Testimonials

Special Testimonial from Kari who had an article published in her local newspaper : High School program in Spain

STUDENT : Anne
AGE : 18
PROGRAM : one week Home Lessons in England
"This program completely fulfilled my expectations. I really enjoyed staying with my private teacher, who warmly welcomed me. She made me discover Cambridge and thanks to her advices, I’ve made the best of my stay there. Her efficient teaching method allowed me to progress."

STUDENT : Akané
AGE : 16
PROGRAM : Academic Year in France
"Dear Nacel! How are you? I’m fine! Time ran so fast and I leave France tomorrow! I’ve learned so much during my stay here in France, either in Brittany or in the Pyrénées. Everything was fine. Thank you for caring on me during this time! Au revoir!"

STUDENT : Sarah
AGE : 18
PROGRAM : Spanish school in Barcelona
"A wonderful town, a great weather, open-minded, funny and smiling inhabitants, Barcelona is a town that one cannot forget! The school is perfectly located, teachers are attentive and courses are really interesting. In one week, I’ve learned the equivalent of 4 months at high school. To be done again!"

STUDENT : Aneyrin
AGE : 17
PROGRAM : Academic Year in France
"I leave France after 10 months here with Nacel. I would like to thank you for all what you have done for me this year, everything was fine and I think that I’ve learned a lot. Merci Nacel!"

STUDENT : Elisa
AGE : 20
PROGRAM : English school in London
"I’m really satisfied with my stay in London, because of the quality of the teacher and the good atmosphere during courses and at the residence. Your information regarding travel and accommodation were clear and detailed. I thank the whole Nacel team!"

STUDENT : Jill
AGE : 37
PROGRAM : Homestay in Barcelona
"I went to Barcelona in 1988 for 4 weeks through Nacel. I was so nervous about being away from home and speaking Spanish, but the program was so well organized and the people at Nacel placed me with the perfect family. I stayed in a beautiful summer home in Sitges and did a lot of sight seeing. I had a wonderful experience and I am now a Spanish teacher. I recommend Nacel to all my students."

STUDENT : Sterling
AGE : 17
PROGRAM : Spanish one to one lessons in Spain
"The experience that my son Sterling (17) had while in Barcelona was an amazing and a very positive one. He was very impressed and felt at home with his host family. Not only did he come home with a better Spanish vocabulary , a sense of accomplishment, and a desire to experience more of the world, he came home with some great recipes.
This experience has allowed him the insight into another countries way of life. He is ready to go again and we will be making that happen this summer. We are in the process of lining him up a trip to London, and again to Barcelona. Our Sincere, Thanks, Joanna & Sterling, Melbourne, Florida, USA"

STUDENT : Joseph
AGE : 49
PROGRAM : Home Lessons program in Milan
"I passed my exam and I’m waiting to receive my certificate from the University of Siena level B2 intermediate. The teacher's family is a very nice couple and they made my stay very enjoyable. They treated me like one of the family and the teacher was very professional in the way she organized the lessons. I would have no hesitation in recommending the program to anybody whom wants to improve their Italian."

STUDENT : Caroline
AGE : 17
PROGRAM: French Language School in Rouen
"Caroline enjoyed her stay in Rouen very much. She particularly liked the family and said she learned a lot from them. She felt very safe and well taken care of. Caroline enjoyed meeting the other students from all the other countries.
We are very pleased with the program and are very grateful to her host family."

STUDENT : Pablo
AGE : 16
PROGRAM : Summer camp in France
"I enjoyed the experience very much and it was great that everybody at the camp was so friendly & helpful to us. It was a very enjoyable way to learn French. Thank you."

STUDENT :Laura
AGE : 16
PROGRAM : Homestay in Spain
"I really liked the family I was staying with; they were all very open and nice to me. However, I would have preferred that they take me out to do certain activities some of the time I was there, or do some sightseeing or something of the sort, because there were moments when I got bored during my stay. My bed was also not very comfortable, but I can live with that. All in all I had a lot of fun and I really liked the family."

