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Nacel Educational Travel

4.75 Rating
16 reviews
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Why choose Nacel Educational Travel?

Founded in 1957, we have more than 65 years of experience in educational language travel. This experience is our best ally in helping our students get the most out of their trip abroad. Nacel's clients come from very diverse backgrounds, both national and international.

Nacel Educational Travel's programs bring students together to travel abroad and enhance cultural awareness. We are specialists in High School exchange programs all over the world! With in-depth language and culture immersion and study programs in multiple countries, Nacel seeks to provide students with the chance to go on an adventure. The focus is on education through travel.
Visit the website for more information about the application, deadline instructions, and financial costs. You will find all the details about our student exchange in France, Italy, Germany, Canada or even Japan! For students looking for a shorter experience, our summer homestay programs or immersion summer camps are a great choice.

Website
www.nacel.org
Founded
1957
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Community Photos

This was in one of the towns that my host family and I visited on their “vacation”
My host family and their extended family were all very welcoming.

Reviews

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Rebecca
55
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
1 to 10 Months High School Exchange in France

Outstanding Experience

Apr 18, 2024

Our 17-year old daughter enjoyed the most amazing summer homestay experience in France—thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Nacel! From the beginning of the application process until her placement, the Nacel staff was dedicated to identifying the right homestay family for Lily. The results truly could not have been better. The homestay family was caring and generous and really made Lily feel at home and part of the family. Nacel staff checked-in with Lily weekly, ensuring that things were going well and that Lily was happy. Nacel exceeded all our expectations!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open-minded and trust that the right placement will be found for you!
Pros
  • Communication
  • Warm family
  • Lovely accommodations
Cons
  • None!!
Response from Nacel Educational Travel

We are very happy to hear that Lily had a great time with our summer stay program in France! Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We are glad that the host family and our team made sure she felt welcome and cared for during her stay. Lily's happiness was our priority and we are glad she felt at home with her host family.
Your feedback motivates us to continue to provide exceptional experiences. Thank you for choosing Nacel!

By Jojanneke de Jong on April 19, 2024
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Tracy
Switzerland
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
1 to 10 Months High School Exchange in France

Swim Camp Summer 2024 Vichy, France

Apr 8, 2024

My daughter attended a swim camp in Vichy this summer. We were very apprehensive at the beginning as we did not know NACEL and it was the first time our daughter (14) was going abroad to a camp (in a different language). We need not have worried. From the moment we dropped her off I felt reassured. The organisation at the check in was excellent, the atmosphere very friendly and welcoming. We were able to take her up to her room and meet her room mate. The rooms were amazing - large and airy with very nice en-suite. Our daughter enjoyed the camp immensely - both her swimming and her French progressed considerably - she has just had some great new times in her start of season competition - and from a social skills perspective, the camp was also excellent in terms of getting the children to interact with each other. She is keen to do the camp again - maybe even 2 weeks! In short, I recommend this programme. Special mention to the swim coach (Wi-Wi) and also to the camp director who made the effort to come and talk to us at check in and made us feel very reassured.

Pros
  • Attentiveness of NACEL employees during booking process
  • Welcome at venue / online blogs
  • Small swim group / good swim facilities
Cons
  • Time travel between accommodation and pool
  • Length of time to confirm the week would actually take place
Response from Nacel Educational Travel

Thank you for sharing your experience of Swim Camp in Vichy last summer! It's great to hear how well your daughter's time at swim camp in Vichy went. It is especially great to hear that both her swimming skills and French language skills improved significantly. The emphasis on social interaction is also fantastic. We are thrilled to hear that she enjoys coming back and look forward to her participation in 2024. Your recommendation means a lot to us and we are grateful for your positive feedback. We look forward to welcoming your daughter and her friend for another fantastic summer camp experience.

By Jojanneke de Jong on April 19, 2024
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Emily
17
Female
Australia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
1 to 10 Months High School Exchange in France

My experience ;)

Mar 25, 2024

Going on an exchange is the best thing you can possibly do for yourself. The experience is truly transformative and has entirely altered my world view. For me personally, I feel I could have studied French for years and still only understood the same three words when I arrived - but immersion is very much the best and fastest way to learn. Anticipate that sometimes the language barrier can feel like an impenetrable wall - learning a language can be a looong process but it could not be more worth it. I got placed in Bordeaux, which I am so grateful for because it was the most perfect city for me and I can't wait to go back. I was also so extremely happy in my host family, they're honestly some of my favourite people I've ever met. The orientation in Paris with all of the Nacel program students was also one of the coolest parts of the program. It was also nice to stay in touch with the kids throughout the program because we all knew what the others were going through. I cannot recommend going on an exchange enough.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The strangest things I tried were snails (not a fan) and duck (even less of a fan)
Pros
  • Learning a language
  • Meeting incredible people
  • Gaining so much independence
Cons
  • Sometimes the language barrier feels like a reinforced steel wall lined with barbed-wire
Response from Nacel Educational Travel

Thank you for sharing your High School exchange program in France experience with us! It's wonderful to hear how immersion accelerated your language learning and broadened your perspective. We're glad Bordeaux and your host family left such positive impressions.

