11 Plus Exams Forum

DS and DD would like to do a French exchange this summer. DS has a French A level and DD is taking hers. Neither is completely fluent but they were 10 years ago and don't want to lose anymore. We normally ski and they join the mad class with the French teens and get a good dose, but this year both have mocks immediately after half term.

The point of the exchange for them is to have a week or two of total immersion.

I teach so have the summer free to host, collect from airports, etc.

DD's school uses Halsbury to allow its students to do work experience abroad between Years 12 and 13. It's an independent company so it doesn't matter if only one student wants to go. They travel with a group of other students of similar age and an older person who's there for support - though doesn't claim to act 'in loco parentis'. They therefore get plenty of independence.

DD loved her trip last year and the organisation seemed good. Although you don't stay with a family, it's definitely immersive as you're at work in the country during the working week.

http://www.workexperienceabroad.co.uk/france/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have a look at the 'workaway' website too. Families take volunteers into their homes to help improve their language skills in return for some unpaid work.

Have you asked at school? Particularly French teachers. May have contacts / have been approached by schools in French speaking areas.
Is the plan that they stay together somewhere? safety in numbers approach.

Thanks for the replies - I think I would prefer them to be together although that would limit the French that is spoken. I shall look at the websites and talk to both schools.

Wwoof?

A teacher at DD's former school recommended it, not for the linguistic angle, but for the farming one. Looks pretty good from what we saw of it, though no direct experience yet.