During my trip

During my trip!
What will happen on the first day of the program?
How should I face cultural differences?
What can I do to adapt to my host family?
What happens if I have a problem with my host family, if we are not adjusting to each other?
What happens if I am homesick during my language travel abroad? Is it wise to communicate day to day with my parents while I am on a language trip abroad?
If I happen to become sick while abroad, what happens?
What happens if I have to contact my parents in emergency while I am abroad?

What will happen on the first day of the program?
You will be welcomed by your host family, the school staff and/or the local Nacel staff.  This is a time when you will get a lot of practical information and you may also be introduced to the other participants, if any. For some programs, host families will show you what the itinerary is to go to classes for example. You won’t be accompanied everyday to your classroom, and will usually travel by public transportation if you need to. If you have any question regarding this matter on a specific program, don't hesitate to ask us!!

How should I face cultural differences?
Exploring a new culture involves a sense of adventure, a willingness to take risks, ability to learn from your mistakes, and the responsibility of meeting people on their terms. You will have several new cultures to adjust to. These new cultures will be composed of new friends, family, teachers, language and situations. Apart from learning about the local culture remember that every social group and organisation also has its own unique culture. Keep an open mind; what is the norm in your country may not be the norm in other countries.

Do you know what ‘culture’ is? There are certainly many definitions. You may even have your own. The following definition is from Ralph Linton quoted in "Sociology, Themes and
Perspectives" by M. Haralambos and M. Holborn (1990: 3rd Edition)
“… the culture of a society is the way of life of its members; the collection of ideas and
habits which they learn, share and transmit from generation to generation …
…members of society usually take their culture for granted. It has become so much a part of them that they are often unaware of its existence… culture defines accepted ways of behaving for members of a particular society. Such definitions vary from society to
society… “
When people from different cultures meet, the possibility for misunderstanding and conflict is
high - unless they are already aware of the impact that culture has on their relationship.
Often we don't realise how much of our personality and the way we look at the world is affected by the culture in which we grow up.
Learning to do this is something that you can take with you and use anywhere in the world. It will make you a better person. Remember – don’t lose your sense of humour and ability to laugh at yourself! There may be times when you will make mistakes, don’t worry; this is also a part of the international experience you will have.

What can I do to adapt to my host family?
Here are some tips for you:
1) Communicate! Please talk about everything and be open with your host family. For example, tell them about your school life, where you are going, and what time you will return. Make a point to discuss host family rules, and schedules (such as when you can take a bath) right away.
2) Ask Questions. When in doubt, ask your host family for help. You might not understand everything at first, but your host family wants to help. You might feel less independent in the beginning, but these feelings will go away eventually. Don’t hesitate, or feel it is impolite to ask many questions. This is normal and expected.
3) Discuss Issues. Sometimes there will be small problems adjusting for you and your host family. It is important to talk about these frustrations even if they seem small. Always talk to your host family first about any problems. If you become sick, tell your host family right away.
4) Allow adjustment time. You may form an image of your host family within the first couple of days that isn’t accurate. Your host family might take you sightseeing, fix special foods, or be extra polite when you first arrive. Little by little, you and your host family will feel more comfortable around each other and act naturally.
5) Participate in Family Life. Don’t hide in your room. If you are feeling homesick, hiding in your room will only make it worse. Have fun with your host family, and share in evening or weekend activities.
6) Keep an Open Mind. Look at differences as new and fun experiences. This is your chance to try many new things that you might not be able to do in your home country. Take advantage of the opportunity!
7) Be polite and friendly. This is important. You might not talk very much with your family in your home country, but if you shut yourself off from your host family they will assume that you are homesick or unhappy. When you like something, be sure you tell them. A “thank you” and a smile can go a long way!
8) Help with Housework and Chores. Seriously, you would be surprised at how much an offer to do the dishes will mean to your host family.
Remember, your host family will also be nervous, especially if it is their first time hosting. They worry about whether you like the food, or their family. If you are open and friendly, you will help to put them at ease. At the end of you stay, you will probably find that you do not want to leave!

What happens if I have a problem with my host family, if we are not adjusting to each other?
If you have a problem, please try to talk about it with your host family first. Most problems can be avoided if you talk to your host family early before a small problem turns into a big problem. Please share your feelings with them and listen to what they have to say.
If you feel uncomfortable discussing an issue with your host family, talk to your local coordinator. These people are your friends and will help you in whatever possible way.

What happens if I am homesick during my language travel abroad? Is it wise to communicate day to day with my parents while I am on a language trip abroad?
Homesickness may happen to everyone, even people who have already been abroad without having faced any problem before. To prevent homesickness, keep in touch with your parents, but not too much/too often and follow our preparation tips. If it is your first experience abroad, a short-term experience would probably be the best choice for you to make, so that you can “test” yourself.
The purpose of most of our programs is the immersion in another country’s language and culture. During the first days, it is normal if you feel a bit homesick, and too frequent communication with your natural parents could delay your integration in the host country. An occasional phone call is ok, but daily contacts could disrupt your integration in the program, and even worse, be the cause to homesickness!

If I happen to become sick while abroad, what happens?
You will be helped by our local representative and your host family to visit a local doctor and take the necessary medical treatment. If hospitalization, surgery or repatriation is needed, your insurance should be first informed.
If necessary, our team at the headquarter located in France, which delivers a 24 hours emergency service, 365 days a year, may assist you. The phone number of this service will be given to you before your departure and on your acceptance letter.
Please be sure to have a medical insurance. We can provide you one, for an additional cost. Ask us for more information about the insurance policy!!

What happens if I have to contact my parents in emergency while I am abroad?
Nacel offers a 24h/24, 7 days a week, assistance in case of emergency. The phone number of this service will be given to you and to your parents before your departure.

Students aged less than 18 years old (minor children) are kindly requested to book the assistance service of the major airlines and train companies for unacompanied minors, to avoid any difficulties during the travel.
NACEL INTERNATIONAL's programs never include the travel between home and host country. Parents of children aged less than 18 years old will be requested to sign a Parents Travel Release.