Summer Programs

What is a homestay?

A homestay is an opportunity for total emersion into the culture and language of a host country. It is that foundation of Nacel Open Door’s programs. We believe it is the best way for a student to learn and experience a new country and way of life.

How are host families selected?

Host families abroad are found much as they are here in the United States, primarily through schools and community organizations. Once a family expresses interest and desire to host, the family is visited by a Nacel representative abroad who ensures that the motives of the family are appropriate to hosting an American student and that the physical condition of the home meets Nacel Open Door requirements. All host families submit applications and are subject to background checks.

How are students and families matched up?

Once a potential host family is accepted information regarding the ages and genders of family members, their interests, family pets, and home setting is gathered. Similar information taken from your application form and dossier. The information is then compared to find the best possible matches.

Can I choose a specific city or area to have my program in?

In most instances, no. We place our emphasis on making good host family matches and the city where the family lives is secondary. Regardless of where a family lives there will be interesting things to view and learn.

What if I’ve been invited by a specific family?

Great! There is a place on the application form to indicate the name, address, and phone number of the family, and Nacel Open Door's partners abroad will then be in touch with the family to confirm arrangements. In some cases, however, the location of your inviting family can affect your choice of program options.

What is required of a Host Family?

Unless otherwise stated in the program description, host families receive no compensation. For this reason, Nacel Open Door doesn't require families to undertake special activities for the host student, although many do. Host families are expected to provide safe and caring environments for their host sons and daughters, treating them as they would their own children.

Students looking for special tours, sightseeing excursions, sports activities, or language and cultural study can check the current Nacel Open Door brochure for a complete listing of optional opportunities available.

What does living with a host family involve?

You'll be a member of a family, sharing the joys and the responsibilities of family life. You should want to develop a friendship, exchange ideas, and give as well as receive. It's up to you to adapt to your host family's way of life, rather than the other way round, so the more you try to learn about their customs, diet, and habits, the more rewarding the experience will be for you and for your hosts. You might be the only American in the neighborhood, so you will be special!

Being part of a host family allows you to experience a foreign culture in intimate and personal ways not open to the typical tourist. You'll have fundamentally the same privileges and responsibilities as other children in your host family, so you must be ready to live by the host family's rules and help with household chores.

Please remember that since you'll be a family member, not just a guest, you shouldn't expect your family to keep you constantly entertained. There will be times when you'll depend on your own creativity to keep yourself busy.
Nacel Open Door provides a handbook and holds an orientation meeting to help you prepare.

When will I know my host family information?

We promise you will know as soon as we do. Matching a host family and a student is given careful consideration and is most difficult part of the process. You may know several weeks before your departure, but it is possible that you find out on the eve of your departure.

Will the host family have children my age?

Not necessarily, our host families come from every walk and stage of life (empty-nester, families with young children, etc.) and they may not have children your age in the home. We do request, though, that every host family give each participant the opportunity to meet people close to their age, either through community activities, schools, nephews/nieces, etc.

Are host families paid?

Some host families are given a small stipend to help cover the cost of food and taking in a student. Paid families go through the same background checks and are have the same expectations as volunteer families.

When will I receive my travel information?

You will receive your travel information approximately 6-8 weeks prior to your departure. You will receive your travel packet approximately 10 days prior to departure. (Travel Packets will be sent via UPS. UPS will not deliver to PO Boxes, if your address is a PO Box an alternative address must be supplied to Nacel Open Door.)

Is domestic travel included in my program price?

No, students are responsible for their domestic travel to the gateway city. In some cases, it may be possible for Nacel Open Door to assist in the arrangements, but the responsibility remains the students’.

Will I be met in the domestic airport?

Yes, whenever possible and to the extent that airport security allows airport assistants will be there to help you get to the correct gate. Meeting points will be specified based on the airport and arrival time.

Can I organize my own international flight?

Although you are responsible for your U.S. domestic travel, Nacel Open Door does not allow you to travel independently on your international flight except under very special (and rare) circumstances. Nacel Open Door holds tightly to this policy because independent arrivals abroad add complexity to the important task of receiving students into a host country.

What are gateway cities?

Gateway cities are cities chosen for meeting points for Nacel Open Door participants for International Travel. They are chosen based on the flight availability and cost and the proximity to all participants. Gateway cities in past have been: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Houston, etc.

Will there be a chaperone on my trip?

Chaperones are present on a majority or Nacel Open Doors programs abroad and may accompany students on the international flight. In some cases, however, students traveling in a small enough groups may not have a chaperone. Students will be safely monitored prior to departure and met upon arrival abroad. Parents and students will be notified when programs will be without a chaperone.

How much should I pack?

It depends on which country you are going to, but you can use this list as a guideline (packing list). Summer students should try to pack only ONE checked piece of luggage and ONE carry-on item. Pay attention to season the country you will be going to, while it may be summer here it could be winter where you are going. And remember you will be responsible for transporting your luggage through the airport. Airport assistance are there to assist you, but should not be expected to carry your luggage for you. Pack light!  You pack it, you haul it.

What happens upon arrival abroad?

As soon as students clear security they are greeted by Nacel personal abroad. Many times host families are there to the students as well. In any case, students will be transported to their host families and students will be supervised the entire way. (In the case of a flight transport students will be checked into the flight and met at the arrival airport.)

How much money should I bring?

While it depends on the country you will be visiting, generally we suggest that students have approximately 75€ to 90€ per week or roughly $350 per month. Of course, this is only a guideline and it depends on students’ spending habits.

Can I get a scholarship to study abroad?

Yes, we encourage every participant to apply for a scholarship. Click here for further information.

What’s the Cancellation Process?

Click here for further information about the cancellation process.

Does the program prices include insurance?

Yes, all Nacel Open Door students are covered by Medical, Liability, and Emergency Reparation Insurance. Details of the policy guidelines will be sent along with your travel packet.

AYP and Semester Programs

When are programs offered?

Nacel Open Door offers programs corresponding to the beginning of the school year and spring semester. See individual countries for specific dates.

Are there eligibility requirements?

These are selective programs, and applications are considered according to merit and space availability. Candidates must be ages 15-18 (depending on the country) with an above-average academic record (usually 3.0 or above). Most programs have a language requirement of two or more years of study in the host country language with good grades. Previous experience away from home is highly recommended, as is an open and flexible attitude. Recommendations and a personal interview are required as part of the application process.

Will I need a passport and/or Visa?

You'll need a passport for any Nacel Open Door program abroad. Visas are generally required for stays of longer than 90 days. Nacel Open Door will provide advice and supporting documentation, but you must obtain your own visa.

How does school life differ from the United States?

There are, of course, major variations by country, but in general school days are longer than in the United States and classwork very rigorous. Students should expect to spend more time in class and to be assigned more homework than in American schools.

Will I get credit for my Semester or Year abroad?