Almost five months after her departure, I'm sharing our unforgettable six-week experience as a host family. Last November, 19-year-old Paola from Guatemala arrived for her first trip to Europe—a gift from her parents, common after secondary school there (though she delayed it a year for college). She explored Paris and parts of France, staying with our welcoming family, and it was truly delightful.
I'd contacted the WEP association earlier, seeking ways to expose our children to new cultures and languages. WEP typically seeks families for long-term stays of several months. With our cozy Parisian apartment and two bathrooms, a short six-week placement suited us perfectly as beginners. A morning call confirmed the match: a young adult woman for a brief stay, minimizing responsibilities. She'd be independent; we just provided housing, meals morning and evening, and warm hospitality. In return, she offered English and Spanish lessons. After a family council reviewed her detailed introduction letter, we unanimously welcomed her. Paola arrived mid-November and left just before Christmas.
We adapted seamlessly: the kids shared a room, the youngest under his sister's loft bed in a comfy 'camping' setup he loved so much he resisted returning to his own tidy room, now hers.
What stands out from this experience?
Starting with me: I absolutely loved it. Despite my anxiety about the extra responsibilities—one more mouth to feed, evenings spent chatting instead of binge-watching, and adjusting to a houseguest—everything flowed naturally. Paola was ideal: kind, smiling, enthusiastic, independent, and outgoing. She integrated instantly from her first evening, arriving with my husband from the airport.
My evenings came alive: With my husband home late, I no longer ate alone after bedtime. We talked for hours—in English—about everything. Her maturity amazed me.
On her first full day, I gave her a Wednesday tour: neighborhood, public transport, essentials. I got her a Navigo pass and French SIM. We visited the Eiffel Tower from Champ de Mars; her sparkling eyes made it magical.
She managed independently, though jet lag and cold challenged her—I occasionally helped with wake-up calls.
The kids? They gained a big sister. Paola bonded with our 13-year-old over hip-hop and boxing, attending practices and playing video games together, laughing endlessly.
They boosted their English (especially listening) and some Spanish. Combined with Vivaling classes, our middle-schooler now follows conversations effortlessly.
As a family of five: She joined our life fully. We dined at Parisian restaurants, cooked French classics at home—pancakes, flambéed bananas, raclette, chocolate fondant—plus macarons, pastries, and ice cream (winter be damned). We all gained three kilos!
We weekended at Loire châteaux like Chambord, took her to STOMP, Coco's premiere, Paddington 2, and home movie nights. Solo, she day-tripped to Mont Saint-Michel (enchanted!) and visited Germany for three days.
It was wonderful. Questions about hosting? Ask in comments—I've likely forgotten details!
