Question 1

How can you contact us?

Accepted Answer

Our offices are currently open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and until 5:00 PM on Fridays (on Fridays, we are open to the public by appointment only). Please feel free to contact our advisors at 01 42 67 75 75 (no surcharge). They will be happy to answer your questions. If you would like to send us a letter, here is our address:

LEC 89 Avenue de Villiers 75017 PARIS

You can also contact us by email Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Question 2

At LEC, can I easily contact an advisor before, during, or even after my child’s language study program?

Accepted Answer

LEC is a family-run company that has been organizing language study programs for young people for over 50 years. We specialize in language study programs designed specifically for young people:

in England and Germany for over 50 years,
     in the United States, Spain, Scotland, and Ireland for over 30 years,
 	and in Malta for over 20 years.

We place great importance on the success of the trips for the young people entrusted to us, which is why our teams are available to answer your questions and offer advice, whether before or after registration, and even after your child’s language trip has ended.

Please feel free to contact us at 01 42 67 75 75: there is no surcharge for this number, and one of our advisors will be happy to assist you (during our office hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and until 5 p.m. on Fridays).

During your child’s stay, and in case of an emergency, a French supervisor is also available 7 days a week.

Question 3

Is LEC certified by AFNOR?

Accepted Answer

Since 2008, LEC has held NF Service* certification, issued by AFNOR Certification. This certification guarantees the performance, rigor, and reliability of the services offered by LEC. It demonstrates that LEC programs are designed in accordance with the criteria and rules of the European Standard for Language Travel (NF EN 14804), particularly regarding instruction, accommodation, and customer information.

Thus, in addition to the LEC teams’ proven experience spanning over 50 years, this NF Service certification provides you with an additional guarantee of quality and reliability when choosing the organization to which you will entrust the planning of your child’s language study trip.

LEC is one of the few organizations to hold this certification.



*Stays in France, specifically the "English Summer Camp in France" programs, are not covered by this certification.

Question 4

I have a hard time imagining what my child’s experience will be like during their language study trip. What will the trip actually be like once they’re there?

Accepted Answer

At LEC, we understand that it’s not always easy to get a sense of what a language study trip is like, and that nothing beats seeing actual footage to help you picture the kind of experience your child might have during their language study trip with LEC.

This short video, filmed during our programs, will give you a clear idea in just a few minutes of what our language programs are like: testimonials from local organizers, teachers, and students during their stay—those who experience our programs firsthand are the best ones to talk about them!

https://vimeo.com/158490574

Question 5

Why will my child improve in language skills?

Accepted Answer

At LEC, we know that beyond the classroom, learning a language is all about putting it into practice. What could be more effective than conversing in the language being studied? Taking language classes taught by qualified instructors, while also living in an environment where they are constantly encouraged to use the language, will allow your child to make significant progress in both writing and speaking.

Proof of this is that nearly 9 out of 10* young people who traveled with LEC during the summer of 2025 answered “yes” to the question: “Do you feel you have improved your language skills?”



*(Survey conducted among young people who went on a program with LEC during the summer of 2025. This result is certified by Mr. Luciani, a judicial officer in Paris)

Question 6

What teaching methods does LEC use during its language immersion programs?

Accepted Answer

Our language immersion programs are built on an effective teaching approach. Using innovative learning methods, they enable young people to make significant progress in the language. In addition, the learning environment is highly conducive to success:

At school, students receive an average of 36 hours of language instruction per term. With LEC, for a two-week Intensive Courses and Activities program in the summer, for example, students receive a total of 32 hours of instruction. This concentration of a large number of class hours over a short period facilitates excellent knowledge retention.



 	Furthermore, in school, middle school, or high school, students are typically in classes of 30 students on average. In the Intensive Courses and Activities program, to use the same example, classes are held with a maximum of 8 to 10 students. This means teachers have much more time to devote to each student, and everyone gets to speak much more often.
 	Finally, these classes are formed based on a placement test, which ensures a consistent level within the group and allows for personalized instruction.

Question 7

Where can I find testimonials from young people who have already traveled with LEC?

