VOLUNTEER LANGUAGE BUDDY ABROAD PROGRAM 

Program Schedule

Availability:   All year

Program Length:   4 weeks
Price:   $3,500

Program Length:   5-8 weeks
Price:   $3,900

Program Length:   12 weeks
Price:   $4,200

Prices are subject to change

Volunteer Language Buddy Abroad France

The ICES short-term Language Buddy Abroad Program in France offers the opportunity for participants to become a conversation friend to a local family while sharing their everyday life.

The participants may speak to one or several family members in order to help them improve their language skills through conversation. The participant may also have to assist them with their homework. The amount of time dedicated to conversations should be 15 hours/week.

Participants stay with a carefully selected volunteer host family who provides them with full board and a room in exchange for their conversations with a family member.

France Country Information

Did you know that France is the most popular tourist destination in the world? Oui! With over 84 million tourists visiting every year. Most stay barely long enough for a view of the Eiffel Tower, a taste of the country’s outstanding cheese, and some museums in Paris. Discover more through study abroad – here’s your chance to experience the true vie française!

Area: 643,801 km²
Population: 66 million
Capital: Paris
Language: French
National holiday: July 14
Currency: Euro

France is the largest country in the European Union. Though cities are fast growing, France is still a rural country with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world – from the mountainous Alps, oceanic northern coast, the vineyards of Bordeaux, and hot beaches of the Mediterranean.

French cuisine is popular throughout the world for its high standards and fine flavors. Start the day off right with fresh-baked bread and a croissant from the town boulangerie. Sample cheeses specific to different regions of the country, like camembert from the north, strong Roquefort from the South, and of course brie from the Île de France, home of Paris. For more adventurous eaters, try escargot or cuisses de grenouille! To finish off your meal, try mille feuilles, macarons, religieuses, and other sweets from your local patisserie.

The arts shine in France’s history and present. Art and monuments created by the French or inspired by France include paintings by Monet, Rousseau, Rembrandt and Van Gogh, the cathedrals of Notre Dame and Rouen, and in Paris the Arc de Triomphe and of course the timeless Eiffel Tower. Famous classic authors include Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Albert Camus, and Marcel Proust.

France’s Enlightenment influenced the American Revolution. The French Revolution set an example for democracy in the world, developing the values of liberté, egalité, et fraternité – freedom, equality, and fraternity. Though famously secular, Catholicism still greatly influences the culture of the country.

Friends, family members and some colleagues in France greet each other with la bise – kisses on the cheeks. You’ll soon learn the number of kisses that are expected, as these vary from different regions in the country! You and your French friends will probably spend time together in parks or cafés, parties at each other’s homes, talking and watching soccer matches.

Host Family Life

Meals are important for families and taken together. Dinner is also the time to share the day with the other members of the family. The word of elders is to be respected. In most families both parents work, and help from the children is therefore very welcomed.

French families enjoy a great deal of traditions. If you are in France for the winter holidays you may try the Galette des Rois – a crusty cake filled with almonds or apples, eaten in early January to celebrate the religious story of the visit of the three Kings to Jesus. On Mardi Gras you may try la Chandeleur – a crêpe made and tossed with a coin in hand to bring good luck.

The participant’s experience will depend on placement, since French traditions and lifestyles vary across the country.

Program Fee

The program fee includes:

• Language buddy application processing
• Host family screening
• Placements with full board
• ICES 24/7 emergency line
• Local assistance
• 24/7 emergency line in the host country
• Health insurance
• Criminal background check fees

Participant is responsible for:

• Flight costs
• Arrival/departure transfers
• Personal expenses

Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years old
• High school graduate (being a university student or graduate is preferable)
• Basic knowledge of French
• Be able to pass a criminal background check

Visas

Participants in short-term programs (90 days or less) do not need a visa, but a valid passport is required. The passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from France and Italy. It is highly recommended to have six month validity remaining for added security.

Learn more about France

Movies: Amelie, The Untouchables, The Class, Pierrot de fou, La Regle du jou, The 400 Blows.
Books: The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Stranger – Albert Camus, Les Miserables – Victor Hugo, Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert, The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas
Music: Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Serge Gainsbourg, Daft Punk, Noir Désir
Famous people: Marie Antoinette, King Louis XIV, Joan of Arc, Catherine Deneuve, Coco Channel, Carla Bruni

About ICES

We are a nonprofit organization committed to international, educational student exchange. Our goal is to promote cultural awareness and international understanding by offering quality, educational and cultural programs for students, host families and schools. Our staff is dedicated to creating a positive exchange experience for all program participants.