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~The Benefits of Cultural Exchange ~

This is my third year in Brighton managing a pop-up school in association with LEC Séjours Linguistiques, a long-standing Parisian-based Language Company.

I love every minute of it! - from the preparation of finding host families, hiring a teacher, booking classrooms & travel, finding activities that the students will love, organising competitions & beach bbqs, to sharing a fun-packed adventure that they will hopefully remember with joy and fondness for the rest of their lives!

Not only do the students learn English, but they form new friendships, both with host families and classmates, discover the history and culture of a vibrant city by the sea, visit castles and ports , soak up the landscape and enjoy sports and games, whilst not forgetting the all important shopping trips!

For most, it's the first time away from home in a different country with new faces; and though an exciting adventure awaits, it may also be a little bit daunting.

In fact, the inspiration for this work goes back to my early teens when I ventured off to stay with my French penpal, Amandine, in magical and mystical France. Yet, I certainly remember being so nervous the first year, I hardly spoke a word of French, but by the second visit I was settling into la belle vie française! Even though I had already spent many holidays abroad with my family, this exchange would be my first experience alone, and would begin to shape my feeling and fervor for a new culture.

Such an exchange may have a deep impact on an individual's passion for a new language and culture, so it is of the utmost importance that they are offered the best experience possible.

On arrival many French students are surprised by the culinary differences, and though the host families are good cooks, the French often have a certain expectation compared to what they receive on their plate! This is usually the first hurdle of a cultural exchange as well as any linguistic shyness, but a good host family will always do their utmost to make their guests feel at home and part of the family so they can settle into a happy way of life.

For the first few days it is natural for a child to feel homesick, however the experience we offer gives them the courage to take new steps, make close friendships, integrate new words and expressions into their daily living, whilst absorbing the exciting sounds, sights and smells that create such an eclectic city as Brighton!

We wish all our students a wonderful stay!