Accepted Answer

On many pages of our website, you’ll find testimonials in the form of short video interviews as well as written reviews (in the “What Our Customers Say” section). These testimonials, all completely authentic, were collected from students (and their parents) following their language study abroad program with LEC.
     On our dedicated page: LEC Customer Reviews: What Our Customers Say! You can read many testimonials from our clients following their language study trip with LEC


 	This short video, filmed during our programs, will give you a clear idea in just a few minutes of what our language programs are like: testimonials from local organizers, teachers, and students during their stay—those who experience our programs firsthand are the best ones to talk about them!

https://vimeo.com/158490574

Question 8

Is LEC certified by UNOSEL, the National Union of Organizations for Educational, Language, and Language Training Programs?

Accepted Answer

LEC is committed to organizing language study programs that meet the highest standards of quality and expertise. We are members of UNOSEL (National Union of Organizations for Educational, Language, and Language Training Programs) and strictly adhere to its quality and safety standards, which is a testament to the reliability of our program organization.



LEC is also one of the few organizations to hold NF Service certification, issued by AFNOR Certification*.

*Stays in France, specifically the "English Summer Camp in France" programs, are not covered by this certification.

Question 9

Why go on a language study trip?

Accepted Answer

A language study program is an essential tool for mastering a language other than one’s own. By combining daily life in a foreign country or immersion in an environment where the target language is spoken, the discovery of a new culture, and the development or reinforcement of academic skills, a language study program enables young people to make progress and truly learn a language.

Beyond the progress it can bring in English, German, or Spanish, a language study trip is also an extremely positive personal experience in a young person’s life. Indeed, during a language immersion program, by discovering customs and traditions different from their own and facing the need to make themselves understood by people who do not speak the same language, they may have a breakthrough in their interest in language learning and open their minds to cultures different from their own.



Furthermore, entrusting your child to LEC guarantees an effective, high-quality language study trip that your child will enjoy in complete safety.

Question 10

Is my child too young to go on a language study trip?

Accepted Answer

We offer language camps for children ages 8 and up. 
Our programs are specifically tailored—from the lessons and activities to the accommodations—to provide a rich experience full of new discoveries and language progress, even for the youngest participants.

Discover our English Summer Camps in France designed for students in grades 3 through 5

Question 11

One or two French speakers per family: which should you choose?

Accepted Answer

This question is key to making the most of your child’s stay, and the answer depends mainly on their motivation to go and their personality.

Based on our experience, we have found that:

If your child is truly independent and motivated, and has already acquired a solid foundation in the language of the chosen country, they can be placed as the only French speaker in their host family.
 	However, if this is their first or even second stay, or if your child is not yet sufficiently comfortable with the language, we recommend placing them with another French-speaking student. Indeed, the reassuring presence of a companion—who could, of course, be one of their friends (or a relative)—will help your child feel secure and thus facilitate their language learning.



For Club 4 and Activities, Courses and Activities - Discover London Option, and Intensive Courses for 10th Graders - Discover London Option in England, as well as for family stays in Malta, the student is required to be placed with another French student in their host family.

Question 12

How does LEC select its management teams?

Accepted Answer

LEC places great importance on the selection of its management teams. We have therefore established a rigorous recruitment process:

 	Individual assessment of candidates and selection through personal interviews
     Emphasis on skills, motivation, sense of responsibility, and leadership ability
     Participation in a training session to learn how to apply LEC’s standards and to prepare for the responsibilities of French management team members

Learn more about the role of management teams

Question 13

Will my child be traveling alone or accompanied on the round-trip journey to their language study program?

Accepted Answer

Regardless of which language program you choose (with the exception of one-on-one programs and the English Summer Camp in France with individual travel), we always organize supervised departures from Paris.

But we know that many of our participants come from all over France and that not all parents can travel to Paris to accompany their child at the start of their language program.

That is why we have set up a large number of accompanied trips departing from nearly 30 major cities (Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Nantes, Rennes, Nice, Strasbourg, Nancy/Metz, etc.).



During these round-trip journeys, LEC accompanies and supervises each student, from the departure city chosen by the parents, until the student meets their host family or arrives at their school, campus, or residence.

