Housing information, Suggestions, and Policies

A homestay can often be the best experience a student has while studying abroad. So much can be gained in a homestay such as language (verbal and comprehension) development, cultural understanding and awareness, and in some cases, friendships. But in order for the homestay to be successful, it's important that you understand a few of the fundamental expectations of the homestay.

Most of the relationships between IAU and its hosts are long-standing.  Many families host our students every year.  Student behavior in the home also reflects on IAU and the Institute cherishes its excellent relationships with the host families that are the basis of good student experiences.

IAU’s hosts are generously sharing their homes and their lives with you for various reasons. Many of them are interested in the customs and cultures of other countries. They want to enrich their own lives by learning about others. Furthermore, they would like to acquaint themselves and/or their children with people from other countries so as to help their children understand the plurality of the world we live in. Whatever your host’s motive for accepting you in their home, they will be very eager to share their culture with you. Of course, they will also want to learn about your home, family and country. So, when you begin your homestay please remember that the home your host provides is more than just a place to stay and eat. They hope that you will behave as a part of everyone who is in the home. This may mean a slight loss of privacy for you; for example, they may expect you to take part in events or outings that they have planned with you in mind. Also they may expect you to share the household work as a member of the household.

Every host is different. Some are very casual and some more formal. Some have relaxed home rules and some rigid rules. Please do not compare your host with other hosts; just enjoy the lifestyle of your host as one type of French family styles.

Once you meet your host, you need to find out what the house rules are. With this in mind, we have prepared an outline of our homestay policies as well as customs and general manners, the understanding of which may ease your transition into your new host's residence:

1. Your homestay begins on arrival day and ends at noon on departure day for the term.

2. Your host will feel responsible for you. Please let them know where you are going and when you expect to return so as to reassure them. Do your best to communicate with them to help eliminate potential worry or misunderstandings.

3. Improper behavior by you can lead to your being expelled from the homestay, and possibly from the program, without refund. In addition, arriving home intoxicated and/or drinking in your room is unacceptable and can also result in dismissal from the program without refund.

4. On occasion, the host-student match, for whatever reason, does not work out. IAU will make every effort to mediate the situation and, if needed, find a more suitable host. Before any of this can happen, you need to talk with the Housing Coordinator who, in conjunction with the Center Director, will oversee the change. Because of the contract nature of the housing agreement, no change can happen unless first approved by IAU.

5. Your host has agreed to provide you with 6 evening meals and 7 breakfasts per week. If you have plans for the evening and will miss dinner, please let your host know well in advance so that they can plan their meals accordingly.  Also, consider that ‘breakfast’ in France is typically of the continental variety.  Do not expect nor ask for a hearty American-style breakfast.

6. If you are a vegetarian or if you have any other special diet, we will do our best in matching you with your host. But you need to remember that in France, such special diets aren't as common as they are in the States.

7. Before and after dinner, offer to help with the dishes. Remember, you are not just a guest but a part of the home.

8. Keep your room neat. You will be expected to make up your own bed. Do not scatter your personal belongings throughout either your room or the house. Your host will provide one load of laundry per week for you.

9. Keep in mind that utilities are very expensive in France. Your host’s phone should only be used in case of emergencies.  Please always be aware of the time difference between France and your home country.

10. Your host may not wish you to invite friends home with you, particularly when they are not at home. They may feel especially reluctant for you to entertain members of the opposite sex in their home. Please find out how they feel about additional guests.

11. We have done our best to place you in a home where you may converse in English and/or French (dependent on your level of French). However, regardless of the efforts that are made to place you properly, problems may arise or there may be challenges in communicating with your host. If this is the case, or if there are other problems associated with your homestay, we encourage you to speak with the Housing Coordinator in Aix. All of our staff speaks English and French and can be of immediate assistance.

12. A few suggestions for your departure preparations: since your host will be curious about your life back home, it might be nice if you have photographs of your family and home on hand to share with them.  And, if your home city or state is famous for a certain product or craft, it would be nice for you to bring a sample for your host. They do not expect any gifts from you but would certainly enjoy a small souvenir with which to remember you by.

13. Once you return home at the completion of your program at IAU, we recommend writing a nice letter of appreciation to your host. After all, they were kind enough to open their home to you and you were kind enough to share many things with them during the term. So why not let them know of your appreciation and the fact that you returned home safely?