, there was no obligation for Australian families to host French or other foreign students in return. Students were truly considered as a member of their host family and could be placed anywhere in France with the emphasis on matching participants common interests with their hosts .

“They are equal in rights and duties,” she said. “Our carefully vetted host families take very seriously their role as ‘parents’ and responsiblity for the student’s welfare”

G∙E∙T Educational Tours "Living Lessons" in France Homestay & High School Experience - managed in conjunction with CEI-Club des 4 Vents - offers students the benefits of travel, a sense of independence and the opportunity to maximise their studies.

“We believe this program perfectly encapsulates the substantial benefit to language students of travelling in France and communicating in everyday situations - it’s what we mean by Living Lessons ,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Both as short-term travellers as members of a school group or for longer periods such as those experienced by participants in the “Living Lessons” in France Homestay, & High School Experience there is simply no substitute to travel for students to comprehensively immerse themselves in the language and culture.”

Living Lessons in France may be as short as 2 months or up to a full academic year. The deadline for applications is April 2012.

Successful applicants depart for France in September, November or January and live with caring, highly concerned host families.

Ms Mitchell said key features of the G·E·T Educational Tours 2012-13 “Living Lessons” France Homestay & High School Experience included the assurance that host families were located in France, 24 hour assistance for students in France, advice of host family details at least a month prior to travel and appropriate travel insurance at competitive rates.

www.getours.com.au

“IT was an amazing experience to be in the most romantic city in the world, and it was fantastic to see it from a French Perspective”.

This was the enthusiastic reaction of Hornsby High School Year 10 student, Melissa Black (pictured front page centre sitting left), following a week in Paris with her G∙E∙T Educational Tours "Living Lessons" in France Homestay & High School “exchange” family.

Melissa said her participation in the program had significantly improved her French fluency and appreciation of other cultures.

“I made some fabulous friends, many of whom were exchange students like me. It’s an enormous feeling to know that friends can be made almost anywhere - being over the other side of the world has a huge impact on your values and on the way you see the world.”

By the time she completed her homestay and high school experience, Melissa could converse in French and felt comfortable communicating with the local people.

“My final weeks flew and by this stage I could have decent conversations with people – being immersed in the culture really is the best way to learn the language,” she said.

WANTED: Motivated, Enthusiastic, Adventurous students of French to participate in a fantastic residential program in France

frequently asked questions...

How old must I be?

You must be between 16 & 18 years of age on the date of departure from Australia.

Should I be able to speak French?

Yes, but you don’t have to be totally fluent. You should have studied French at least 2 years and be prepared to “have a go”.

Will my host family be able to speak English?

We cannot guarantee this. Some host families do speak English but remember one of the reasons you are there, is to improve your confidence and ability in the French language.

Can I choose where I would like to go in France?

No. Your host family is chosen for you, matching your interests as far as possible.

Will my host family live in Paris?

No. Our host families live in smaller regional towns or villages. This means you may, for example, travel to school on the school bus. In smaller centres most people know or recognise and look out for each other.

Will I have contact with my host family before I leave Australia?

Yes. You will receive information and photos of your host family around a month before you leave Australia. You are encouraged to contact them and exchange information about your expectations. Not all families will have e-mail so letter writing could be the vital means of contact.

Will I be homesick? sons” France Maybe. At some stage most students experience “Living Les e th aged in S NT nce must be some feeling of homesickness - typically in PARTICIPA hool Experie rture Sc pa h de ig r H ei th the first weeks of their stay in France. Your Homestay & 18 years at the time of and host family and local counsellor will support between 16 it ia.

Craig, said al tr us you as you manage these feelings. Coping and from A ator, Janine r a in fo rd -o ch co en Fr ’s m managing by yourself is part of the maturing had studied The progra that students process and the program can assist to build your was expected ger two years. rticularly youn self confidence in a supportive atmosphere. minimum of rticipants, pa om pa fr t at th efi n al ti be n se e enough to ur It was also es at m ly Who will meet me when I arrive at the al e person students, wer h a airport in Paris? . ce ened throug en ri pe carefully scre ry .

You will be met by one of our French staff outside the ex ve id sa is e t sh an ip iew process,” “Each partic all French Customs (look for someone holding up n and interv maturity are us applicatio ro go ri d a level of an sm your name). This person will take you into Paris to ia us , enth “Motivation ram. the correct train for your final destination where you m is right s in this prog es cc su to ng the progra ,” said l ri ta su vi en t ou will be met by your local counsellor and possibly your France careful ab and live in “We are very host family. to travel to ed ct le se e for thos Do I have to attend school?

Ms Craig.

Yes. This is a vital part of the program as the program is an educational one. You will be attending a Lycée (senior high school) offering the opportunity to develop many acquaintances and even long lasting friendship.

“Esther has had a wonderful time and

Can I use frequent flyer points to travel to and from France?

Yes, under certain conditions. You will need to arrive in Paris on the same flight as the other students travelling from

www.getours.com.au

hasn’t stopped talking since the plane touched down! The family was amazing...”

Cathy Holt, Woodleigh School

“the best way to master the French language and increase knowledge of all things French. We are very confident about the quality and outcomes of this program.”

Australia.

Do I have to return to Australia immediately the program is finished?

No. Your parents may wish to meet you and travel elsewhere in France or Europe. You may have relatives in France or other parts of Europe your family would like you to visit. We can arrange your return flight according to your wishes.

Can I travel to other parts of France or Europe while I am on exchange?

You will not be allowed to travel on your own while taking part in the program. You will be able to travel with your host family for weekends/short holidays if they have planned some activities for you and your parents in Australia are happy with this.