Question 14

From which cities can my child depart on a language study program with LEC?

Accepted Answer

To find out which departure cities LEC offers and learn more about all the travel details, please visit our page “Guided Tours Departing from All Over France”.

You can also use the “Refine my search by departure city” feature after searching for a trip on our website.

Question 15

What criteria does LEC use to select the host schools and families that will house the students?

Accepted Answer

How are the schools, campuses, and dormitories selected?
Choosing a stay at a school, campus, or dormitory allows young people to experience campus life, make many friends, and feel reassured by the presence of French and local staff available 24 hours a day.

LEC pays special attention to the selection of the schools, dormitories, and campuses that host the students:

 	For each school, we systematically evaluate the various facilities (classrooms, dorm rooms, bathrooms, cafeteria, sports facilities, kitchens, etc.) to ensure they meet our strict standards, both in terms of safety and comfort, and to ensure everything complies with AFNOR regulations, which we strictly adhere to.
 	At the end of every stay, we carefully review the feedback provided by the students regarding their experience, as well as the reports from LEC’s on-site supervision teams. This allows us to ensure that the quality standards we demand are consistently maintained. Many of these schools are long-standing partners, and although the collaboration is ongoing, our teams regularly verify that the services provided remain in line with LEC’s requirements.



How are host families selected?
LEC works with local coordinators who live in the various host cities. Most of them have been collaborating with us for many years and, as a result, have extensive experience in selecting host families.

 	Living locally, they know the host families and visit them regularly. All local coordinators are interviewed, screened, and selected by our teams. Furthermore, during several meetings, they are trained in our hosting requirements as well as those of the AFNOR standard, which they commit to adhering to. They thus rigorously select families eager to host one of our students and visit them personally to ensure their hospitality, their motivation to host a student, and the comfort of their home.
     During these visits, families are provided with a comprehensive guide outlining LEC’s methods and requirements for its language stays. Our host families also commit to encouraging the student to speak the local language and to sharing their daily lives with them. A very large number of our families have been loyal to us for many years and regularly host students for us.
 	At the end of each stay, the students evaluate their host family’s hospitality, allowing us to closely monitor the quality of each family’s hospitality.

Question 16

Boarding School or Host Family: Which Accommodation Option Should I Choose for My Child’s Language Study Abroad Program?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right type of accommodation is a key factor to consider when selecting a language study program for your child. Depending on the student’s age, personality, and expectations, one type of accommodation may be a better fit than another.

LEC offers two types of accommodation: in a boarding school selected with the utmost care, or with a carefully selected host family.

Both options offer significant advantages:

Living in a boarding school allows your child to benefit from an environment where there is constant interaction, all within a lively atmosphere and among peers of the same age.



 	Staying with a host family promotes oral expression in a trusting environment, offering immersion within a family and in the culture of the host country.



 

Whatever your choice, discussing it with your child beforehand will ensure a successful language study trip. To help guide you, why not answer a few questions in our quiz: Which language study trip would be best for your child?

Question 17

Why are the extracurricular activities (artistic, cultural, and athletic) that complement the language classes conducted in the language being studied?

Accepted Answer

At LEC, on most language study trips, afternoons are devoted to a variety of sports and cultural activities. While language progress is LEC’s top priority, we certainly don’t overlook the importance of personal growth or the need for leisure and relaxation—quite the contrary: proof of this is the wide range of activities we offer.

Moreover, language learning doesn’t happen only during class! That’s why activities are conducted in the target language. It’s a great way to pick up vocabulary and new expressions without even realizing it!

All activities offered during our language camps are led by a carefully selected, attentive, and qualified staff, with a ratio of one adult to 12 students*. At LEC, safety—always treated with the utmost rigor—is paramount.



*For middle school programs with an international theme and certain "Discover..." trips, the ratio is one adult for every 15 students

Question 18

Is it possible to choose a specific sports, arts, or cultural theme?

