I did a French exchange during transition year, and it was one of the best things I have ever done! Jane and her colleague in France Margit were so helpful not only did they match me with a wonderful family but they were there along side me the whole time throughout the whole experience. I never had to hesitate to contact Jane if there was a problem or just needed to ask a question. I would really recommend TY Europe because they don’t just find you a family they give you support and help you throughout the whole journey and they don’t rush you into choosing an exchange student/Family straight away they give you time and reassurance to make sure you make the right choice on which family suits you the best.
During my stay I had a wonderful experience. I went to France to help me understand and speak the language better, but I also did it to step outside of my comfort zone and do something a little terrifying and it was absolutely the right thing to do. Everyone made me feel so welcome and I’m so grateful for that I have made friends for life I have improved my French vocabulary I am still in contact with my correspondent all the time even now when I am home! I was very lucky with my family I got to visit lots of beautiful places and even got to visit Paris and climb up the Eiffel tower.
I went to France for four weeks and I think that it’s a good duration to start with for your first time especially if its your first time away from home! I think you need to go for no less than four weeks to reach as much of your potential as you can. I found that four weeks was enough for me but to learn more I would recommend going a little bit longer especially if it takes you a little while to settle in because it can be hard to fit in with everything and adjust to all the changes quickly!
I found the school a challenge to try and learn all the different subject in language that is not your first language which for me was French especially when the Grammar of the language is hard, I find the French Grammar very difficult. All the teachers were very kind and helped me if I needed anything as well as my classmates, they helped me out with the school work and helped improve my vocabulary.
Overall, I have had a wonderful four weeks and I would really recommend to do an exchange if you want to help improve your language or just to step outside your comfort zone and to help improve and open windows and doors to new amazing opportunity’s that you might not get to experience after school and to make lifelong friends and to create memories that you will cherish forever.
