We have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about the Language Immersion program here. If your question is not answered, please contact us via email or phone and we will be pleased to assist you with your enquiry.
Who goes on a Language Immersion program?
The Language Immersion program is designed to give students in Year 9 to 12. The program attracts young people who have a love of language and culture and are adventurous, curious and responsible.
When is the best time to go on a Language Immersion program?
Any time from Year 9. However, most exchange students have just completed Year 10 or 11.
Who are the host families?
These are families who are genuinely interested in welcoming a young Australian into their home both to learn more about life in Australia and to share their own customs and traditions. Each family is carefully selected and we aim to place our students in a suitable host family with a host son/daughter of similar age and interests.
Where in France or Germany will the family live?
In France we have host families who live in Lyon and the surrounding countryside as well as in Brittany and Bordeaux. In Germany students live with a family in Heidelberg.
Who will be responsible for our teenager when they are in France or Germany?
An Australian group leader from Antipodeans Abroad will accompany the group from Sydney and be responsible for the students throughout their stay in France or Germany. The Australian chaperone will live nearby students during the whole period and provide the students with a 24-hour back-up support should it be required.
Is five weeks long enough? What of the 7-week program?
The standard 5-week program is an excellent preparation for language students as part of their studies. It provides a taste of another culture and is long enough for students to start adjusting to and understanding the language and culture. An extended program is available for 7-weeks in both countries for those students keen to spend a longer period of time immersed in the language and the culture.
Can I go for three months?
We do have a long program for French students who wish to participate for up to 12 weeks. The program kicks off in early November and students will return home with our 7-weekers in late January. Students will need to gain permission from their school in order to participate and certainly it will be a worthwhile program. You will be attending school for that period except for the Christmas holidays so there is every chance your French will make significant gains.
Will we spend all our time with the family?
The French students will spend most of their time in their host city with their families. It is quite possible that you will go away with your host family during the holidays. Each group will have various day-trips, depending on which city you're placed in, plus 3-days in Paris during your orientation. The German students spend time traveling as a group in Munich and Berlin once they have left their families in Heidelberg.
Will I need much spending money?
All your meals and accommodation including the excursions are paid for as part of the price of the trip. You will only need pocket money for local bus/metro travel around the city where you live and the occasional drink in a café and, of course, postcards to send back to Australia!
Are we insured for the Immersion program?
All students participating in the program are required to take out a group travel and medical insurance which we add to the cost of the program.
Why should we travel with Antipodeans Abroad?
We are aware of the trust you are placing in us by allowing us to care for your teenager on his/her overseas trip. Your group chaperone will be in close contact with both parents and students throughout the planning of the trip, during the stay in France or Germany, and on return to Australia. As our numbers are modest we are able to pay close attention to each student and ensure that each one of them is making the most of his/her stay in France or Germany.