Accepted Answer

While most of our programs offer a wide variety of sports, cultural, and recreational activities in the afternoons, students who prefer to choose a more specific theme to personalize their stay have a wide range of options available to them (in addition to language classes). LEC offers various types of themes to meet everyone’s desires and expectations. These themes are, of course, conducted in the language being studied, with the exception of the Adventure and Nature activities on English-language stays in France, which are conducted in French.

Sports and Recreation Topics

Artistic themes

Exploration Topics

Prep Courses and Intensive Courses

Question 19

My child would like to go on a language study trip with a friend or family member. Can they stay with the same host family or attend the same school?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We fully understand that your child and one or more of their friends (or siblings, cousins, etc.) may want to share the experience of their language study trip or feel more comfortable staying together. That is why, if your child wishes to stay in the same city, with the same host family, or at the same school (or campus or residence) as one or more friends (or family members) of the same age or a similar age and of the same gender, you must clearly indicate this to us when booking the trip; otherwise, your request cannot be accommodated. We will then be able to place them in the same host family, in the same city, or at the same school, campus, or residence. Additionally, it is essential that the students depart on the same dates, for the same program, with the same theme or option, and using the same mode of transportation. Registration must be completed at least six weeks prior to departure.

Question 20

Can I purchase cancellation insurance for my child’s language study program?

Accepted Answer

As an option, LEC recommends insurance that covers the cancellation fees owed to LEC in the event of unforeseen circumstances occurring before departure and beyond the student’s control that prevent them from traveling. In such a case, the cancellation fees retained by LEC are refunded (excluding administrative fees and any amounts billed for the optional cancellation insurance and/or optional repatriation assistance insurance). Rates* In France: €55 In Europe (excluding France): €81 In the USA, Canada, and Australia: €181 This insurance is entirely optional and can only be purchased at the time of registration; it is strongly recommended. To be eligible for this insurance, participants and their parents must reside in Europe or in the COM/DROM/POM regions. *Including LEC margin. The grounds for cancellation covered by this insurance are: 1/ Serious illness, accidents, or death preventing the young participant from departing on the scheduled dates of their stay: Illness is defined as: A sudden and unforeseeable deterioration in health confirmed by a competent medical authority, preventing the individual from leaving their room and necessitating the cessation of all school or other activities. An accident is defined as: A sudden deterioration in health caused by an external, sudden, unforeseeable, violent event beyond the victim’s control, preventing them from traveling by their own means. Example: the student breaks a leg three weeks before departure; the student catches the flu two days before departure; one week before departure, the student must undergo surgery for appendicitis. 2/ Destruction due to a fire in the student’s residence. 3/ Death of the student or a family member. Certain other reasons for cancellation are not covered, such as the decision to no longer wish to travel, or a cancellation due in particular to the need for cosmetic treatment, a mental health condition or psychotherapeutic treatment—including an anxiety attack—or the failure to present valid identification documents, an electronic travel authorization, or a visa (England, Scotland, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.) and in compliance with applicable regulations.

See here for a complete breakdown of the coverage provided by this optional cancellation insurance

Question 21

Can I purchase travel assistance and repatriation insurance for my child’s language study trip?

Accepted Answer

As an option, LEC recommends "Medical Repatriation Assistance" insurance in case of the need for medical and/or health-related repatriation due to serious illness or accident. Rates* For France: €45 For Europe (excluding France): €60 For the U.S., Canada, and Australia: €90 Enrollment in this entirely optional coverage is available only at the time of registration. To be eligible for this insurance, participants and their parents must reside in Europe or in the COM/DROM/POM regions. *Includes LEC’s margin. Coverage Details 1/ Medical repatriation or medical transport: Actual costs, with no deductible 2/ Supplementary reimbursement of medical expenses and advance payment of hospitalization costs in France or abroad: up to €150,000 per person (Extension for the USA, Canada, and Australia: €500,000 per person) ** 3/ Rescue and search costs: Up to €3,000 per person – €6,000 per event, with no deductible ** In addition to reimbursements from Social Security and the participant’s health insurance. In all cases, pre-existing illnesses or injuries that have been diagnosed and/or treated are excluded from this insurance coverage. In the event of medical repatriation, only the opinion of the doctors at the assistance center covering this risk will be taken into account when deciding whether or not to proceed with medical repatriation.

