Immersion Course

You have chosen to participate in an Immersion course. Get ready to have the unique experience of being immersed in American culture! As you know, there are few structured activities on this course so the main focus of your stay is to become a part of your host family and community. The Immersion Program is one of the best ways to find out how Americans live. It is also your best opportunity to become immersed in the English language and learn all of the "Americanisms" unique in that language. You will not be in a structured group program; your experience will be very independent. There are two types of Immersion Courses; Spanish Immersion and French Immersion. If you are from Spain: You will fly to your coursetown with a group of approximately 30 other Spanish students. However, you will only be together as a group for a city tour (this happens either upon your arrival or departure in the U.S.A). There will be no other activities with the other students during the course of your stay. After all, you are here to learn how Americans live! If you are from France: You will fly to your coursetown with a group of approximately 30 other French students and be met by your new host family. After your arrival you will have the opportunity to get together as a group once a week during the course of your stay including a welcome and farewell celebration. Otherwise, you will spend your time getting to know your family and community and practicing your command of the English language. Things to remember for all Immersion students: Most American families either have a single parent that works or two parents, both of whom work. If there are children in your family, they will likely also have times when they are out of the home. Therefore, it is important that you are prepared to take charge of your experience and be ready to explore the surroundings during the day time on your own. Other than the activities listed above, there are no structured activities planned for you. How much you experience and learn is up to you! It is up to you to create opportunities for learning about the American lifestyle. You will have a local EF representative (called a Program Coordinator) that you can contact with any questions during your stay. You will also be provided with the phone number for your Group Leader who will travel with you from your home country. Remember that your host family is also trying to learn about your culture so try to share as much as possible. Your family has opened their home to you - a stranger from another country. Remember to thank them and appreciate their hospitality. Always remember that "It's not wrong, it's not right, it's just different!" Remember that you came to learn something new - look at everything as an adventure and an opportunity to experience a country and culture different from your own.