Experience a language and culture – Progress naturally through practice

Experience a language and a culture from the inside by sharing the daily life of a warm host family, who will be delighted to show you their way of life.

Cultural immersion is ideal for making rapid progress in the language in a natural way. You live at the same pace as the family, sharing their daily life and practising the language through activities and discussions of your choice. In this way, you develop your language skills through continuous practice, in a safe and friendly environment.

This total immersion programme is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to take a traditional course, but prefers to learn by doing.

Having fun while learning is the best way to remember what you learn!

  • Cork
  • Dublin
  • Galway
  • Limerick
  • Mayo
  • Sligo

Families are rarely located in city centres. We ask you to select three regions in order of preference when registering.

You will be hosted by a family, on a full-board basis , and will take part in 15, 20, 25 or 30 hours of activities of your choice per week with a member of your family. You select the activities from those listed below. Activities are offered in blocks of 5 hours.

Communication and exchange are key to the success of this stay, as are open-mindedness and the desire to adapt to another way of life.

To facilitate integration, a minimum level of A2 is recommended.

An excellent quality of welcome

The family offers excellent reception conditions and is carefully selected to meet your expectations. If you are on a special diet or have any special requirements (smokers or non-smokers, children or not, etc.), it is important to let us know when you register. There is always a family to suit your profile: whether you are young, a student, an adult or retired. The high social calibre of the host families is a guarantee of enriching and interesting contacts, and of course of progress in your chosen language.

For youngsters – Cocooning option

Many children and teenagers take part in this type of stay, as it guarantees that they will be looked after by experienced and serious families. The young person’s involvement is fundamental to the success of the holiday.

Many children and teenagers take part in this type of holiday, as it guarantees that they will be looked after by experienced and serious families. The young person’s commitment is fundamental to the success of the holiday.

We offer a ‘Cocooning’ option, which is compulsory for children up to the age of 15 and highly recommended for all minors. This option guarantees the presence of an adult 24 hours a day.

Supplement: see “Dates and prices” tab

Activities

Activities vary depending on the host family and where they live.

Activities may include: go-karting, ice skating, attending a show, match or sporting event, traditional dance classes (flamenco, salsa, zumba, local folk dance), a trip to the cinema, theatre or pub, a visit to a museum or art gallery, a visit to an aquarium or wildlife park, exploring the city by panoramic bus, a cooking or baking session with your host, shopping with your host, film-making, conversations and debates, board games, walks and hikes, participation in a festival or local event, a visit to a market, outdoor activities (beach outing, picnic, barbecue), visit to the town centre, surrounding villages or local sites of interest.

Special diet” option

If you have a special diet, it is important to let us know in advance so that the teacher can adapt. If this diet involves a great deal of effort on the part of the host family, such as a gluten-free or halal diet, a supplement will be charged.

Supplement: see “Dates & Prices” tab

Special needs” option

Some families are able to accommodate students with physical disabilities (such as visual or hearing impairments), emotional or behavioural problems (such as hyperactivity) or learning difficulties (such as dyslexia) , provided they are informed in advance. This option allows us to offer adapted accommodation and extra attention from the family. This supplement does not cover any care that may be required.

Supplement: see “Dates & Prices” tab

Private bathroom” option

This option is available in most destinations. Please specify on your booking form.

Supplement: see “Dates & prices” tab

Shared stay

It is possible for 2 people to share your family with the person of your choice, as long as it is on the same dates and for the same language level.

Discount: 20% for each participant

Senior

Participants aged 60 and over benefit from a discount for all stays starting and finishing between October and May.

5% discount

Stay during the Christmas and New Year period

It is possible to follow this programme during the Christmas holidays. A supplement will be applied for all stays including 24, 25, 26 or 31 December or 1 January. If your stay includes both Christmas and New Year, this supplement will apply twice. This supplement includes activities such as a New Year’s meal, a countdown to the New Year, fireworks, a visit to the city’s decorations and shopping.

Supplement: see “Dates & prices” tab

Travel

Day of arrival: Sunday
Day of departure: Sunday. Some families are flexible regarding arrival and departure dates.

Arrival station or airport: Transfer available on request (at an additional cost, see “Dates & Prices” tab)

When you receive your family’s profile, the nearest station, airport or port to your host family’s home will be indicated. Transfers are carried out by the host family, the local organiser or a private driver (usually by car, occasionally by public transport). If you do not arrive at the airport indicated or if you arrive/depart before 8am or after 9pm, prices will be increased. Students under 16 years of age must book return transfers, unless we are informed that they are accompanied by their parents.

Note: do not book your transport ticket until we have confirmed your stay and allocated you a family (approximately 8 days after payment of your deposit).

Visa information

Do you need a visa to follow this programme? For more information, please see our Visa Information page.

Please do not hesitate to contact us by email or telephone if you require any further information.

Dates & Prices 2024

Session starts: every week, all year round

Prices 2024

WPCS 42.0.3
Cultural Immersion (host family, full board, and activities) - Price per week
Destinations (see program tab)15h20h25h30h
All regions except Dublin€ 1.215€ 1.395€ 1.575€ 1.745
Dublin region€ 1.365€ 1.545€ 1.725€ 1.895
Optional Supplements - Per week
Special diet€ 110
Cocooning option (mandatory under 15 years)€ 150
Private bathroom option€ 150
Christmas or New Year's€ 150
Special attention - Disability, dyslexia, ADHD€ 150
Extra night€ 90
Transfer from nearest station/airport - Per trip*
Nearest station or airport€ 90
An additional fee may be charged if you do not arrive at the nearest station/airport.

*Round trip compulsory for 16 years old and under

The above prices include:

  • The chosen programme of activities
  • Accommodation in a single room with a host family
  • Full board
  • All taxes and registration fees
  • Assistance from the regional coordinator

Not included:

  • Travel and transfers
  • Any extras (Cocooning, Five Star accommodation, etc.)
  • New Year’s Eve supplement for all holidays including 24, 25, 26 or 31 December, or 1 January
  • Any extra nights
  • Any visa fees
  • Optional insurance

Remarks

  • If 2 students of the same level wish to stay together, each participant receives a 20% discount.

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