See here for a complete breakdown of the coverage provided by this optional repatriation assistance insurance

Question 22

Am I eligible for discounts when I sign my child up for a language camp?

Accepted Answer

For first-time registrations in 2026, a €100 registration fee must be added to the cost of the stay.

Second-stay discount:

If your child attends a second stay in 2026, the €100 registration fee is waived.

 	Family discount:

Upon registration of a second child from the same family (sibling residing at the same address) in 2026, you will receive a €60 discount.

NOTE: These discounts do not apply to registrations made through a Works Council (CSE) or a local authority, and cannot be combined with one another.

Refund:

If you are a civil servant, depending on your family income bracket, you may be eligible for financial assistance from your employer for your children’s LEC language camp (children under 18), amounting to approximately €165 for a 2-week stay and approximately €265 for a 3-week stay. LEC, a member of UNOSEL, meets the requirements for you to receive this assistance. To obtain it, you must contact the social services department of your administrative authority, which will explain the procedures to follow (see circulars FP/4 No. 1931 and 2B256 and FP/4 No. 2025 and 2B2257).

Question 23

Does my child need an ETA to go on a language study trip to the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Essential Information for Language Study Trips to the United Kingdom
1. Passport Required
As of October 1, 2021, a valid passport is required to enter the United Kingdom (England and Scotland). This document must remain valid at least until the end of your stay.
2. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Required
As of April 2025, all European visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom.

Apply online via the official UK government website.
     Cost: £16 per application (approximately €18.60).
 	Validity: Two years or until the passport expires.

For more information on ETA applications: click here.
3. Required documents for minors residing in France
Any participant under the age of 18 at the time of departure who is habitually resident in France (whether French or foreign) must have the following documents, in addition to the documents listed above:

 	The original Authorization to Leave the Territory (AST) form—Cerfa No. 15646*01—duly completed and signed by one of the parents holding parental authority. Download the form here.
 	A legible photocopy of the ID of the parent signing the AST form (please be sure to review the instructions on the Cerfa form mentioned above).
     If the name of the signing parent differs from that of the child, provide a photocopy of the family record book as well.

⚠️ Without these documents, your child will not be able to leave French territory.
4. Visa for Non-European Nationals
IMPORTANT: Young people who are not European citizens may also need a visa. Please check with the relevant authorities.

The processing times for obtaining identity documents or visas can be long. We advise you to begin the process as soon as possible.

All documents mentioned above (including the AST and the parent’s ID + a copy of the accepted ETA receipt) must be submitted to the LEC coordinator on the day of departure at the meeting point, in hard copy. Please do not send them by mail or email before the departure date.
Regularly check the requirements:
As regulations may change, we recommend that parents regularly check the following websites to stay informed:

Travel Advice
     Public Service

For more information on this topic, click here.
All of the information above is valid as of December 15, 2025.

Question 24

What documents will I receive after enrolling my child in a language study program?

Accepted Answer

LEC will send you a confirmation email to the contact address you provided when you made your reservation. This email will include a copy of the registration form and the Registration Confirmation, as well as access to your personal account. You will need to log in to this personal account to provide some additional information about your child.
     LEC will also provide a detailed guide with advice in your personal account; we ask that you read it carefully, as this guide contains a wealth of information about how your child’s stay will unfold.
 	If the student is enrolled in a program with accommodation at a middle school, campus, or residence, LEC will ask you to fill out a health information form, which must be completed in your personal account. This form is mandatory, and the student will not be permitted to depart if it is not completed before departure.



Note: For the “Immersion in the USA,” “Homestay in Ireland,” and “1 Teacher per Student – Individual Trip” programs, an additional application (letter to the host family, photos, the student’s hobbies, etc.) must be completed in your personal account within eight days so that our local coordinators can find the host family that will welcome your child.

Question 25

Will I receive a detailed guide after signing up for a language study program?

