At Oui-Connect, we offer American teenagers short-term homestay immersion programs in Spain, France, Italy, or Germany. From June to August, for 2 to 4 weeks, participants (ages 13 to 17) live and share the daily lives of a volunteer host family. This unique cultural and educational experience allows students to improve their language skills through 100% immersion.
We personally match American students with host families abroad and provide continuous support from the registration phase through the end of the homestay. Our goal is to ensure that participants and their families feel connected and supported throughout the experience.
Our approach to homestay for teenagers in Europe
At Oui-Connect, our expertise in short-term immersion programs for international high school students sets us apart. Tailored specifically for teenagers aged 13 to 17, our programs recognize the unique needs and developmental stage of this age group.
We manage all aspects of the homestay, including administration, travel authorizations, insurance, and volunteer host family placements, while providing local coordinators in each country to assist students.
We offer participants a truly unique cultural and linguistic immersion experience by allowing them to live as a member of a European family, which is especially enriching for young students who are learning to become more independent. From registration, orientation, and trip preparation to on-the-ground support during the stay, we ensure personal contact and guidance every step of the way, providing the right balance of independence and supervision that teenagers need as they navigate this formative experience.
The volunteer host Family
Oui-Connect focuses on full immersion with volunteer host families. American students integrate into their host families, becoming familiar with the culture, region, and daily life of the country they’re visiting. These families open their homes out of a genuine desire to share their culture, offering students a warm, welcoming environment that facilitates a deeper cultural exchange.
By sharing daily activities—such as eating meals, running errands, visiting cultural sites, and socializing—students gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. These everyday interactions, whether preparing meals alongside their host family or attending local events, help students truly live the culture rather than just observing it. Through such authentic experiences, participants become temporary locals, adapting to the rhythms and routines of their new environment.
This immersion goes beyond language learning and sightseeing; it fosters personal growth, teaching students to navigate new customs and perspectives while forming meaningful bonds with their host families. As students adapt to the family’s way of life, they not only grow from the experience but also leave a lasting impact on their host families, creating a mutually enriching exchange.
Host family selection
Our host families are volunteers, motivated by a desire to share their culture and build meaningful relationships. There is no financial incentive involved, ensuring that the relationship between the host family and the student is sincere and focused on cultural exchange.
Oui-Connect and our international partners carefully select host families based on:
- Motivation: Open-mindedness, kindness, and a genuine interest in cultural exchange.
- Responsibility: Homes must meet specific safety and hygiene standards.
All host families are personally visited by our international partners to ensure they meet program standards. While no stay is guaranteed to be problem-free, we make every effort to place students in a safe and welcoming environment.
Host family information is typically provided 2-5 weeks prior to departure, and a bilingual Oui-Connect representative is always available locally in case of issues. Our team works closely with the host family and student to ensure the best match possible, though minor adjustments may be needed as students adapt to their new environment.
Language learning
“Our daughter spent 3 weeks in Spain with an incredible host family who took her in as one of their own. She had a marvelous time delving into Catalan culture and the Spanish language, enjoying weekend excursions, extended family gatherings, as well as ordinary daily activities such as shopping and cooking. This was Sammy’s first trip anywhere by herself; she came home so much more confident, open and really appreciative of this opportunity and new friendships.”
Discover countries where we offer immersion experiences:
Spain
France
Italy
Germany
Apply to Go Abroad:
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FAQ
Does a student need to know french, spanish or italian already?
Will there be a student same or similar age in the host family?
How do you insure that my teenager will be safe while abroad?
Oui-Connect partners with agencies in France, Italy and Spain who would be finding a volunteer host family in those countries.
All host families will be visited by a coordinator and interviewed. The coordinators will verify if the family is safe and if the house is safe/clean.
All host family fill out an application form and we ask for references.
You will also get to communicate with the host family before departure through Zoom , Facetime or other platforms.
How do we know that our host family is a "good host family" what do you do?
Lastly you will have the chance to communicate with your host family before departure. we actually encourage students do Facetime or Zoom once they get their placement.
Who picks up my son/daughter from the airport?
Do parents have to host for students to participate in the program?
If you participate in our “Reciprocal Exchange program” You host a foreign exchange student first and then your son/daughter goes abroad and lives with them for 3 weeks.