Postcards from Montpellier 7: The Immersive Advantage of Staying with a Host Family

Coucou tout le monde ! I’m Tallie, and I’m currently interning at Wiseward’s partner school in Montpellier, called Institut Linguistique Adenet (ILA). I’m here as part of my year abroad while studying French and Spanish at university back home in the UK. During my stay, I’ve been living with a lovely French host - whom I found through ILA’s host family accommodation option! My experience with my host family has been incredibly positive, and that’s why I wanted to share a bit about it and explain why I think it’s the best way to improve your French and truly immerse yourself in French culture.

Why did I choose to stay with a host family?

Before arriving in France, I knew I’d have to sort out accommodation - and I also knew it could be a complicated and stressful process. However, when Alisson, the Head of Host Family Accommodation at ILA, reached out to ask if I’d be interested in staying with a host family for part of my stay, I was immediately intrigued. As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, I first came to Montpellier on a school trip when I was 15. My memories from that time are gradually fading, but I clearly remember how much I enjoyed staying with a host family! I have such fond memories of sitting around the table with them, playing Happy Families - in French, of course -  and learning more about French culture. Even though my French was quite limited at the time, I still managed to build a strong connection with my host family, and my speaking improved just from those dinner table conversations, even thought it was just a week!

I knew that if I chose to live with a host family, I would have no choice but to speak French every day - quite literally the definition of immersing myself in French culture! This was actually a big plus for me, as I really wanted to improve my everyday French and have more casual conversations outside of work. Another reason I opted for a host family was because I liked the idea of living in a homely envorionment. Spending six months abroad, far from family and friends, can be overwhelming-especially at the beginning-so, in my opinion, being with a host family is a great way to feel less alone. Host families are always there to help, even if it’s just giving you tips on the best supermarkets or pharmacies nearby!

Choosing to stay with one of ILA’s host families was an easy decision, they actually connected me with a family within just a few days! The process was much simpler than the paperwork I would have had to complete if I’d chosen to rent an apartment. Less admin is always better, in my opinion!

My experience

My experience staying with a host family couldn’t have been more positive! From the very first weekend, my host “mum” welcomed me into her home and made me feel so comfortable straight away. I spent my first few days in Montpellier attending a local fête, visiting Aigues-Mortes - a beautiful medieval town nearby - and going to the beach. Although it was a bit overwhelming at first, I’ll now admit that being thrown into the experience was actually the best thing that could have happened. It was a great distraction from feeling lonely and a wonderful way to settle into life in Montpellier.

While ILA offers a “half board” option with host families, I chose the most basic option because I wanted the freedom to cook my own meals and eat on my own schedule. I also enjoy the independence to go out whenever I like.

I had originally only planned to stay in a host family for the first 3 weeks of my stay, but 3 weeks gradually turned into 4 months, and I just don’t want to leave! I am so comfortable in the apartment, and it is just short a walking distance from my work, so the location is absolutely perfect. I’ve become really close to my host “mum,” and I think I’ll actually be quite sad to say goodbye to her in a month’s time. She has helped me out so much with my French and is always there to answer any cultural confusions I encounter. She also succeeded to get a bright red sangria stain out of my white linen trousers after a night out, which I am endlessly grateful for!

Is staying with a host family really the best way to improve your French?

To answer this question, I'd say: 'You reap what you sow’. In other words, you get out exactly what you put into this experience. If you make the effort to speak French and socialise with the family, when possible, you’ll start to see a progress in your French skills and your confidence in speaking. However, if you hold back and spend lots of time away from the family on in your room speaking your mother tongue, the progression in French will be less noticeable and, in my opinion, your experience will not be as special!

One of the biggest advantages of staying with a host family is the chance to practise French in a relaxed and natural environment. This was huge for me, since much of my French learning before had been in academic settings where the only speaking practice was answering formal questions. As a result, I had developed a very formal way of speaking - which, from what I’ve discovered, isn’t really how people talk in France! Staying with a host family means you pick up slang, expressions, and cultural nuances that textbooks just can’t teach. I’ve learned so many new words that I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. You’re encouraged to converse in French every day about daily tasks and what’s happening in your life - and even if it feels difficult (and tiring) at first, I promise it’s absolutely worth it!

Host families at ILA:

I’d love to share more about the host families at Institut Linguistique Adenet, so I took the opportunity to speak with Alisson, who manages all things related to host families at ILA. According to Alisson, staying with one of ILA’s 300 host families is the best way to truly discover France and its culture from the inside- and I couldn’t agree more!

While students under 18 are required to stay with a host family, many others also choose this full immersion option, making it the most popular accommodation choice at ILA. This option offers students a unique experience and an excellent opportunity to practise their French every day.

Many host families are passionate about giving students the best experience possible during their time in Montpellier. For example, they often take students on trips to explore the beautiful Occitanie region! What’s more, ILA host families provide a transport service for arrivals and departures, welcoming you at the airport or train station and seeing you off at the end of your stay.

ILA has built up strong, lasting relationships with the families- some of whom have been welcoming students into their homes since ILA was founded in 1998. This is particularly special as it means ILA’s host families are passionate about their role. They love having students stay with them because it’s not just the students who learn new things; the families do too. Speaking with my host mum, she told me how much she enjoys discovering new cultures and hearing the stories students bring with them.

Each of ILA’s host families are carefully selected by Alisson, who visits every home to ensure that it meets the charte d’hébergement IALC guidelines. ILA aims to ensure that all students are placed with kind, welcoming hosts who have the right intentions, carefully selected through strict standards and quality assurance to guarantee a safe and supportive home environment.

Each student is matched with a host family based on their interests and preferences. Alisson takes everything into account- from allergies to whether the student prefers a family with children or pets, or not! If a student isn’t happy with their family or encounters any issues during their stay, Alisson arranges a meeting to discuss the situation and, if necessary, finds another family. I think this is fantastic because it encourages students to feel comfortable sharing any concerns and allows Alisson to gather feedback and ensure everyone is happy with their placement.

One of the most attractive features of the host family option is the location! Most of ILA’s host families live within 30 minutes of the school, and at least half are within walking distance. My own host family’s location has been absolutely ideal during my stay in Montpellier. It’s very central, and I can walk to almost anywhere in the city centre without needing public transport. The convenience of living here is definitely something I’ll miss when I go home to the English countryside!

Final thoughts:

Overall, I would say that staying with a host family is definitely the best way to experience full French immersion. You’ll have the chance to practise your French every day in a warm, authentic environment while discovering local culture, traditions, and home-cooked cuisine.

If this sounds like the experience you’re looking for, why not visit our website? Wiseward offers language courses all around the world for learners of all levels.

If you dream of learning French in France while immersing yourself in authentic culture through a host family stay, Institut Linguistique Adenet (ILA) is the perfect choice. My own host family experience has been truly unforgettable - not only did it help me improve my French immensely, but it also gave me lasting memories and connections that I’ll always cherish.

See you next time for another Postcard from Montpellier!

À bientôt,

Tallie💌