We are delighted that the orientation in Paris and the bonding with the other participants enriched your experience. We know how important such connections are to navigating the ups and downs of an exchange program.

Regarding your culinary adventures, it sounds like you had quite the gastronomic journey! It's always fascinating to explore new cuisines, even if some dishes might not appeal to everyone's palate ;-)

Once again, thank you for sharing your insights and reflections. We're grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your exchange experience, and we hope it continues to resonate with you for years to come.

By Jojanneke de Jong on March 26, 2024
Default avatar
Simon
58
Male
Australia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
1 to 10 Months High School Exchange in France

Nacel immersive Homestay and High School program in France - amazing!

Mar 18, 2024

Honestly, the exchange was the best thing I have ever done. I learnt how to travel alone, immerse myself entirely in a different culture, made amazing lifelong friends and connections and attended school there which was an incredible learning experience. The family I stayed with were extremely generous and hospitable. And of course, my French got exponentially better! I stayed for 8 weeks in the north west of France, a little village called "Ahuille" and I had a truly unforgettable time. I think it's the best thing that a student could do and I highly recommend it.

Response from Nacel Educational Travel

Thank you for your wonderful review of our host family and high school program in France, which you wrote on Hannah's behalf. We are delighted to hear that Hannah's experience was so positive and enriching.

It is fantastic to hear that Hannah found the exchange to be the best thing she has ever done. We are so pleased that she had the opportunity to travel alone, immerse herself in a different culture and make lifelong friendships and connections.

We appreciate your kind words about the generous and welcoming nature of the family Hannah stayed with. We place great importance on making our students feel welcome and supported during their time abroad.

Thank you for recommending our program so highly. It means a lot to us to receive such positive feedback. If Hannah would like to experience another adventure with us in the future, we would be delighted to welcome her back.

By Jojanneke de Jong on March 18, 2024
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Lilly Faye
19
Female
United States
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Immersion Summer camps in France

Amazing Cultural Experience!

Mar 14, 2024

When I stayed with my host family in a small town called Le Puy, it was my first time out of the country. Because I had the opportunity to stay with a host family for three weeks, I learned a lot about the French culture especially their habits, or maybe it was just my family in particular. A few habits that I picked up on while I was with my host family were eating fruit before every meal, walking to more places, and whenever I travel to a new city, I always try to learn about their history by either researching it or going to the local museum. I still keep in touch with my host family and always think about them. NACEL did a wonderful and accurate job pairing me with a host family that had enough similarities and differences with me to make me feel comfortable yet constantly challenged.

What was your funniest moment?
One memory I will never forget was when my host family invited me on what they called a short bike ride. I was thinking a 10-15 minute ride. No, I was biking with them for 2 hours and the next day I could barely walk. That is a funny memory to me because on my NACEL application, I marked that I was fairly active and loved to bike ride so this is a fair testament to how they will pair a student and this example also applies to the language component.
Pros
  • culturally enriching
  • firsthand experience with a local French family
  • relaxing in a supportive learning environment
Cons
  • I spoke English with my family (a little bit more than French)
This was in one of the towns that my host family and I visited on their “vacation”
Response from Nacel Educational Travel

Dear Lily Faye, it was such a pleasure to assist you with this unique exchange experience. It's so nice to hear that you learned so much about French culture, particularly through the unique habits and customs of your host family. Eating fruit before meals, embracing walking as a means of transportation, and delving into the history of new cities are indeed wonderful ways to immerse oneself in a new environment.

It's also fantastic to know that NACEL's pairing process was successful in matching you with a host family that provided both comfort and challenge, creating an environment where you could grow and learn while feeling supported.

Maintaining a connection with your host family speaks volumes about the bond that was formed during your stay. These relationships often become cherished memories that last a lifetime.

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us, and we hope your journey continues to be filled with enriching cultural exchanges and meaningful connections.