STUDENT : Tyler
AGE : 16
PROGRAM : Homestay in Spain
"I would definitely recommend this program. The family I stayed with was great! They were so kind and helpful. Celine was so helpful and I really could not have asked for a better experience! It was fantastic. My family was amazing and it was one of the best experiences I think I will ever have. I would do it again in a minute."

STUDENT :Alice
AGE : 18
PROGRAM : Homestay in Spain
"I changed my host family after 3 nights, as my first family were smokers. Also, I don’t feel that I was put into a host FAMILY...as I was only in a house with a lady. I did meet loads of people however, and have made life long friends :) Just wish I could have stayed longer!!!"

STUDENT :Eliza
AGE : 16
PROGRAM : Homestay in France
"I found my homestay to be very fun and effective. My French skills improved and now I have friends in France. Overall a great experience."

STUDENT :Nora
AGE : 18
PROGRAM : Homestay in France
"The family was very nice. I was given a warm welcome by the family. Their family life was a bit different like it’s for me in Austria. But it was a great new experience to see how everyday life of an extended family is like."

STUDENT :Melanie
AGE : 17
PROGRAM : Homestay in France
"I really enjoyed my stay in France. Nacel did a wonderful job of placing me with a perfect family. They shared many of my interests, like running, so I was able to do my summer conditioning for cross country with my family."

STUDENT :Paul
AGE : 18
PROGRAM : High School Program in the United States
"From having attended an American public school all of my life, and then switching to Nacel International School, my mind has opened up to a world a lot larger than I once thought it was. I attended the Nacel International School the last three of my high school years and gained experiences I couldn't get anywhere else. Being surrounded by students, as well as the occasional teacher, from different countries has been one of the most educational experiences of my life. Nacel gave me the chance to gain friends from all over the world and I'll treasure those relationships forever. The Nacel International School was the best choice I have ever made in my life."

STUDENT :Ilona
AGE : 18
PROGRAM : Home lessons in the United States
"Everything was perfect: host family, teaching, accommodation.
I would especially like to recommend my host family who was exceptional, open minded and warm. A lot of visitors, relatives and friends, used to come home so that it was very interesting to listen to them and to exchange our views.
My tutor is a very experimented teacher so it was easy for her to adjust to my specific level of English. For example, she used to train me to debate various problems (society, economy, politic) which I would need for my studies (European law).
The family did everything for me and I found normal to help in little housework’s (dressing the table, taking out the dog…) as if I was at home. "

STUDENT : Selma
AGE : 17
PROGRAM : Homestay in Germany
"It was truly organized wonderfully! The staff did their absolute best to help make my stay in Germany phenomenal! I had the most wonderful time in Germany. The German coordinator, Mrs. Jelka B***, truly put thought into which family I would be best suited for. I had the opportunity to consistently speak the language with the family and they helped me learn and progress. I was fortunate enough to have seen more of Germany than I could have ever asked for. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to go to Germany and immerse myself in the life and culture of a German for four weeks with the V****. I had the best four weeks of my life with them. My interest for cultures and languages has dramatically increased and I hope to have the opportunity to travel and immerse myself in the culture and language of other countries even more in the future. Thank you so much!"

STUDENT :Marcelo
AGE : 17
PROGRAM : High School Program in Japan
"I made a lot of friends, learned the language efficiently and learned about great cultural differences, although the first 4 months if you struggle with the language it can be rather difficult. The program is a good way to integrated with other cultures. I would recommend to anyone who would be interested in taking the challenge.
Thank you for having this program and making one my dreams possible. I do not mind to give guidance to anyone else that may want to participate or to Nacel. Marcelo"

STUDENT :Thomas
AGE : 17
PROGRAM : Homestay in France
"Thomas enjoyed his stay in France and his French standard seems to have improved significantly as a result. The family with whom he stayed was friendly and hospitable and made an effort to ensure that he visited interesting places and experienced aspects of French culture. The accommodation they provided was comfortable and the food was good. We were particularly pleased that the family ate together every evening and Thomas was able to take part in their conversation and family time at the dinner table.
We are glad that we put Thomas into the programme and would recommend it to other parents of children wishing to improve their ability in a foreign language."