Can my parents visit me?

Parents or other family members should not plan to visit you while you are participating in the program. Experience has shown that such visits can be unsettling for the student.

However once the program has ended your parents can meet you and travel with you.

Will my family have to host a French student in return?

No, your family will not be required to host a French student in return.

What happens if I have a problem with my host family?

Sometimes problems do arise with a host family - this may be due to a cultural misunderstanding or some miscommunication. If you have had regular contact with your host family before leaving Australia, problems are less

likely to arise.

Who do I call for help?

Every student is assigned a local counsellor who will assist you and help solve any problems you may be having. If after exhaustive discussions/negotiations the problem is unable to be resolved then a change of host family may be possible.

Will I need a visa?

If your program is three months or less a visa is not currently required. For students undertaking the longer programs a student visa is needed. G∙E∙T Educational Tours will help you obtain the visa. NOTE: Costs associated with obtaining a visa are not included in the program fee.

How much does it cost?

The 6 week program starts from $5,450 per student* inclusive of return economy class airfares with all taxes and charges. The slightly longer duration two month program starts from $5,920 per student*, three months from $6080 per student* and six months from $6,965 per student*.

Prices are subject to currency variations, seasonality and other changes.

How do I apply?

Information is included (or about to arrive in schools) for applications to the program. Some students have already applied for next year. We are happy to receive applications

EXPRESS IONS of in terest in th France Ho e mestay & High Scho “Living Lessons” 13 are due ol Experien in April 20 ce 201212.

Informatio n session s are sc Successful heduled app in May. Full academ licants notified in Ju ne 2012. ic year parti cipants leav September e for France with short each du for France in Novemb ration students dep arting er and Dec For more ember. informatio n contact France Ho “Living L mestay & essons” High Scho ordinator, ol Experie Janine Cra nce Coig.

9Live 9 with the French in France 9Travel insurance at competitive rates 9 924 9 Hour Assistance 9Host family details a month prior to travel 9

www.getours.com.au

Participants should be between the ages of 16 and 18 at the date of departure from Australia and they will be matched with a host family based on common interests and academic record. There is a stringent screening and interview process.

To Language Co-ordinators and all teachers of French, G·E·T Educational Tours is extremely pleased to again offer in the Australian summer of 2012-2013 our very special “Livinmg Lessons” in France Homestay & High School Experience available to your students of French.

In conjunction with CEI-Club des 4 Vents in Paris and St Marlo, we have developed this special “exchange” style program offering students the experience of a lifetime as a member of a volunteer French host family while studying in a local school.

But unlike some other exchange programs, G·E·T Educational Tours Homestay & High School Experience does NOT include an obligation for Australian families to host French or other foreign students in return.

As short as 2 months, 6 months or as long as 10 months - this unique program - allows your student to gain a mastery of the French language and provides them with the opportunity to comprehensively immerse themselves in the French culture and way of life.

Participants should be between the ages of 16 and 18 at the date of departure from Australia. They will be matched with a host family based on common interests and academic record. There is a stringent screening and interview process to ensure the program is right for the student and that they are equipped to get the best from the experience.

G·E·T Educational Tours has 50 years experience in providing “Living Lessons” for the students of schools Australia wide and CEI-Club des 4 Vents has over 50 years experience in exchange and educational programs for students, worldwide.

Over the years students from Australia have been placed with families in the Avignon, Rennes and Morlaix in Brittany, the Loire Valley and Vosges areas, as well as in towns close to the Swiss border, among others.

Applications for the 2012-2013 program are now open. We look forward to your support confident that the “Living Lessons” in France Homestay & High School Experience is complementary to your school’s LOTE program. Please note the Expression of Interest included in this brochure. You are free to copy this for interested students. If further copies are required please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely... Anne-Marie Mitchell, Managing Director

LIVING LESSONS “GAP YEAR” G∙E∙T Educational Tours has introduced a new concept in Living Lessons designed especially for year 12 students who want to spend their “gap year” gaining a competitive edge in France. The “Living Lessons” Gap Year is ideal for Year 12 students who intended to study French language and culture at university and the perfect addition to a resume.

www.getours.com.au

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - FRANCE HOMESTAY & HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

YES – I will be at least 16 years old at date of departure from Australia and I am interested in finding out more about the “Living Lessons” in France Homestay & High School exchange*. I understand that a meeting of all interested students and their parents will be held to explain the program fully before applications close.

NAME:

..........................................................................................................................................................

ADDRESS: ........................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................................................

CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: ...............................................................

DATE OF BIRTH: ...............................................................................

E-MAIL: ..........................................................................................................................................................

SCHOOL: ..........................................................................................................................................................

PARENT’S SIGNATURE: .........................................................................................................................................

PARENT NAME (in block letters): ...........................................................................................................................

I am most interested in (please circle your choice); 6 week program (depart early Dec - return mid-Jan) from $5,670 per student* 2 month program (depart early Dec – return late Jan from $6,220 per student* 3 month program (depart mid Nov – return late Jan) from $6,205 per student* 6 month program ( Jan – June) from $8,305 per student* Please return your expression of interest to;

G·E·T Educational Tours P.O. Box 145 SOUTH MELBOURNE Vic 3205 or FAX: 03 9820 2839 Applications Deadline: April 2012 * “exchange” describes the style of G·E·T Educational Tours “Living Lessons in France Homestay & High School Experience.

Note that unlike some programs, there is no obligation for Australian families to host French or other foreign stsudents in return.

G•E•T Educational Tours proudly supports The Smith Family "Learning for Life" program

© Pictures CEI Paris, Maison de la France Sydney, G·E·T Educational Tours