Sending your child abroad is a good idea for him to improve. But how to choose the organism? Which formula to choose? What if he doesn't want to leave? Tips.

Mastering a second language is an asset for the professional future of children, and parents know it! However, before opting for a language stay, you have to take your time and think about it carefully. If this is the first time your decoration leaves the family nest, make sure he wants to leave and choose a nearby country instead. In order to prepare him, organize the trip with him and do not hesitate to inform him of the fact that he can be accommodated with people from a background different from his (social, religious, etc.). This is of course part of the richness of such a stay, but it can be destabilizing, at least initially, for the child. In some countries, for example, religion can hold an important place in families. This is the case of the United States where the practice of a religion is frequent. All the members of the family can thus pray before the meal or go regularly to a religious ceremony. The person welcomed into the home will therefore be invited to participate in this commitment.

How to choose the organizing body?

To find a quality language stay, you must contact qualified organizers. It is preferable that they are members of The National Office for Guaranteeing Language and Educational Stays . This association bringing together some forty organizations is also supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. In addition to helping families choose the most suitable lesson formula, these organizations have support logistics during the stays (medical assistance, change of family or class level, etc.). They have to make sure that everything goes well, thus guaranteeing support for their customers.

These organizations must also meet several legal obligations. A registration number starting with 'IM' followed by 9 digits must first appear on their brochures. They must also specify Articles 95 to 103 of Decree No. 94-490 of 15.06.94 taken pursuant to Law No. 92-645 of 13.07.92 which sets the operating conditions relating to the organization and sale of trips and stays.

So that families can meet different organizations, a fair for language stays and school trips is organized this March 18 in Paris. All exhibitors are certified by the National Office for the Guarantee of Language and Educational Stays. Several conferences are also organized to help families make the right choice.

What plans are offered?

Classic stays, immersion, themed... Organizations offer various and varied formulas that often leave parents perplexed. Depending on the needs of the child, short or long stays can be chosen.

Short stays (from 7 years old and up to high school) allow the child to learn a foreign language for a week to a month. They usually include language lessons as well as sporting activities and culture in groups. It is in fact the accommodation that changes according to the formulas. It can thus be proposed in a host family, in boarding school or in residence.

A long-term stay allows the child to be educated in an educational establishment in the chosen country and to have a host family. Lasting from three to 12 months, it is rather the high school students who participate in this type of stay.

Are there financing plans?

The financing of such a stay is often the responsibility of the parents. There are, however, some aids. Works councils can, for example, finance part of the stay. CAF holiday vouchers may also be granted. It is also important to check that the price of the stay is 'all inclusive'. You have to be particularly careful with supplements for insurance, excursions, etc.

If the parents who finance these stays believe they are doing well for its success, the child must however invest himself personally. It is important that he realizes that this experience will be a real asset in preparing for his future.

Source journaldesfemmes.fr