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BECOME A HOST FAMILY FOR AMAZING FRENCH STUDENTS
Who are looking
to discover American culture during the summer
Why Hosting with us?
Hear what American Families say about our French students
Ask us Anything!
Who are we?
Guestbook is part of APEX Group, a French company operating since 1994, every year we send 1,500 French and 500 Italian teenagers abroad to learn foreign language, discover new culture or attend school.
We are represented in the USA by a local coordinator in the USA that is located in Los Angeles, CA. We would love to send French students to other States and look for new local coordinators.
Frequently asked Questions
Are the Students insured?
Yes absolutely, there is nothing to worry about! All our students come with:
- An Health insurance specifically design for the USA that comprise repatriation
- A liability insurance
Will we receive compensation for hosting a Student?
Absolutely, our family receives a fair compensation for the costs incurred (teenagers eat, move, etc.) and are granted a budget to enjoy inexpensive activities with their student.
What is the Host Family expected to provide?
There is nothing to worry of, imagine that you host a cousin from oversees. Students need:
- A loving and safe environment
- Room and Board
- Student do not need to have their own bedroom and may share with one of your children of the same gender and age
- Some transportation
- Guidance and support
We're very busy is that a problem?
Absolutely Not! Busy families make wonderful host families! Our students are also very active and enjoy numerous activities with their families.
Who is eligible to Host?
There is no typical family to host our students, we
Our students apply to families from all type of socio-economic level, religion and ethnic background.
However, we have noticed that family with teenagers receive more requests from our students than empty nesters.
We also require reference letters and a background check of all the family members above 18.
Are Students allowed to participate in school and Community activities?
Yes! We encourage them to do so and they are very eager to participate in the family's activity and join sports, clubs and local community organizations to enhance their experience of American life.
Who are the Students?
Our students typically range from 14 to 17 and are High School students in France.
They apply through our French organization and are screened before they are granted access to Guestbook.
Who helps if things get tough?
First your local coordinator will work with you and your student to resolve any intercultural misunderstanding, unrealistic expectations that could appear during your student stay.
Most of the time, these issues are sorted out with the support of an objective mediator. If needed, our office in France can be involved and talk to the parents.
If things cannot be resolved, the Local Coordinator will place the student with another host family.
What are my financial obligations?
You have no other financial obligation other than spending your budget to provide meals, cover increased utility costs, inexpensive outings, etc.
Our students arrive with their own personal spending money for personal needs like clothing, expensive activities, etc.
How is this compatible with our holidays?
First you need to decided whether you would like your student to join the family on your vacation.
If not, you need to update your personal calendar so that you do not receive applications while you are away.
Often time, host families like to go on holidays with their international student (who will pay for the additional cost).