ALMOST FRENCH
Teaching & Exchange
Almost French – All you need to know
‘We believe that the best way to learn is to travel and immerse in the culture'
Why go to France?
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To discover a new country and a new culture
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To meet new people
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To improve your French skills
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To live a wonderful experience at the other end of the world
Why choose Almost French?
We are a serious company based in Melbourne, Australia. Our business registration number is B19980016D and our ABN is 36469430762
Almost French was started to help students build their knowledge through exchange programs between Australia and France. Almost French is run by a small group of French and Australian teachers.
One of the reasons why we decided to create Almost French was to offer Australian students the opportunity to go to France and discover a wonderful culture while improving their French.
In using exchange programs in the past we have found them expensive and out of reach for most students. As such we began Almost French to provide a better value option for students without sacrificing quality.
We have built a network of contacts and private schools in France providing a safe and enjoyable French experience.
Almost French is focused on quality, reliability and great service. Our goal is to deliver a trusted and affordable service. From sourcing the host families to developing the travel plans, we ensure our service is second to none.
Our goal is that students go in the best conditions and that is why we only organise a small number of exchange every year.
The most important thing for us is to find you a family that is similar to yours and an exchange student who has similar taste to make sure that you get along well.
If you have a problem Almost French has a person responsible in France and in Australia to help you.
Who can go on exchange?
The exchange is for any young person motivated (this is the key to a good exchange).
Students who take part in the exchange are normally in year 10 or year 11 and have between 15 and 17 years old.
Girls welcome girls and boys welcome boys.
Students in boarding school can't be part of the exchange.
Priority is given to students who apply for an exchange; however there is a possibility to welcome a French student without going to France.
Where are you going?
Our exchange schools are located in Reims and Lille in France.
Reims is a city with 300 000 people and Reims is only 45 minutes from Paris by TGV. Reims is in the Champagne area.
Lille is only an hour from Paris by TGV and one of the biggest cities in France (north). The schools we work with are very serious and private.
You can not decide wether you are going to Reims or Lille, it all depends where the best family for you lives. However you can request to have a friend in the same school. We will try our best.
When and how long for?
The French students arrive in June/July for 5 weeks and the Australian students go for 5 weeks in December/January.
Your host will be there during your July holidays and your family is expected to include him/her in any activity/trip planned. It will be the same when you go, you will be 3 weeks at school and 2 weeks on holidays with your host family over Christmas.
You may need to provide a uniform for your host. Most of the time the schools can let you borrow one or they may accept that the exchange student wear casual clothes.
Maybe you will get to have a white Christmas…
Who are you going with?
Students from Australia will normally travel together to France and an adult part of Almost French will accompany the group.
We only use reliable and well known airlines.
We have 2 groups going, group 1 leaves at the end of November and comes back at the start of January and the group 2 leaves mid-December and return mid-January (around the 20th).
You cannot choose what group you will be in, it depends on the French schools. However you can once again request a date and we will try our best.
How much does the exchange cost?
The price that we give you is valid for a departure in December 2010 and you would welcome your exchange student in June/July 2010.
The price includes:
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Airplane tickets return Melbourne-Paris
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An adult to accompany the group of Australians to France (+ travelling with them)
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Airport taxes
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French school fees
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Finding you a family
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Insurance (from head to toe)
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Welcome and Pick up at Paris Airport by your host family
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An international phone card
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A representative of Almost French in both countries
The price for 2010 is $4300 (GST included). The price does not include pocket money. Life in France is about the same as in Australia. The host family must provide 3 meals a day.
Once you have paid we can’t reimburse you as we will have booked most of the trip.
How to apply?
Application date close in January 2010. Limited places available!
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Contact us to see if there are still places available
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Feel in the application form that we will send you. Be honest and don’t forget to put some recent photos of yourself, friends, family, house etc … Send it by mail at:
Almost French
501/2-14 Albert road
South Melbourne 3205
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Almost French will contact you once we have received your application to let you know the next steps and to discuss things further.
Important details
Be careful you are going to France in winter and the temperature can go as low as -5 degrees so plan your clothing (no shorts needed)
Also French schools do not wear any uniform. You can wear jeans to school, but your outfit needs to be appropriate and warm.
The families that are selected to host a student are chosen very carefully, the application form must be really detailed with photos. Almost French will contact you and discuss further details with you once we have your application form.
The family must include the host student in their daily life and make him/her discover as much as they can the Australian culture. The host student should be considered as a member of your family.
You need a valid Australian passport to travel to France.
Before you go you will get the file of your host sister/brother so that you can already have an idea of what they like and you can start emailing them, if you wish.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUERIES PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US
Email: info@almostfrench.com.au
Phone: 03 9690 4646
Mobile: 0414 456 062