This post features student writing, reflecting on experiences with homestay families.

Kate:

For me, my week in Alsace was probably my favorite part of this whole trip. I got to hike in the hills, ride a boat in a lake, and play mini golf in Germany all while speaking French! Luckily I got along with my host family very well, which made for speaking only in French so much easier and fun. The fact that my host family didn’t speak English also led to some really fun and interesting discussions! At family dinners we would talk about Alsace and America, about ourselves, and about our hobbies, which helped to improve not only my French but my knowledge of France itself. It helped both me and my host family to truly make the most of this wonderful experience! I got to play guitar and sing with my host sister, perform the same songs for my host sisters entire family on Bastille day, and so much more. I really hope to keep in touch with my host family and to see them again sometime soon!

Josh:

Just outside of Colmar, Alsace, France. Each morning I found myself woken by the church bells announcing the morning. There was so much to do that I hardly scratched the surface of in my one week. I had the chance to view the evolution of the automobile at Alsace automobile museum, go on a charming bike ride along a canal, and experience July 14 (Bastille Day) in France. What is perhaps most interesting is that although there were no art museums that I wandered into, Alsace was the most appealing to the eyes with its colorful houses, lush farmland, and incredibly aesthetic landscapes from up above. And I haven’t yet mentioned the homemade food that always left me wanting more. That’s all for now.

Hayden:

My homestay experience was very enjoyable. I had three host siblings, one of which attends college in Strasbourg. The family grew most of the vegetables they ate and got their eggs from the four chickens that had in their backyard. The food was cooked with everything grown at the house and taught me more about how I can improve my gardening skills and utilize the food from my garden. The family took me to see many Germanic towns in the area. The architecture was incredible and very different from Paris and Le Conquet. I also went wild blueberry picking and helped the mom cook many meals. It was really nice to eat home cooked family meals the entire week. On Tuesday morning, I made an American breakfast for my family and it showed me the differences and similarities of popular breakfasts in America and France. I really enjoyed my time in Alsace with my host family and I am very grateful for this experience.