By Jojanneke de Jong on March 15, 2024
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 8 of 8

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Sophia Rollins

Program
Nacel High school exchange in Spain, total immersion guaranteed
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Why did you choose this program?

I chose NACEL International to help me along my year abroad because my family has a lot of trust invested in the program. When my mother turned 16, she traveled to France for six months using NACEL, and so she knew the hospitality and companionship this program was able to provide me. Sure enough, I couldn't have done something as impactful as this without the help of my provider and NACEL coordinators.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

NACEL, for me, was a helping hand during my adventure. I received a phone call once a month during my year abroad to make sure everything surrounding my school and home life experience was enjoyable and prosperous. My coordinator helped me get my student visa, and I handled my grades and social life independently.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

If I were to give someone wishing to embark on an adventure similar to mine a piece of advice, I would tell them to live life in the present. Studying abroad is such a privilege, and the incredible individuals you come in contact with on a daily basis won't always be by your side, so don't take them or the experience for granted.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day consists of waking up with your host family and eating a small breakfast, heading to school until lunch time when students are sent home to eat with their families. The afternoon then consists of homework and tutoring, sports, and hanging out with friends until evening when a late dinner is served, and families spend quality time together until bedtime.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear involving my experience was being away from my family for such an extended period of time. However, my process of learning to overcome this fear was short lived. I had the most supportive family who was always there to talk when I felt under the weather, and my studies kept my mind busy.

What is the one most important lesson you've taken away from your year in another country and culture?

The most important quality I acquired from this trip was how to ask for help without fear of judgment. There will always be someone there to help you if you're struggling, all you have to do is ask for it.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Jojanneke de Jong

Program
High school Exchange Program in the Paris Greater Area with Nacel
Jojanneke started working with Nacel in February 2022. She communicates with students from all over the world to understand exactly what they are looking for and to advise them on the programs that best suit their interest and their budgets. She feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to many different countries and work in the Netherlands, Guatemala, Spain, Portugal, France, Bulgaria and Luxembourg. She studied at a Dutch university. Jojanneke also participated in a Spanish language stay in Guatemala and has studied in France. This is why she knows perfectly the needs of future exchange students. But as a mother herself, she also understands the needs and concerns of parents who send their children abroad. She provides the empathy and understanding that parents and students need throughout the process of their project.
Jojanneke de Jong

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

My first holiday without my parents. To be alone without them in France was such a great experience. It was scary but exciting at the same time. I went with 4 other friends and we stayed at a campsite in the South of France. I was the only one who spoke some French, so I was the translator. I learned so much in those 10 days!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

In my two years as an educational advisor, I've learned a lot. I'm better at helping students find the right program, solving problems quickly, and communicating clearly. I understand different cultures and can adapt to changes easily. I use technology well and have become a leader in my team, helping new members. It's been a valuable experience that has made me better at what I do.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

A student from our Summer Camps formed a friendship with a Spanish student. Back in the US, their teacher suggested that the Spanish friend join a Zoom session with the class for Spanish practice. Now, Pablo regularly participates in their class, providing a fantastic opportunity for the students to enhance their Spanish skills through conversation. It's a wonderful way for them to improve their language proficiency.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I were 16 again, I would undoubtedly choose to participate in a high school exchange to Chile! The feedback on that program is consistently positive, and the people are incredibly friendly.

However, now that I'm no longer 16, I'd opt for the private teacher homestay option to enhance my French. I don't use it daily, and although I used to speak it fluently, it's time for a refresher.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What makes our company unique is the combination of our team's knowledge, empathy, and personal experiences. Each member of our team has extensive travel and exchange backgrounds, making us uniquely qualified to understand the challenges and excitement of studying abroad. We take pride in being knowledgeable about various programs and destinations, enabling us to carefully select the best options for our students.

I was especially proud of our team when we successfully supported a large group of students through the entire process of studying in France. Our collective expertise and empathic approach came into play as we navigated challenges and provided guidance. It was a moment of accomplishment, knowing that our team's dedication and personal experiences contributed to making the students' journeys enriching and transformative.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

In my view, the biggest factor in being a successful company is a genuine commitment to the well-being and success of our clients. At Nacel, where we boast over 65 years of experience, our success is deeply rooted in our personal approach. We take immense pride in the care and support we provide to our students. Being there for them every step of the way, from the initial inquiry to their return home, fosters trust and ensures that our students have a positive and enriching experience with us. This dedication to a personalized and supportive approach is fundamental to our longstanding success as a company.