FAQ’S

STUDENT TRAVEL LANGUAGE
PROGRAM FAQs

Which countries does Nacel send students to and from?

Nacel has offices and partners all around the globe, over the years we have sent and received students from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Columbia, China, Japan, USA, Canada, Mexico and many more countries internationally.

How many students travel on these types of programs?

In 2017 over 30,000 students travelled on Nacel programs internationally. Most students are aged 15 – 17 years old and both male and female students, we open applications to students from Year 9 – 12.

What is the purpose of the programs?

To immerse the student into the language and culture of the country. Once the students arrive, they separate in different directions to join their host families and attend their high school. We generally place 1 student per family and per school.

Is this a little daunting for the student?

It can be at first however, without the temptation of speaking their native language with fellow student, it compels the student to eat, drink, sleep and eventually dream in their immersed language. We prepare students prior to departure with this knowledge in mind offering feedback from returned students on how they managed. We also brief the host families at length about the objective of the program.

Is the student enrolled at the school?

For short term programs students are not enrolled into the school, they are guests of the school attending classes to expose the enrolled students to another cultural perspective from someone their own age.

Does the student complete standard enrolment forms?

Yes, both short and long term students may complete all standard enrolment forms from the school prior to arrival. Once received by Nacel, we will arrange for the student to complete these in their home country and return them to the school.

Do the students require a visa?

This is determined by the length of the program. We have short term and long term programs and all long term programs require students to apply for an International Student – exchange student visa. Nacel has all the details to assist students applying for a visa. All short term programs arrive in their host country on a tourist visa so no extra application is required.

How long are the programs?

For Australian students travelling overseas, we have 4,6,8 & 10 week options all year round. We also offer term, semester and academic year programs in January and August each year.

Are our programs reciprocal?

No, there is no obligation whatsoever for students that travel overseas on our programs to have to host a student in return or vice versa. This takes the obligation away from either decision that offers families much more flexibility.

Where do the host families come from?

Nacel  will generally establish that a school is open to accepting a student and then we start promoting the idea to the school community. We offer; articles that can be added to the newsletter flyers that can be distributed to students local staff that can present to students about the opportunity at anytime.

Any families that express interest are more than welcome to contact us:

Email: info@nacel.org

HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
PROGRAM FAQs

What’s it like to host an international student?

Hosting an overseas student is a wonderful way to bring another part of the world into your own home. It provides your Australian family with the opportunity to observe and hear the story of a young person who is a long way from home and who is keen to experience life in Australia.

A host family in Australia provides room, board and a warm supportive home for the overseas teenager. Hosted students are prepared to assume the responsibilities of daily life in your family and are instructed to bring spending money.

When do the students arrive?

For short term programs, students arrive in June, July & August each year.

What are the students hoping for?

They want to experience life in Australia, enhance their English skills, participate in an Australian school and make new friends.

Can we request a male / female and request an age?

All requests are taken into account as much as possible. All students are aged between 14 and 17.5 years old.

If we host a student, can my child stay with that student’s family if they go on a Nacel outbound program?

If it is convenient for the family to host your child, then this may be a possibility. The host family will be subject to the same interview and screening process.

Can we only host when we have participated in a Nacel outbound program?

No, it is not necessary for you to go on a Nacel program before hosting a students and likewise, you are not committed to hosting a student if you participate in an outbound program. All of our programs are non-reciprocal.

What is expected of us?

Nothing is expected, just a warm welcome. The student should be included in your daily routines and activities. You will receive host family guidelines full of tips and the local Nacel  coordinator that interviews you can explain these further.

Does the student need a separate bedroom?

No, the student can share with a child of the same gender.

Do we get paid for hosting a student?

The cost of the programs is kept to a minimum as a result of families in Australia and Europe offering their homes on a voluntary basis.

What if there is a problem?

There will be a Nacel  local coordinator assigned to your student and family who you can contact at any time. You will also have the 24/7 support of the Nacel office.

What if there is a medical problem?

All students come fully covered with medical insurance. The student will travel with a health insurance certificate that is to be presented at the surgery/hospital and generally covers all associated costs. In the event any payment is made by the student or host family, please contact Nacel for immediate reimbursement once a receipt is received.

When will we know who our student is?

After you apply, Nacel will match your host family dossier to a student’s dossier based primarily on similar interests. You will then be forwarded the student’s details, photos and a letter they have written to their host family and be encouraged to begin communicating.

If we offer to host a student, are we certain to receive one?

No, sometimes we have more offers to host than students and therefore, we choose families based on the most suitable match to the students interests and hobbies.

If you have other questions or would like to express interest in hosting a student please contact us:

Email: info@nacel.org