Accepted Answer

Once your child’s registration has been confirmed, you will receive an email granting you access to your secure Personal Account. In the “Useful Documents” section, you will find a LEC guide in PDF format, containing a wealth of information to help you prepare for your child’s language study trip. In this guide, you will find detailed information on:

 	pre-departure preparations (required identification documents, spending money, clothing and sports equipment, snacks for the trip, etc.),
     the trip (customs formalities, travel from the province, etc.),
     life on-site (life with the host family or at the school/residence, classes, etc.).

Question 26

What identification documents and formalities are required to go on a language study trip?

Accepted Answer

To travel abroad, young participants who are French citizens must carry the following identification documents:
For the United Kingdom (England, Scotland)

A personal passport, valid at least until the end of the trip. As of October 1, 2021, a national ID card is no longer sufficient for travel to the United Kingdom.
 	Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – required since April 2025; apply on the official UK government website
     The European Health Insurance Card (apply on the ameli.fr website)
     For more information, please visit our dedicated page by clicking here

For Europe (Ireland, Malta, Greece, Germany, Spain)

A passport or national ID card, valid at least until the end of your stay.
     The European Health Insurance Card (to be requested on the ameli.fr website)

For the USA, Canada, and Australia:

A personal passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date for the USA and Australia (in accordance with French government recommendations), and at least 1 day after the return date for Canada.
 	For the USA: All travelers must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) on the website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta before traveling to the United States
 	For Canada: All travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling to Canada at http://www.cic.gc.ca/francais/visiter/ave-commencer.asp. Certain additional requirements, as mandated by Canada, will be communicated upon registration.
 	For Australia: All travelers must obtain an “eVisitor” tourist visa on the website https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651 before traveling to Australia

For France:

For English language stays in France, it is not necessary to present identification at the meeting point.
 	Proof of Health Insurance Coverage or Carte Vitale: To ensure that any medical expenses are covered by Social Security, you must provide your child with a Proof of Health Insurance Coverage, available through your account at www.ameli.fr (for those under 16) or their Carte Vitale (for those 16 and older)
     Photocopy of the young participant’s vaccination record

Additionally, for all countries (except English language stays in France)
[objective]
Any minor residing in France and traveling abroad must carry an Authorization to Leave the Country (A.S.T.).
[/objective]

Any participant under 18 years of age at the time of departure, who is a habitual resident of France (whether French or foreign), must have the following documents in addition to those listed above:

The original Authorization to Leave the Country (AST) - Cerfa No. 15646*01, duly completed and signed by one of the parents holding parental authority. Download the form here.
     A legible photocopy of the ID of the parent signing the AST form (please be sure to review the instructions on the Cerfa form mentioned above).
 	A photocopy of the family record book, required ONLY if the name on the photocopy of the ID document of the parent signing the AST differs from that of the minor.

⚠️ Without these documents, your child will not be able to leave French territory.

For minors who are not French nationals:

 	Depending on the destination country, a visa may be required in addition to the formalities mentioned above.

Please note: the processing time for identity documents and/or visas can be very long.
     All of the above information is valid as of December 12, 2025. For this reason, we ask parents to consult the websites www.service-public.fr and www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs to stay regularly informed about the current requirements for their child’s stay, as these are subject to change.

[objective]

All of the documents mentioned above (including the authorization form for leaving the country and a photocopy of the parent’s ID) must be presented to the LEC coordinator on the day of departure at the meeting point, in hard copy, and under no circumstances should they be sent to LEC by mail or email prior to the departure date.

[/objective]

Question 27

Where can I find the schedule and meeting locations for my child’s language trip?

Accepted Answer

About ten days before departure, all the details regarding the meeting location, as well as the departure and return times, will be available in your secure Personal Account under the "My Travel Itinerary" section. Please read this notice carefully to avoid any delays or issues.
     For "English Summer Camp in France" stays with individual travel, you may drop off your child directly at the residence campus on the first day of the stay and pick them up on the last day during the time slots that will be provided to you after registration.
 	For "1 Teacher per 1 Student" stays with individual travel, information will be provided after registration regarding possible arrival times at the host family selected for your child based on your preferred region.