STUDENT : Ellen
AGE : 16
PROGRAM : Academic Year in Argentina
"Living in a different country has given me opportunities to immerse myself in another family, culture, and life. I have grown so much as a person and realized that every day is what I make of it. Every day brings a new challenge and a new memory. I will never be able to forget the friends that I´ve met and the memories I´ve made. A part of me will always stay in Argentina."

STUDENT : Danny
AGE : 17
PROGRAM : Academic Year in Argentina
“My experience with the Nacel program in Rosario, Argentina was nothing short of fantastic. Not only did my Spanish improve dramatically, but also I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and make lifelong friends. I will never forget the day I met my gracious host family – my new “mom” and “dad,” as well as my “brother” and “sister,” each gave me a customary Argentine kiss on the cheek, followed by an enthusiastic tour of their home. By the end of my first day, I felt like part of the family.
Learning a second language is challenging, but doing so in a Spanish-speaking environment is an incredible experience. The immersion nature of the program has no strings attached – I attended classes, participated in family life, and made friends – all in Spanish. My family and the program coordinators were extremely helpful – they gave me the support I needed as an exchange student and helped me with the process of language acquisition.
Every time I talk with one of my Argentinean friends, I am reminded that my experience has taught me more than a foreign language and culture. As an exchange student, I developed independence, confidence, problem solving skills, and the ability to connect with people who do not necessarily share my cultural background.
I encourage anyone who is interested in the Spanish language or Latin American culture to seriously consider Nacel’s program – I know from experience that it will be one of the best adventures of your life."

STUDENT : Amanda
AGE : 16
PROGRAM : Academic Year in Argentina
"This past year has been a once in a lifetime experience and has given me different perspectives on my life and the world. My year has been full of new experiences, new views on the world, and new friends. I have become part of a family, which is one of the best things that we can appreciate in Argentina. Family life here is so different! Above all I have improved my Spanish and experienced the Latino culture. I'm happy I enrolled for this program with Nacel! I had full support, affection and my rep was available every time I needed her. An unforgettable year!!!"

STUDENT : Alex and Iris
AGE : 17 and 16
PROGRAM : High School Program in the United Kingdom
"Dear Nacel, Me and Iris are writing this letter to you to tell you about our experience in England. Our goals and motivations before applying to this program were to learn English and to get to know English culture. We chose to come to England and not to go to USA because England is closer to our country and we can learn the most spoken language. As we are an EU country we didn’t have to request visa for UK but we had to fill in the forms for applying at college. When we arrived in UK we were welcomed by the college staff and we met our new mates. Boston is a small town with a big supermarket and lots of nice people. The good part of this program is that at the end of the year we will have an Academic IELTS certification for English language and some degrees in the subjects we studied that could help us for university application. Our future plan is to apply for university here and maybe to continue the college here. Best regards, Alex and Iris"

STUDENT :Viviana
AGE : 19
PROGRAM : Academic Year in Italy
"Being an exchange student has been a wonderful experience. I’m really happy; I’m enjoying myself and I’m learning so many things.My host family is really nice. I feel that I’m really a part of the host family!!!! and I’m really happy because I had to move to a different family, but not because we had a problem, they couldn’t host me, but they are really nice, sometimes I go to their place for dinner. With my current host family I get along really well!!!! I’m doing well at school too, my Italian is improving every day, and I also have made a lot of friends. At the benning I was kind of scared because everybody told that the first couple of months of this experience are hard because you get to feel lonely or homesick, but it has been different to me because since the day I arrived I have been really happy, and the time has been going so fast that I would like to stay longer, but I can’t hehe.. NACEL has been great too; they have supported me all the time. Every day of this experience has been unforgettable!! The fact that you are away from home, experimenting a new culture, a new language gives you the opportunity to grow, it’s kind of hard at the beginning, but you realized how much you can improve and grow all the time. I do miss my city, my family and friends sometimes, but I’m aware that the time is going by really fast so I want to enjoy every single day of my year as an exchange student."

