Learn english in South Africa with Dudrey

Upon arriving in South Africa, I did not expect to be touched so profoundly. I did not yet know that I was going to meet a family for whom hospitality is not an effort but a way of being. A given. A natural, deep generosity that envelops you from the very first minute. They welcomed me as if I were already a member of their household. They pick you up at the airport, take you back, look after you without ever being intrusive. Their kindness is of a rare sincerity, almost overwhelming. You can feel that everything is done with the heart, without calculation, without facade. For them, hospitality is not a service: it’s a value, a breath, a way of living. And then there are the classes. Here, nothing is fixed, nothing is standardized. They observe, they listen, they understand what you really need: your goals, your blockages, your wishes, your pace. And they build the sessions around you. You progress without realizing it because everything happens in a gentle, relaxed, caring atmosphere. No judgment, no pressure, no fear of making mistakes. We talk, we laugh, we learn, we breathe. They know exactly how to put you at ease, how to make you dare, how to help you move forward. It’s a learning experience that feels good, a liberating learning experience. Another aspect that deeply moved me is the cuisine. Every meal is a discovery, a journey within the journey. They blend South African, Indian, English, Zulu influences... and the result is simply extraordinary. Generous, flavorful, colorful dishes, prepared with sincere attention and a true pleasure in sharing. We taste, we discover, we exchange, we learn. The table becomes a meeting place, a culture hub, a space of human warmth. It’s a complete experience, an integral part of the stay. And then there is Port Edward. A small, peaceful town, gentle, surprisingly safe. I want to say it clearly: as a woman alone, I was able to walk alone, run alone, stroll by the Indian Ocean without ever feeling in danger. Here, people greet you, smile at you, talk to you with disarming simplicity. You feel respected, at ease, free. It’s rare, and it’s precious. The landscapes are wild and magnificent. The hikes offer breathtaking views that stay in memory for a long time. There’s no shortage of activities: crocodile farms, safaris, coffee plantations... and they bring a mix of discovery and wonder. But what I retain above all is this family. Their home is not just a place to sleep: it’s a refuge. A cocoon. A place where you feel heard, welcomed exactly as you are. Their way of opening their door, their table, their daily life… it’s something you don’t forget. You feel that they love to host, that they love to share, that they love to do good around them. It’s natural for them, almost instinctive. Not only did I progress in English, but I primarily found an inner calm, a confidence, a gentleness that I did not expect to find so far from home. This stay will remain in me as a bright interlude, a suspended moment where humanity takes its rightful place. Furthermore, one can entrust a teenager to them with complete confidence. They take care of them as if they were their own child, with exemplary attention, security, and kindness. They watch over, they accompany, they encourage. It’s a family that protects, that nurtures, that helps grow. A rare, profound, authentic human experience that I recommend 100%.

Mother's review: Dee and Erik were wonderful guest parents for my son. He felt very welcome straight away and felt like a part of the family from day 1. He called their children "my brother and sister" and got along with them so well. Dee was a very warm supporting and non-judgemental host mother and her way really helped my son figure out what he wants to do in his life and where he sees himself. Erik was also a very relaxed and friendly host father that my son enjoyed spending time with very much. He learned to surf on the wonderful untouched beaches nearby together with his host siblings and went on a couple of beautiful outdoor trips. They live in a very peaceful quiet and safe area. This trip was so important for my son´s development, he will profit from it all his life and we would book it anytime again. Thank you Dee and Erik. Son's review : Hi, Dee and Eric were a wonderful family that I will never forget. I had an amazing time and I’m going to miss them very much. They have three children that I got along with really well. We went surfing and had so much fun. They feel like a second family to me now. The school they had was very unique and an experience in itself. All the kids at the school were very kind-hearted, and I’m going to miss them as well. I had a great time with Dee, Eric, Blane, Kiara, and Cassy. My favorite memory is how Blane, Kiara, and I used to sit on the couch outside at night and just talk. Thank you for the wonderful time — I miss you!

From July to early October 2025 (3 months on site), I had the chance to share the life of this wonderful family. My main goal was to reach a C1 level of English starting from scratch…. This goal was achieved, but beyond that, I have unforgettable memories of this long stay in Africa. Thanks to Dee, Erik, Kiara, Cassandra, Blane, and Antony, who made my integration into their clan feel natural, I quickly felt at home, which greatly helped with language learning. I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart because they did everything to ensure I discovered as much as possible with them. It would be too long to list the outings, safaris, various visits, restaurants, activities, meetings with their friends, the fabulous barbecues... And then, there is the African continent: what a change of scenery and constant beauty! There, life takes on a whole new dimension that shakes up our codes, which I didn’t mind at all. For this family, welcoming a guest is not a mere formality but a vocation; they love it and do it with such kindness and dedication that the 3 months flew by in the blink of an eye. Of course, we are always happy to return home to our loved ones, but I must admit I left them with a tear in my eye, even though I am still in touch with them since my return. In summary, I went into a host family but simply found a family of the heart in Africa. So, a huge thank you to them for all of this, and also to Lisa from Linguifamily who expertly handled the entire organization! And I speak English now!

I spent two incredible weeks with a wonderful family. I was lucky to be part of their family and it was a great experience. I was able to visit part of their beautiful country, including the Imfolozi nature park and Port Edward and its surroundings. I particularly recommend this family because they are kind, sincere, and very generous. The food is great, they are available and attentive, which makes it a memorable experience for me. Thank you very much Dee, Erik, Blane, Kiara, and Cassandra for this wonderful stay!!

I went on this trip with my 11-year-old son to improve my English for my work and for my son to learn a few sentences before he starts school. We discovered this family, it was an incredible encounter. The whole family is very welcoming and so nice. They made ourselves comfortable. We were perfectly integrated. My son could play and enjoyed with the children. I shared a long time with Dee and Erik just talking together and get to know them. I loved this sharing. They have a lovely house close to the sea. We visited a coffee farm, game reserve, my son enjoyed fishing, playing in Mac banana park, we had breakfast in an incredible place with such an incredible view, we discovered the smallest desert in the world, and a natural reserve with Antony who was our guide, we shared barbecue in the reserve and at home…We did unforgettable activities. There are many things to see and do around Port Edward. My goal was achieved: I improved my speaking and listening. I am very very satisfied with the trip. We were very sad to leave. My son and I want to go back next year or in 2 years!! Thank you for everything ❤️❤️