Valuable growth experience for a young francophile

After studying French in school for four years and loving it, an immersion program was a natural next step for me––simple, effective, and just outside my comfort zone. Though it took some effort to get the ball rolling, ECI's staff and the host family coordinator were eager to help every step of the way. My host family was very welcoming––my host mom was always eager to show me around and teach me new words; my host dad tested my comprehension skills with questions about the US and France; and my host sister brought me along everywhere on adventures with her friends. Everyone I met was accommodating, friendly, and eager to hear about what I thought of both the US and France. Be prepared for some uncomfortable experiences––those can be the best ones! My host family took me to the wedding of some Algerian friends––dinner started at 9pm, and we got home at 3am! Whatever I was doing, I was always improving my french, with the help of my host family and friends. Speaking French has become almost second-nature after those two weeks, and I couldn't have done it without ECI!