Hosting: unique human and cultural experiences
At the Alliance Française de Toulouse, the host hosts play a fundamental role in the experience of students from all over the world. Their mission goes far beyond simply providing accommodation: they offer immersion in everyday French life, encourage language learning and create lasting human links.

Gérard, almost 30 years as a host and a bond that lasts
A host family since 1997, Gérard has opened his home to generations of students from all walks of life. A widower since 2019, he continues this commitment with conviction, combining cultural discoveries, hiking, regional gastronomy and sharing family traditions.
"At home, the students are integrated into the family and take part in all the traditional events and celebrations. Our aim is to be an 'adoptive' family for them.
Over the years, certain bonds have developed into unbreakable friendships. Gérard particularly remembers Charles, a New York student who was present during the 2001 attacks:
"We supported him during this terrible time. Ten days later, the AZF explosion hit Toulouse. Together, we took in the victims. Since then, Charles comes back every two or three years to spend a week with us.
For him, the meal is the key moment in a shared daily routine:
"It's around the table that students make the most progress. They often say that at the beginning it's difficult, but that this moment becomes precious."

Carole, a more recent but already essential commitment
Carole, a clinical research associate and mother of three independent children, has more recently joined the network of hosts at the Alliance Française de Toulouse. Passionate about sharing and discovery, she puts her personal experience of life abroad at the service of students.
"Having lived in Russia myself when I was 17, I understand how students can feel. Each encounter is unique and enriching.
Carole sees this commitment as a twofold asset:
"For the student, it's an opportunity to practise French in an authentic setting and to be immersed in French culture. For me, it's a human opening, every encounter brings something different.

Shared wealth
From Gérard to Carole, the stories are all the same: hosting a foreign student is much more than just providing a roof over their head. It's about creating a space for intercultural exchange, developing lasting friendships and encouraging a lively learning experience of the French language.

The hosts' advice to future students is unanimous:
- Integrate fully into family life by taking part in meals and daily activities.
- Be curious and open-minded, even if your French is still shaky.
- Make the most of the experience by increasing the number of exchanges and allowing yourself to discover the local culture without reservation.

Immerse yourself in French culture
Through their commitment, Gérard and Carole embody the mission of the Alliance Française de Toulouse: to facilitate the learning of French while building human and cultural bridges. These hosts are the reflection of a warm, generous and deeply formative hospitality.

Welcoming or being welcomed means choosing a unique human adventure.
Are you a Toulouse family looking to open your doors to students from all over the world? Join our network ofreceptionists and share everyday life, traditions and the French language in a friendly atmosphere. To find out more and apply, go to here.

Students, are you dreaming of a authentic immersion in French culture Looking for a stay that goes beyond the classroom? Find out more about our host family accommodation and enjoy a warm and enriching experience with our partner families. More information click here.

At the Alliance Française de Toulouse, we believe that every encounter is a gateway to the world. What if the next one was for you?