Interested in booking a trip with CEI but still have a few questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact our team by sending them a message with our contact form.
Our advisors are available Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can also find more details below about how our trips are organized.
General questions about all programs
Who is CEI and what is its role of their local teams in France ?
CEI (Centre d’Échanges Internationaux) is a non-profit organization with over 70 years of experience in youth mobility. CEI representatives coordinate the programs locally and ensure that foreign students are welcomed safely and culturally integrated.
What programs do local teams help and support ?
Linguistic, academic, cultural tours, and homestay programs.
What should the host family do if a student has allergies or dietary restrictions ?
Follow CEI instructions and inform the corresponding coordinator if needed.
Who should be contacted at CEI in case of a problem ?
The CEI local coordinator. For any emergency: use the 24/7 emergency line.
What if a student is sick or injured ?
Contact the coordinator. For any emergency, call 112 and then inform CEI.
Are students insured ?
Yes, foreign students are fully covered & CEI provides basic medical and liability insurance certificates.
Can host families take students on a weekend trip ?
Yes, foreign students share all activities and trip with their host family.
Can student travels independently without the host family ?
Yes, but this needs to be fully approved by CEI and an official authorization from biological parents is requested.
Can families keep the student’s passport or money ?
No, students must keep their own documents and money.
What if a student refuses to attend class or activity ?
Attending classes and program activity is compulsory. An absence has to be officially justified.
What if the student breaks house rules ?
Stay calm and contact CEI. Let them handle the situation.
What if the student loses his/her passport or ID card ?
Contact CEI. They will assist with embassy procedures.
How do students usually spend their days during linguistic summer programs ?
Morning: classes; afternoon: activities; evening: with host families.
What if a student arrives very late or early ?
Be available and flexible. CEI will inform you of the exact time.
What is the difference between high school and linguistic summer programs ?
High school = long-term school attendance.
Linguistic = short stay + activities.What if the student runs out of money ?
Inform CEI. Parents may transfer funds directly or via CEI.
Can families host a student who has a very weak level of French ?
Yes. Some students arrive in France with little knoweldge of French. Families are encouraged to speak slowly, be patient, and use simple vocabulary.
What is the local team’s role during a summer language holiday day ?
Families host students in the evening and weekend. During the day, CEI manages lessons and excursions. Communication between both sides is essential.
What information should local teams give to students before arrival ?
Prepare a welcome message with house rules, curfew, basic expectations, and emergency contacts. CEI will provide a checklist if needed.
What to do if the student doesn’t show up at a meeting point ?
Wait 15 minutes, then contact the CEI coordinator or emergency line.
What if the student has a disability or special medical condition ?
You will be informed before arrival. Follow instructions and ask CEI if unsure.
What happens at the end of the student’s stay ?
CEI will inform families of departure times. Make sure the student is packed and ready.
Academic year program
What are the possible duration for an academic program to France ?
You can apply for a duration starting from 2 weeks up to 10 months. French school year from September to June.
Where are the students accommodated ?
In a French host family or at the school dorm in case of boarding school program.
How are the host families selected ?
They are fully screened by CEI staff ( visit, interview ) and police checked.
What is the motivation of the families for hosting ?
Discover a new culture and help a student to learn the language.
Can student choose their placement location ?
Yes, it is possible in the frame of the select program in fee-paying host families.
Can student apply with specific food restriction ?
Yes, it is possible and CEI will offer you the adapted program.
Do student pay their lunches at school ?
No, CEI pays for these expenses as well as tuition fees for private schools.
Do student pay for the school bus card to commute to school ?
Yes, they do, it is at the charge of the student.
Do student choose their subjects at school ?
No, they do not choose. The only choose 2 and then 3 major subjects during the 2 last years of high school.
Who explain the program to the student ?
CEI local representative explains the program to the student within the 10 days of her/his arrival to France.
Can student continue to practice their sport in France ?
Yes, they can either apply for the sport school program or join a sport club as an extra curricular activity.
Do CEI offer optional fun trips during the academic program ?
Yes, there are optional fun trips : Paris in October, ski in the Alps in February and South of France in June.