Question 28

When will I receive the contact information for the host family who will be hosting my child?

Accepted Answer

The host family’s contact information will be provided to you between 10 and 3 days before departure in your secure Personal Account under the “Host Family Contact Information” section (unless you registered late, i.e., your registration was accepted less than 6 weeks before departure). Once you receive this information, you may contact them if you wish (taking care to account for any time difference).

Question 29

When will I receive the contact information for the school, campus, or dormitory where my child will be staying?

Accepted Answer

The contact information for the school, campus, or residence will be provided to you approximately 10 days before departure in the "School Contact Information" section of your secure Personal Account.

Question 30

I haven't received my plane/train/boat ticket after signing up for a language study program: is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry, this is completely normal. LEC does not send tickets individually to each participant in a language study trip. On the day of departure, you will meet an LEC representative at the designated meeting place and time; this representative will have the tickets for all participants, regardless of the mode of transportation.



Information regarding the time and meeting place for your child’s departure and return will be sent to you by email about ten days before departure and will also be available in your secure Personal Account.

Question 31

Should I label my child's clothes for their language study trip?

Accepted Answer

For stays at middle schools, campuses, and dormitories, it is essential that all clothing and personal belongings be labeled with the student’s name.

Once your child’s registration has been confirmed, we will send you a guide containing a wealth of practical advice.

Question 32

How do I get a European Health Insurance Card?

Accepted Answer

For all trips to Europe (including the United Kingdom, excluding English language programs in France), you must apply to your local health insurance office (CPAM) for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for your child before departure (this card can also be obtained at www.ameli.fr). This individual AND valid card must be presented in order for certain medical expenses to be covered during your child’s language study trip in Europe.

 	Participants residing in metropolitan France and covered by the French Social Security system are insured for any medical expenses within the limits of Social Security coverage and in accordance with its terms. Any medical expenses not covered by Social Security or, where applicable, by the participant’s personal insurance and/or that of their parents, are the responsibility of the participant and/or their parents.
 	Participants who do not reside in mainland France or who are not covered by the French Social Security system must ensure before departure that they have adequate health coverage for their stay abroad; if not, they must purchase such personal insurance.

We are available to provide any advice you may need. We offer optional cancellation insurance as well as repatriation assistance insurance.

Question 33

How much pocket money should I give my child for their language study trip?

Accepted Answer

Please note that the packages offered by LEC are very comprehensive.

Parents should nevertheless provide their child with spending money in the currency of the chosen destination country, so that they can cover the following personal expenses:

personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
 	local transportation: transportation for students from their family home or residence to the course center and/or to activity sites, outings, and excursions (including local transportation during excursions) is not included in our rates. Please feel free to call us for more specific information based on the type of stay.

Specific advice on the amounts to budget for the young person’s personal expenses, based on their age, country of stay, duration, and chosen program, will be provided after registration.

For English Summer Camp stays in France, we recommend giving your child pocket money in coins (not bills) so they can use it at the ATMs on campus. They will not have any other opportunities to spend money, as these programs do not include excursions.

Note: Regardless of the country of stay, students are not accompanied while using local public transportation.

Question 34

What currencies are used in the countries where LEC offers programs? Should I exchange money for my child before they leave?

Accepted Answer

After registering for a language study abroad program with LEC, you will be asked to provide your child with spending money to cover local transportation and personal expenses (postcards, souvenirs, etc.). We strongly recommend that you purchase foreign currency (at a currency exchange office, your bank, certain train stations, the airport, etc.) before your child departs.

 	In Malta, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Greece, and France

These countries are all part of the Eurozone, so your child will only need to bring Euros.

In England and Scotland

For a language study trip to the United Kingdom, your child will need to have British pounds (GBP) to make purchases while there.

In the United States, Canada, and Australia

Be sure to provide your child with the appropriate currency (USD in the United States, CAD in Canada, and AUD in Australia).

Question 35

What assurance do I have that everything will go smoothly for my child once they arrive there?

