Preparing my trip

Preparing my trip!
How can I prepare myself to the language trip abroad?
What should I bring during my language trip abroad?
What travel documents (visa, passport…) will I need during my stay abroad?
How much pocket money will I need during my language program abroad?
When will I receive the information about my accommodation?

How can I prepare myself to the language trip abroad?
There are a few tips that will help you feel confident and secured abroad. Here are some ideas for you:
- Self-learning: try to learn usual expressions you may have to use in your daily life, do thematic wordlists (food, entertainment, clothes…).
- Try to read a book or see a movie in original version, with subtitles in the language too: this is a good training to improve your hearing skills and this will prepare you to your life abroad.
- Collect information about the country or area you will be living in: How is the climate there? What activities can be done? Are there places to visit? If you are doing a Tour, check the different places you will go to! These tips will leave you with many ideas of outside-of-the-classroom activities and help you to plan your trip so you won’t miss a visit!
Get information on the country by clicking on the destinations menu of our website. Chick on the language menu to get information on the language chosen.

What should I bring during my language trip abroad?
Usually, students bring a small gift from their home country to their host family but it is not mandatory at all. It should not be a high-value gift but something typical from your country and culture. This is much better if you think about and choose yourself the gift you would like to give them, they will enjoy it if you can explain them what it is and why it is so typical for your country.
If you plan on taking electronic devices with you (MP3-player, mobile phone, games consoles, hair dryer etc.), you should check if you will need an adapter and buy one if you do.
A small, two-entry language dictionary may be very useful (must-have!), as well as a travel book of the city/area, with plan.
You must be aware that you’re responsible for the handling of your own luggage. We advise you to travel with a light luggage. Think about what you would really need and what is not really needed, think about the length of your stay and the climate of the country where you go.
The Nacel escorts (if any) will help you if possible, but are not to be considered as “carriers”. For domestic transfer, especially by plane, most of the companies will only allow 20kgs of personal luggage. Extra luggage will be charged, and you will be responsible for those expenses. Be careful, it can be quite expensive! Don’t forget to write your name, address and phone number on each piece of luggage you may have. Take your most important belongings with you on board (hand luggage): necessary drugs if you are sick on board or have a medical treatment; acceptance letters, passport, visa papers, insurance certificate, details of your host family and/or of the person who is supposed to pick you up at arrival, emergency phone number for the program, electronic devices like camera and music devices, jewels if any, glasses etc. Please take into account that you are not allowed to travel with liquids in your hand luggage, do not bring bottles!

What travel documents (visa, passport…) will I need during my stay abroad?
Generally speaking, you will need a valid passport. For many programs, a visa may be required too. Please inform you at the local Embassy of your destination country: tell them where you want to go, how long, how many classes you will have there, and all relevant information requested. Note that it may take 2 to 3 months to get the necessary papers, so get it touch early!
Nacel won’t deal with visa issuance. If you need an Acceptance Letter, a Supporting Letter or a proof of payment, we will provide these documents under certain conditions (please consult us about this).

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.

How much pocket money will I need during my language program abroad?
The amount of pocket money you will need depends on the program.
Generally speaking, if you participate in a summer program you may need around 60 euros/week in Europe, and 90 euros/week in other countries, if you are accommodated on a full board basis.
During a long-term program, you may have to buy clothes, books, personal hygiene items… so you may need more pocket money from time to time.
Do not forget that during a homestay program, you will have to pay for your extra activities so you should plan these expenses.
Adults should bring more pocket money in order to be able to participate in activities, eat outside etc…
The amount needed really depends on your lifestyle and what you are planning to do during your trip (shopping or studying? eating out or sharing the family’s included meals?...)
We recommend that you bring with you either an international credit card that allows you to withdraw money from a bank, or traveller’s cheques. This way, you won’t get out of money if you did not plan the right amount for your trip.

When will I receive the information about my accommodation?
3 to 10 days before departure we will send you information about your accommodation (name, address…). However, in case of an unexpected event (disease or cancellation of the host family for example), or in case of a late application (6 weeks before departure), this delay can’t be guaranteed. We advise you to send a short email or make a short phone call to your host family, so that you can have a first contact with them before you arrive in their home.