French Junior Learners Programme (Ages 10-13) (15hrs lessons + 10hrs activities)

The only way that this functions is if families are good. Fortunately, the family I was with was excellent. They went out of their way to make me comfortable and relaxed. While I didn't take any language classes since I took the guided tour for a week, it was very informative as they took me to the places that I was interested in for historical and cultural reasons. While they were not experts in the history and culture of Brest, they knew exactly where to take me to gain expertise. The Arsenal, for example, was very interesting and provided a really interesting perspective on marine history in Brest. The cruise in the harbor also was very informative as it was not just a cruise looking at pretty sites. It was a guided cruise of the harbor providing many historical and interesting facts and information about the harbor and Brest. The location was great. I couldn't ask for a better location, right close to everything and the tram, which I didn't take advantage of because I was so tired at night from all the activities we did during the day. I thank them for going beyond the number of hours they were required to take me places.

Housing was excellent, I had a very comfortable room with a window, large bed, close to the bathroom, which I had practically to myself. Everything was very clean and the family was always very attentive to my needs, asking if I needed anything or if there was something in particular that I wanted to do. On the first day, the hostess Michele asked me if I needed a desk. Although I said it wasn't necessary, she and her husband Thierry put one up for me in a matter of minutes. I used it the whole time I was there so I was grateful to them for doing this since I'm a professor and towards the end I was preparing my lessons for the fall.

Meals were excellent. I got my typical French breakfast (croissant/bread/coffee) and lunch and dinners that had variety--it was not always the same! I thoroughly enjoyed the meals and the conversations we had in the family room after eating.

I am definitely recommending this to my students who would like to study in France.