welcome2France

I studied in Reims, France during the 2019 Fall semester and participated in Welcome2France's host family program.My experience with my host family was enjoyable at first. They were kind, understanding and very patient with me for the first several months.Three months into my stay in France, my host father berated me and addressed some hidden grievances he had with me out of nowhere one evening. He explained how he didn't like me using things of theirs that they had explicitly given me permission to use – their freezer, the telephone and even some medicine. Needless to say, this is when I started feeling uncomfortable living at their house.My host family left for vacation the weekend before Christmas without as much as saying goodbye to me. To my horror, the heating in the house had stopped working the day after they left. They would not reply to my messages immediately, and I almost went to the police for help. My host family broke French law as the temperature in their house dipped below the 18 C limit that renters must adhere to for their tenants at all times. I could not bathe comfortably whatsoever, and I had to stay with a friend until the heating was fixed.A few weeks later, things took a turn for the worst when my host parents called me downstairs to speak with them. What started off as a simple conversation detailing how I would be moving out of their house soon (Into a new host family's house.) turned into a session of them verbally abusing and making false allegations towards me. I packed up all of my belongings that night and left without any hint of care from my host parents as to where I was leaving at 11:30 at night so suddenly.I immediately reported the incident to my school the next day and addressed all of these issues (And plenty others not written here.) to Welcome2France as well. I was basically given a somewhat lackluster apology, and the entire thing was essentially swept under the rug. I also recall, at a meeting I had with them, one of the team members even laughing at me while I was trying to explain a particular problem I had.I have never had such an awful experience with a business/company before, and I have never left such a negative view for one online before either.

Welcome 2 France was incredibly helpful and thoughtful. They got my information ready for the visa application very fast as well. I absolutely loved my assigned host family! They enriched my semester abroad and made me feel part of the family. Quite honestly a life-changing experience. I would highly recommend W2F!

I studied abroad this past semester (Spring 2022) in Reims, and I stayed with a host family through Welcome2France. Words cannot express how incredible this experience was - my host family made me feel so welcome and at home in France, and Welcome2France made the whole process incredibly simple: from applying to paying. I can't recommend using Welcome2France more highly!

I had a very good experience with Welcome 2 France and would for sure recommend working with the association for housing, especially for students coming from abroad or in their first year. I stayed with my host family for two semesters and they were absolutely lovely. I feel that my French improved very much and I learned about so many aspects of French culture. Additionally, the Welcome 2 France team was easy to work with and very accommodating. They did a good job matching what I was looking for and I would recommend.

I stayed with Welcome2France during fall 2022, and had an incredible experience! My host family was lovely, and I was able to improve my French and learn about French culture. Besides, not having to worry about buying things for my stay, such as cooking pots and other utensils, was very helpful. Would definitely recommend it!