STUDENT :Angela
AGE : 15
PROGRAM : High School Program in Japan
"My name is Angela, I am from Romania and I have participated in the high-school one year program in Japan [when I was 15 years old]. […]Learning the language from scratch in Japan made me feel like I was born again. I had the chance to learn again not only a new language, but new feelings, new emotions. I decided that I had to stay for another year in order to fully accomplish my goals there. […] It was more like an experience of learning about people and understanding myself in a different environment. My host family helped me a lot in this process. After going over a few cultural shocks and misunderstandings, soon my host mother became my best friend, the person who would not only teach me about Japan, but about life as well."

STUDENT :Tina
AGE : 27
PROGRAM : Language Teacher Assistant in Australia
"I assist the German teacher in the classroom and prepare exercises at home. It is good to see that I can support the students in learning German. We get along very well! I have met a lot of new people here since I arrived, especially at school, who are very friendly and helpful. I really feel comfortable here. I enjoy the time!"

STUDENT : Marie
AGE : 26
PROGRAM : Spanish School in Granada
"Regarding the school, I'm very happy, courses were of my level, teachers really competent, really attentive, really open. Teaching's method was different with each teacher but adapted to students, and we were few in each class. The school was very well located since it is in Granada's center, and was less than 5 minutes away from my accommodation. The school team was very warm, timetables well done. All in all, very good!
The school organizes several activities a week. Each time, at least one teacher accompanied us. For example, visits of the city, “rutas de tapas” o “las teterrias”. I really liked that a lot, especially the Albaycin district. Since we were not too many, it was easy to hit it off with other students, and I'm still in contact with almost all the persons I've met there."

STUDENT : Marie-Christine
PROGRAM : Language Teacher Assistant in Australia
"Dear Nacel, just to let you know that I got to Melbourne alright and I really enjoy being here. I really like my host family, the school and the staff. They are all very very welcoming and helpful. Thanks for everything!!! Take care, Marie-Christine”

STUDENT : Martin
PROGRAM : Academic Year in England
“Hi everybody, My name is Martin B., I'm 17 years old student from Bratislava, currently studying abroad in England. It's very difficult to express how thankful and happy I'm to be here. The opportunity, to go study abroad, is the thing everyone should pick up. It helps you, not only improve your English, you also meet lot of new people and learn how to communicate with the new world. If you are afraid of missing your family and friends, don't worry, one year might sound like a long time, but once you find friends and settle down in your host family, the year abroad will be great experience for you. Martin”

STUDENT : Traci
PROGRAM : Homestay in Spain 
“Dear Nacel, I had a wonderful summer =) Thank you so much for setting everything up. Traci”

STUDENT : Théo
PROGRAM : Homestay in Germany
“I would like to keep you informed of Théo’s stay in P’s family in Germany. I think it has been the best host family Théo could have, really open-minded and generous as well as very kindly and attentive to him. Thanks once again for this homestay abroad. King regards, Sylvie.”

STUDENT : Marine and Mélissandre
PROGRAM : Language School in Cadiz
“Hi everybody,
I would like to thank you for given Marine and Mélissandre the opportunity to spend a great stay in Cadiz. The set-up was just perfect and everything was alright. Unfortunately, I don’t speak a word of Spanish and that’s why I am not able to call Carmen and Paco, who kindly hosted our daughters. But I would be glad if you’d give them my warm thanks. I hope I’ll have the opportunity to organise another stay abroad with your organism. Kind regards, Shirley”

STUDENT: Kelvin
PROGRAM : Spring Term Germany
"A wonderful host family! It is difficult to find such a family, but a serious organization like yours is able to find it!"

