Learn english in the USA with Vanessa

My 16-year-old daughter spent a 3-week stay with Vanessa and her family to do an internship with André, her husband. This stay went extremely well. Vanessa, André, and their children are extremely kind and very caring. She did her internship during which she learned a lot. She was also able to visit Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Route 66. She went to the gym with André, watched movies with the kids, and formed a special bond with Khalia, their 16-year-old daughter. She was warmly welcomed and will very likely return to stay with them again. I am infinitely grateful to them for taking care of my daughter for 3 weeks. And in response to the previous review that Vanessa received (which she could not answer), I find it inappropriate and disrespectful because Vanessa agreed to take this person in even though she normally does not take in adults. She incriminated Vanessa and her family without any basis and furthermore, when we go to a family, we must accept that they are different from our life habits... and accept them as they are. I wanted to emphasize this because after seeing that review, I could have canceled my daughter’s stay, but I listened to my heart and my instinct after discussing with Vanessa, and I made the right choice because the stay went very well. The family enjoys quiet moments, which my daughter found very nice. The meals are different from France, but my daughter ate very well and not just rice!!! She had no issues with the safety of the house and went out without any problems. She was able to drive a sports car with André, which she appreciated a lot. So trust them, and if you are looking for a pleasant, calm, and friendly stay, you can go there with your eyes closed. Thank you again ☺️🌸☺️

I am sharing our experience today to inform future parents who may consider sending their child to this host family. My 15-year-old daughter went for a three-week stay that included a family immersion and an observation internship in real estate investment. This was precisely the reason for our choice. Unfortunately, our experience was very different from what was advertised, and I brought her back after a little more than 10 days. A few days before her departure, the family asked us for an additional 600 dollars for "gas money," an amount that was not mentioned in the details that motivated our booking. Upon her arrival in the United States, my daughter was taken to withdraw money. In total, 400 dollars were handed over to the family during the stay. (pressure on a minor to withdraw the money) Regarding the internship, my daughter only participated in one visit to an Airbnb. Most of the time, she was often left alone in the house or in her room, with no activity related to the signed internship agreement and the goal of the immersion. The family repeatedly told her that she "was part of the family." However, the parents were very often absent from the house, and she spent a large part of her days alone in her room, feeling that she was not experiencing the family immersion that had been presented to us. She also indicated that the meals were very limited and repetitive. According to the information she provided me during her stay, she often ate a bowl of rice for lunch and then a pasta dish for dinner, without real variety. She also had to clean the kitchen surfaces every evening. The day of June 25 was particularly difficult. She explained to me that she was woken up at 10:35 a.m. to leave for Hollywood and Santa Monica at 11 a.m., without prior notice. She left without having breakfast, spent a large part of the day hungry, and after the transfer I made to her, was invited to withdraw the remaining 200 dollars to give to the family. She was only able to buy food around 6 p.m. with her own money, even though the service mentioned full board. The next day, she was indeed dropped off at the airport. However, I did not receive any message from the family to inform me that she had arrived. My daughter told me that she boarded the plane without having eaten (her flight was at 2 p.m., they left at 7 a.m. without breakfast) and was left alone at the Air France office in the airport for 4 hours in Los Angeles before her boarding. The family refused to stay with her and told the stewardess that they didn't have time. In light of all these elements, I ultimately decided to bring my daughter back early. Only from that moment on was she able to go to Las Vegas and Hollywood to justify the money the family had requested. I would like to specify that the teams at Linguifamily took the time to listen to me when I contacted them, and a claim is currently being reviewed. The family refuses to reimburse the 400 dollars. I emphasize that beyond the financial aspect, it is the psychological pressure placed on a minor to withdraw the money that concerns me. I am simply sharing this testimony so that future parents have all the information before entrusting their child to this family because I know that two teenagers are expected to arrive soon.

Extremely disappointing stay and experience to avoid+++ The listing does not match reality. It is very misleading; Vanessa is very rarely present, even absent, and there is no real welcome or interaction. Communication is almost non-existent, and the atmosphere is cold. Contrary to what is expected, there is no real organization of meals: no breakfast in the morning, staggered hours (the first breakfast at around 1 pm), no lunch, and a very late dinner that consists of eating reheated rice from 3 days ago. It is difficult to eat properly during the stay. The days consist of staying at home. There are no activities proposed, no outings, and no support. The children spend their time in front of the television. If you are looking for a dynamic, cultural, or friendly stay, this is not the right place. Another problematic point: the house is fully secured (locked doors, alarm activated), which forces dependence on the family to enter or exit. This reinforces a sense of isolation and discomfort. It is true that the rate is very attractive at €220 per week, but it is to be avoided +++++ Although the house is indeed beautiful, it does not compensate for the total lack of welcome, support, and respect. I cut my stay short (planned until April 16) and left urgently on April 8, 2026, at my own expense after only a few days on site. If I count all the expenses of this trip for 4 full days in Victorville, very far from Los Angeles, it cost me €2000. I strongly advise against this family, and this listing should be permanently removed from the site. I am forced to give one star, but it does not even deserve a star.