Study Abroad in France: Saskia's Student Exchange Experience
Studying abroad is not just about lessons. It’s daily life, family routines, and the small moments that make a place feel familiar.
I’m Liby from Nacel, and I spoke with Saskia, an Australian student who spent December in France. She lived with a host family, joined a local school, and discovered French traditions first-hand.
A quick note on Saskia’s setup in France
Saskia joined a host-family based stay that also includes time in a local French school. It’s designed for Australian students travelling during the November to January window, with placements across France.
(If you’re reading this and want the full practical details, link here: homestay and school integration in France.)
Liby (Nacel): What inspired you to travel abroad to France?
Saskia (Student): “I wanted to immerse myself in French language and culture in an authentic way, beyond what's possible in a classroom. Living with a French family and going to a local school seemed like the best opportunity to truly experience daily life in France.”
That sentence sums up what many families hope for when they search for real student exchange France experiences. Not a tour. A true slice of everyday life.
Her favourite moments
Liby (Nacel): What was your favorite part of the program?
Saskia (Student): “It's hard to choose just one! Experiencing a traditional French Christmas lunch in the countryside was magical, and visiting historical sites like Omaha Beach and Mont-Saint-Michel with my host family made everything I'd learned come alive. Attending my first actual wedding and it being in France was also an unforgettable cultural experience.”
December can be a special time for a study abroad in France experience. You see traditions up close, not from the outside.
Liby (Nacel): How was the interaction with your host family?
Saskia (Student): “My host family was incredibly welcoming and accommodating. Before I arrived, we had a couple of WhatsApp calls which really helped ease my nerves. My host sister, who was two years younger, was so generous. She even gave up her own room for me for the entire month. They treated me like family and went out of their way to show me important local sites and include me in all their activities.”
Those first messages and calls can change everything. It turns “arriving” into “meeting people you already know”.
Food discoveries
Liby (Nacel): What new food did you try?
Saskia (Student): “I tried so many new foods. The traditional French Christmas lunch was full of dishes I'd never experienced before, and eating authentic French cuisine prepared at home every day was amazing. Everything from daily breakfasts to special occasion meals was an adventure.”
Food is also language learning. You pick up vocabulary, habits, and the rhythm of the day.
Shool experience & Nacel support
Liby (Nacel): How was your experience in school?
Saskia (Student): “Attending French school for the first two weeks was challenging but rewarding. It pushed me to use French a lot and gave me insight into how French students learn. Having the holiday break afterward provided a nice balance between structured learning and cultural immersion with my host family.”
This is the part many students remember most. School forces you to try. You listen, you guess, you speak, you improve.
Liby (Nacel): How does the Nacel staff support you on your journey? Would you recommend us?
Saskia (Student): “Nacel organised everything seamlessly, which was especially important since we're from Australia. They managed all the details carefully and professionally, making my family feel confident about sending me to France. I would absolutely recommend Nacel. Their support made the entire experience smooth and worry-free.”
From our side, the program includes support during the stay, including a 24/7 hotline.
What future students should know
Liby (Nacel): What is the one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Saskia (Student): “Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone, but know that the support systems are there. The combination of school attendance and holiday time gives you both structured learning and relaxed family time, which creates a well-rounded experience.”
That balance is what makes it feel real. You get effort and rest in the same trip.
Liby (Nacel): What about those students who are hesitant or afraid? What would you say to them?
Saskia (Student): “I was nervous too. But having those initial WhatsApp conversations with my host family before arriving really helped. Once you're there, you realize how welcoming and patient everyone is. The nerves quickly fade, and what remains is an incredible, life-changing experience. Don't let fear hold you back from something this spectacular.”
Want to plan your own study abroad in France experience with a host family and school integration? View the France homestay program details.
Jojanneke is the Nacel Educational Travel Team Manager and has been working with Nacel since February 2022.
She communicates with students from all over the world to understand exactly what they are looking for and to advise them on the programs that best suit their interest and their budget. She feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to many different countries and work in the Netherlands, Guatemala, Spain, Portugal, France, Bulgaria and Luxembourg. She studied at a Dutch university.
Jojanneke also participated in a Spanish language stay in Guatemala and has studied in France. This is why she knows perfectly the needs of future exchange students. But as a mother herself, she also understands the needs and concerns of parents who send their child abroad. She provides the empathy and understanding that parents and students need throughout the process of their project.
