Have you ever been on a French Exchange?

Question

Tell me all the details : relationship with exchange partner, accomodation, what you did etc.

Answer 1

I went 15 years ago. The girl I stayed with had, I think, genuine mental problems. While I was at her home I behaved with courtesy, but I sat her and her parents down before she came to my house. I told her that things would be very different at my home, explosive behavior would not be tolerated, and that I didn't think she'd be happy with me. Indeed, she only stayed with me two weeks as the balance of power had changed. She made alternative arrangements on her own. I was very relieved.

I stayed 3 weeks with her in a one room student apartment and 3 weeks in her family's home. Her family was very kind to me. She made efforts to help me engage in activities I chose, such as working in a boulangerie, visiting a maternelle, going to museums, etc. Her friends were a little odd; they seemed to enjoy playing word games with me instead of helping me learn things. It seemed like a joke to them. They were young.

Overall, the experience was what I made of it. The person I was matched with was VERY difficult to get along with, but it was only for a short time, so I tried to overlook that and get what I wanted out of the experience. The food was great, I improved my French, I lived like a French person instead of a tourist, I lost 30 lbs. from walking everywhere, and I learned a lot about another culture. I'd definitely do it again.

Answer 2

If I had wound up in a situation such as the one described above, especially if it were for a long time, I would DEFINITELY have contacted the office liaison, and been moved.  That sounds like it could have gotten ugly if it were for a whole year, or even a semester.  

I know of people who have remained friends with their exchange families for life.  And I mean, they are like fifty-plus years old, and still family.  And I know people who have forgotten their families very quickly.

I have never exchanged to France, I lived in Spain, and would love to talk about it, but not here.  I'm sure you will have an excellent time, and hope someone else posts a happier memory of France.

Check into the Study Abroad category under Education.  you'll find more people there who have done.