STUDENT: Francis
PROGRAM: Homestay USA
“Good morning to the Nacel team! I would like to share with you a little story, mine, which Nacel has played an important role. During the summer 1981, I was 16 years old and I took part in a trip to the USA organised by Nacel. During a month I stayed with an American family from Colorado and even went back the following year. This short time spent abroad linked me to the American culture which had a strong influence on me and the rest of my life. After the “Bac”, I enter the French-American school in Paris. Two years later, I was admitted at the Hartford College. During these studies, I met the one who became my wife. Today, we have two teenagers. I’ve got 45 years old and 80% of my life is the consequence of this simple language travel which, on the moment, bored me. Thank you for your job. Sincerely.”

STUDENT: Eleanor
PROGRAM: Homestay Spain
“Eleanor does seem to be thoroughly enjoying her stay in Rosario. Thank you so much for your email and we have heard from Eleanor – she is very much enjoying her stay with Lucia and her family who sound wonderful. Thanks once again for your excellent coordination and assistance in making this a great experience.” Eleanor

STUDENT: Ellen
PROGRAM: Homestay Argentina
“Ellen had a wonderful time. Thank you for all your help. Ellen’s mother”

STUDENT: Kristi
PROGRAM: Homestay Spain
“Thank you for your email. I can't even begin to explain how wonderful Kristi's experience has been. She had a wonderful host family who really went out of their way to show her their country and culture. She was able to meet most of their extended family, too. She is returning home this evening and she told me yesterday when I spoke to her that although she was so sad to be leaving her host family she is happy to be seeing us again. Thank you for all your help and assistance.” Kristi’s mother

STUDENT: Evan
PROGRAM : High School Program
“Going to Costa Rica for five months was an experience that changed me forever. I never thought that I could experience something so different from what I was used to, and despite all the hardships I faced I wouldn't trade the experience for the world. Thanks!”

STUDENT: Leyla
PROGRAM : Language Teacher Assistant Australia
Leyla lives in Australia for a year, she has lived in a boarding house and she assesses Nacel’s organisation of her trip and her accommodation.

Nacel organisation :

Quality of Nacel’s website : good
Information about your program provided by Nacel's website: good
Nacel's staff through your stay:  good
Documents provided after your application: good

Accommodation:

Distance between your accommodation and the school:   very good
Comfort of your accommodation:  neutral
Quality of the meals served in the family:  neutral

To conclude:

 I would rate this program at: good

STUDENT: Agnieszka
PROGRAM: Academic Year in the UK 

"I found this College, generally a good place to study. Lessons are interesting, and the staff and teachers are polite, helpful and understanding. They are wanting to help when you have got a problem in, or outside school. For me, it was hard in the beginning to understand and communicate while on lessons, but I could always ask for support, and I was slowly getting better. One thing that I especially like is, as this is English School System, that I can choose the subjects which suit me best. This makes the learning less hard as I'm learning what I want to learn, and I'm not bored on lessons. However, I had a problem at the beginning with writing essays as we do not do it often in my polish school, but then I got used to it. School is modern with access to library and so the computers, which are also helpful during lessons.
My personal experience is quite good. I met new people from many different places, and they are usually kind.
Overall, I really liked living in UK, and I saw many new places."

STUDENT: Tomas
PROGRAM:     Academic year in the UK  

"A year stay at this College gave me an unforgettable experience, helped me to develop my English skills through the EFL classes on a higher standard. I have gained many valuable experiences, which I can apply in the future. A wide range of school trips helped me to broaden my mind and it showed me the further possibilities in life. The education system in the UK is different from the one in my home country, teachers were much more helpful and their attitude to students was much better.  I lacked a more frequent interaction with local students unfortunately, since most of my classmates and friends were international. I couldn’t avoid contact with the students from my home country, which were around every single corner of Boston, either! :-) Overall, I found the college part of my studies excellent, but I was a bit disappointed about the mentality of local people and the services provided in the town, moreover there were nearly no possibilities to do sports, as it collided with my timetable and I came here to study."

 TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS ATTENDING ST. PAUL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Four young people from four different countries, Mexico, Indonesia, Japan and Slovakia, have transmitted us their experiences and impressions of their school year at St. Paul Preparatory School:

-If they were to describe their academic year in one word:
Eli, Mexico "Awesome”
Reipan, Japan: "Amazing”
Ray, Indonesia: "Unforgettable”
Monika, Slovakia: "Eye-opening”

-The most memorable moment:
Eli, Mexico: "I think soccer was the best”
Reipan, Japan: "Enjo Japan dance and dinner” 
Ray, Indonesia: "Meeting friends”
Monika, Slovakia: "Many moments with my friends”

-If they had to change something:
Eli, Mexico: "Nothing”
Reipan, Japan: "More Japanese students”
Ray, Indonesia: "That the school would provide a fridge for students”
Monika, Slovakia: "Students from more countries”

-Overall Experience:
Eli, Mexico: "It was an excellent experience”
Reipan, Japan: "It was really good”
Ray, Indonesia: "It was great”
Monika, Slovakia: "Very good”

 STUDENT: Lorenzo
PROGRAM:    Academic year at Notre-Dame International High School

A young Mexican graduate has given us his experience and his impressions about his school year at Notre-Dame International High School:

Why did you choose Notre-Dame International High School to obtain your diploma?
Honestly it was my mother but I never thought it will be like this so good nice people all very well teachers with good capacity in all the things!
 
How would you describe this school?
Only good things. nice people nice stuff nice teachers.
 
What did this school bring you over another one more classical one?
The ability to interact with another nationality, learn about them.
 
Will you continue your studies after your diploma? What will you study and where?
Sure I have to. I will go to university in Mexico for the moment I’m not sure.

What are your plans for the future? How you project yourself in the future?
First than all I have to finish my university then get a good job.
 
Do you advise this school to other young students?
Yes I did to my family and friends.
 
Have you had difficulties to adapt to the US curriculum and teaching style?
First it was because when I came I didn’t know any English but now is fine.

What’s your favourite subject?
I think between environmental and us history.
  
Do you think you are able to use your French knowledge for your career?
Probably but learn French is one of my future plans.
 
Have you been able to travel within France and Europe?
Yes

How did you use your leisure time after school?
with my friends, doing homework, playing soccer.
 
What did you plan for your summer holiday?
Definitely go home there will see.
 
Was it hard to leave your parents to study in France?
In the very beginning it was but when yourself get adapted all is fine. 

STUDENT: Sean
Program: Language School in Playa de Carmen, Mexico

“Dear Nacel.  Thanks for your update.  I can’t tell you how thankful I am to K. and the gentleman who took Sean (my son) to the hospital last night.  I was so relieved that there were people there who were concerned about what was happening to Sean.  I’m sure you can imagine how difficult it would be for anyone, let alone a young person, to be ill and in a hospital in a foreign country all alone. I commend Nacel for having a well-run program. I am grateful for the kindness shown by the people associated with Nacel in Playa del Carmen.”
Colleen, mother of Sean.

STUDENT: Yulduz Rakibova
PROGRAM: a semester at St Paul Preparatory School"My stay in Minnesota.
 

I enjoyed my stay in St. Paul. I am grateful that I had such a good host family like that. I had only a host mother but three roommates. My roommates were from Korea, China, and Switzerland. I shared my room with a girl from Switzerland. My host mother, a very nice person, took care of us all. She cooked very delicious food. We all three respected and helped her. We washed dishes after every supper. Many students want to be hosted by her. My classmates asked me if my host mother would like to host them next year. I loved my host family. My roommates were very funny. We always helped each other with anything. My host mother and roommates, and I always joked. I had a lot of fun with my host family.
I liked the St. Paul Preparatory School. The most of all I like the teachers. They were very nice and funny. It was interesting when they were teaching in classes. It was nice to meet students from different countries.  But it was not easy to make a friends because most students talked only with students from their own countries. I learned a lot about other countries. I made a friend at the end of the school year. My friend and I went to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Downtown Minneapolis. The most exciting thing was a concert. We went to Rihanna’s concert at Target Center. I got a lot of experience from the school. I feel my English improving. I want to thank you for a chance you gave me to study in St. Paul Preparatory school.