How to proceed

  

If this idea intrigues you and you wish to know more, simply ask for our information pack, either by e-mail, phone or letter.
Then having read our documentation complete the pre-application form and return it to us.

Once we have your pre-application form, we will ask you to complete a full application form, including something for your child's school. The application form is complex and needs to be completed carefully. Take your time, but do not be slow. Your child also has a part to complete, their part must be HANDWRITTEN.
When we receive your application form we will let you know and at the same time we will tell you if anything is missing.
Your school returns their part of the form directly to us.
We will send your pre-application form to one of our Local Representatives. The Local Rep. will get in touch with you and arrange to come and see all the family sharing a meal with you one lunch time or evening as it suits you. Just keep it simple.

The Local Rep. will send us a written report after their visit to you.
You will be invited to our week-end for new families, which is usually in June. You will be given the exact date in good time. This week-end of 'discovery' is most important.


Once we have met all the families in the various countries we will send you, before the end of June, one of three possible answers.

We prefer not to go ahead with an exchange with you.

We do not have a suitable foreign family for you at the moment but we are keeping your application form should something come up.

We are sending you the application form of a foreign family we feel is suitable and at the same time we are sending them your application form. You are, of course, free to turn down our suggestion.

If both families decide to go ahead they tell us and we will send you either a DEPARTURE or an ARRIVAL pack depending on whether your child is either going or welcoming first.

Both families need to agree on and send us the departure date.

A few days before the beginning of the new school year in their new country the child leaves for their new life.
We keep in touch with things by e-mail at least and possibly by phone.

After the end of week seven we do the first language and family check.
We speak to both the host parents and child on the phone and send you a written report. When necessary we correct mistakes and advise the host parents.
We keep in touch regularly and at the end of the stay we do a final language check which we post to you.

We monitor the second part of the exchange in the same manner.

Every year in France on the third Saturday in September we hold our Annual General Meeting in Tours, France.
There are organized games for children and a special meeting for children who have recently finished their exchange. At the same time the adults meet, discuss and elect a new committee. In the evening we have a meal together which is accompanied by wine provided by various En Famille families who are wine growers. Around the table, with a glass of wine is a very good time for families to share their experiences. A good many families stay the night and some visit a chateau and picnic together before going their separate ways.

Although this September meeting really concerns French families, any other EN FAMILLE families who happen to be in area are more than welcome to attend.
We also hope that you will do your utmost to find at least two new families for the coming years so that we do not have to spend vast amounts of money in our quest for new families.

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