Where to stay? There are 2 lodging options for your program:

1. Luxury and convenience "on site": School apartments
2. Local area "off site": houses and apartments

Question: Does Coeur de France have host family stays ("home stays")?

In a word: No. And here's why.

After providing host family accommodations for years, we decided to discontinue this kind of accommodation because we believe that the positive aspects of it are outweighed by the significant negative aspects.

The following are just some of them:

-lack of privacy
-adjustment to the family's household rules and routine
-student's dietary needs unable to be met by families
-presence of household pets in most families
-smoking/nonsmoking environment cannot be guaranteed
-environment not conducive to studying
-distance from school
and more...

We understand that students seeking host family accommodations are motivated by their belief that they will have more opportunity for social interaction with native speakers and thus improve their language skills. Unfortunately, the realities of daily life with a family often make this impossible.

Think About It...
In most French families, children attend school and both parents work. You as a Coeur de France student have class and perhaps an optional excursion during the day. When you returns home in the late afternoon you have at least a couple of hours of homework to do.

The parents of the host family usually return home around 6:30 pm. The family sees each other for the first time since early morning and would probably like some private time to catch up on their day. Then Madame must begin preparing dinner and Monsieur has a few chores he needs to take care of....

Unfortunately, the reality is that a student's only QUALITY contact with the host family would be during dinner (which for most French families is from about 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm). The majority of the stay with the family would be limited to such things as sharing the bathroom and having a quick slice of toast and coffee for breakfast!

Most of our students are mature adults and while the notion of living with a family is charming, the actual experience can be problematic for someone accustomed to their independence and free choice. Coming and going when you please is usually not allowed; smoking or nonsmoking accommodations, food, comfort, etc. are simply beyond Coeur de France's control and so cannot be guaranteed. The potential problems are many. Thus, we discontinued the host family option.

A (Much) Better Alternative
Enjoy the freedom to live like an adult, not a child or a tolerated house guest. Learning to manage on your own (with a little help from us if needed) is a step in the right direction for gaining confidence in your French skills. With your own apartment including your own private kitchen (apartments are not shared with other students), you can prepare your own meals whenever you wish. Students often invite other students -- and new French friends -- for a lunch or dinner "chez moi"!

At Coeur de France, we want you to interact with native French people and gain confidence in your own abilities. Shop with the local people, discover new recipes, eat what you want to when you want to, experiment with French cuisine, entertain friends and fellow students. Experience real, authentic French living in a winemaking village -- just like one of us. Bienvenue chez vous !