Accepted Answer

At LEC, we pay special attention to the selection of schools, campuses, residences, and host families; we handpick every teacher and activity leader; we design educational programs and themes; we organize recreational activities and excursions; and we manage all travel arrangements…: our teams are constantly ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that all services provided meet the highest standards. You can contact these same teams before, during, and after your child’s stay with a simple phone call.

The result? Your child’s experience will be a success because we are there every step of the way during their language study trip.

Question 36

What happens if there is a health issue during the language study trip?

Accepted Answer

Attentive staff teams
Our on-site staff teams are attentive to the well-being of the students throughout their stay. In the event of a health issue, our teams respond quickly and can take the sick student to the doctor or arrange for the doctor to visit the family or the school. Our teams will, of course, keep parents informed about their child’s health.

In any case, it is extremely important that students do not hesitate to tell their French supervisor if they are not feeling well.

LEC offers optional Repatriation Assistance insurance and strongly recommends that parents purchase it.
The European Health Insurance Card for stays in Europe
Before departing for a stay in Europe (including the United Kingdom, excluding France), you must request a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for your child from your local health insurance office (CPAM) (this card can also be obtained at www.ameli.fr). This individual AND valid card must be presented in order for medical expenses to be covered during your child’s language study program in Europe.

Participants residing in metropolitan France and covered by the French Social Security system are insured for any medical expenses within the limits of Social Security coverage and in accordance with its terms and conditions. Any medical expenses not covered by Social Security or, where applicable, by the participant’s personal insurance and/or that of their parents, are the responsibility of the participant and/or their parents.
 	Participants who do not reside in mainland France, or those not covered by the French Social Security system, must ensure before departure that they have adequate health coverage for their stay abroad; otherwise, they must purchase such personal insurance. We are available to provide advice and can, as an option and at your request, assist you in purchasing supplemental health insurance.

Question 37

How can I contact my child during their language study abroad program?

Accepted Answer

It is very difficult to reach your child directly, as the students are busy all day, so there is little chance that your child will be near a phone when you call.
Stays at Schools, Campuses, and Residences
About ten days before departure, we will send you the detailed contact information for the school, campus, or residence where your child will be staying. This will include the phone number of the location: you can reach a staff member every day between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. local time, who can provide you with updates on your child.


Homestay Programs

You will receive the host family’s contact information between 10 and 3 days before departure. You will therefore have the phone number of the family hosting your child during their stay and can contact them directly at that number. Since the students are very busy during the day, please call them in the late afternoon, once activities have ended (around 6:00 PM local time).
     You may also contact the French supervisor, whose contact information we will provide you with about ten days before departure, and who will be in touch with your child on site.

Question 38

If I have a question during my child’s language study trip, who should I contact?

Accepted Answer

For any information you may need during your child’s stay (e.g., questions about classes, activities, accommodation, etc.), please contact our Paris office at 01 42 67 75 75 (Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and until 5:00 PM on Fridays).
 	LEC provides you with an emergency cell phone number (which will be given to you after registration), to be used only outside of office hours and only if you are unable to reach the on-site coordinator (whose contact information will have been provided to you about ten days before departure).

Question 39

Will my child be supervised during the return trip, just as they were on the way there?

Accepted Answer

Our programs include supervision and guidance from the chosen departure city until arrival at the destination (with the exception of one-on-one teacher-student programs or English summer camps in France with individual travel).

Of course, the students are escorted back in the same manner, to the meeting point that we will have communicated to you about ten days before the start of the language program.

Note: Students are always escorted back to the same city chosen for departure.

Question 40

Will I receive a report on my child’s language study trip?

Accepted Answer

At the end of your child’s language study program, and depending on the package you selected, you will receive a satisfaction survey by mail, along with a post-program report. This report will allow you to see the progress your child has made and read the comments provided by their teacher(s).

Question 41

How do I obtain a certificate of participation in a language study program or a paid invoice?

Accepted Answer

Once your account has been settled, a Registration Confirmation—Paid Invoice will be available in your secure LEC Personal Account on the day your child departs.
In addition, a certificate of participation in a language camp will also be available in this Personal Account upon your child’s return.

These documents may be useful for any reimbursement requests to a Works Council, or to certify participation in a camp to a school.