FAQ

What is a homestay Immersion program?
The homestay concept is to give students the opportunity to "live" the language. They live with a French family and participate in the life of the family including meals and family activities. Provence en Famille offers three different homestay programs: French Language Program, French Culture Program, French Cooking Program. 

What is the minimum and maximum duration of a stay?
The minimum duration is one week. There is no maximum stay. On average, students stay two or three weeks.

How many hours of lessons are there in the French Language Homestay during a week?
Students can choose between 10 hours (2 per day), 15 hours (3 per day), or 20 hours (4 per day). 10 or 15 hours per week is usually the most effective.

Are you experienced in teaching French as a second language?
I have a master's degree in English and French (comparative litterature). I have been a teacher of French as a Foreign Language for 20 years. I have welcomed students into my home for one-on-one tutoring and total immersion homestays for 20 years.

Will I speak only French?
You are encourged to speak only in French.  If there is a need to communicate in English, my husband and I are both fluent in English. If you are enrolled in the French Culture or the French Cooking Program and desire to speak mostly English, then those courses will be conducted in English.

Will I have my own room and bathroom?
You will stay in your own private bedroom which has a full, attached bathroom.

May two students enroll together?
Yes. Two students can be accommodated if they are friends traveling together or a husband and wife team. The bedroom has two twin beds and a private, en suite bathroom with a bath, shower, and toilet. If the two students are at a similar level, they may take their lessons together. If not, the time can be divided so that each receives one-on-one instruction.

Is there a fixed curriculum?
No. That is why one-on-one instruction is so successful. Instruction can be tailored to meet your needs. We can concentrate on grammar, vocabulary, conversation, or any area of your choice.

Will I have the opportunity to practice conversation? 
Yes. This is another advantage of a total immersion French homestay program. We will be conversing during class time, lunch and dinner. It is a wonderful opportunity to speak and to listen to French being spoken.

Should my stay include the weekends, are there any activities or, am I on my own?
There are no lessons on the weekend but you may be included in family activities. If you want some time on your own, I will be happy to recommend some local areas to explore.

Is it difficult to get to Aix-en-Provence? Do I need to rent a car?
If you arrive at Marseille by plane, my husband and I will pick you up at the airport. If you choose to travel by train, we will pick you up at the train station in Aix-en-Provence. We will also take you to the station or airport when you depart. This service is provided at no additional cost. Aix-en-Provence does have easy train service to Marseille and the surrounding towns. There are also buses which go to all of the surrounding destinations. It is not necessary to rent a car but if you desire to travel farther a field during your free time, a rental car would be useful.

Are special meals possible?
If you have special dietary needs, I will be happy to change the menus to accommodate those needs providing I am given advanced notice.

Where is your apartment located? Is it in the center of town?
Our apartment is located in the heart of the historic district in Aix-en-Provence. It is a 5-10 minutes walk to all of the stores and tourist sites.

What French level is necessary for the programs?
Students of all levels are accepted.

In the event of cancellation of the booking or a shortened stay, what are the conditions for giving a refund?
¤ Cancellation up to 30 days prior to the start of stay: full refund less deposit
¤ Cancellation 15 to 30 days prior to the start of the stay: 50% refund.
¤ Cancellation less than 15 days prior to the start of the stay: no refund except for
   certifiable medical reasons for the student.
¤ If a student of any age arrives latter than expected or leaves earlier than expected for  
   whatever reasosn: no refund will be given for any lessons or lodging that have been
   missed.