FAQs

Yes, our programs are suitable for all skill levels.

Typically, a language study trip includes the language course, accommodations, travel, cultural or project-based activities, and organizational support for intensive language weeksfor school groups. The details vary depending on preferences, destination, and program.

Yes, Pierre Overall's goal is to offer high-quality language study abroad programs at affordable prices so that everyone can have access to this valuable experience.

The duration varies depending on the program you choose: from five, six, or seven nights for the classic intensive language weeks “The Traveling Classroom” to completely flexible stays with our“à la carte”courses.

Please send us your contact information, the name of the school, the grade level, the number of students, your desired destination, the length of stay, the dates, the type of trip, and any special requests. We will prepare a detailed quote for you.

Please send us your contact information, the number of people (alone, with family, multiple people from a company, etc.), your desired destination, length of stay, dates, type of trip, and any special requests. We will create a customized quote for you.

Yes, the “à la carte” courses and “The Traveling Classroom” can be tailored to specific destinations, learning objectives, proficiency levels, ages, and interests.
For the“Language Vacations”courses, we put together the program ourselves.

Insurance is not automatically included, but it is strongly recommended. Upon request and at no additional cost, we’d be happy to arrange travel and cancellation insurance for you through our partner, Europäische Reiseversicherung.

Among the destinations we offer, of course.

On the one hand, it’s a good idea to browse through the FAQs. On the other hand, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have in person. Just fill out the form in the Contact section, send us an email, or give us a call!

It's best to use a checklist: documents, luggage, and practical information. Being well-prepared helps you set off feeling more relaxed and enjoy the experience more.

A few weeks before departure, students should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the destination and the language or project week. Have your students do some research—for example, by talking to classmates who have already been on a language week or by looking online. What do they already know about the history of the destination? What interesting things are there in terms of music, theater, painting, sculpture, architecture, events, the job market, etc.? What particularly interests the students about the destination? What do they absolutely want to see or experience?

Private accommodations offer an affordable way to experience the host country in an authentic way. However, private accommodations are neither “host families” nor commercial bed-and-breakfasts or hotels! Just as every student is unique, so too are the hosts and their homes. Students must be aware of this, and their expectations must be adjusted accordingly. Our hosts are not “professional” landlords. They have regular jobs. They provide students with a place to sleep, bathroom facilities, and meals.

If the students want to practice their language skills, they have to take the initiative themselves. Dinner is a good opportunity for this. The hosts are under no obligation to entertain their guests.

The students—either individually or in small teams—should prepare thoroughly for various planned field trips. Once there, they can then serve as “guides” for their classmates. This can save a lot of money—and project weeks that the students themselves have helped plan and carry out are always a success!

Our language instructors tailor their lessons to your needs, preferences, and requirements, which you provide to us in general terms in advance. The focus is on speaking and situational, communicative learning.

Please bring your own pen and notepad. Course materials will be provided by our language instructors.

As a general rule: Less is more. Keep in mind that when traveling by train or bus, you’ll need to be able to move and stow your luggage on your own. When traveling by plane, there are clear and strict baggage rules that vary by airline—and failing to comply with them is usually costly.

The European emergency number (police, ambulance, fire department) is 112. All useful information is included in the travel documents we send you before departure. We recommend saving the most important emergency contacts in your cell phone.

Yes, the travel documents include all the useful contacts for assistance and emergencies. There's always a local contact person.

Family is usually viewed as a community of parents and their children. We use the term “private lodging” because our hosts do not always fit this traditional definition of family. Often, they are younger or older single women, single mothers, young or older couples without children, etc.

Private accommodations offer an affordable way to experience the foreign language environment in a realistic setting.

A place to sleep, shared use of the restrooms, and meals. If you want to practice your language skills, you'll need to take the initiative. Dinner is a good opportunity to do so.

Please follow the house rules set by the hosts.

As a general rule, guests should make an effort to speak the local language, even if they have roommates who speak the same native language. This shows respect for the hosts, helps improve foreign language skills, prevents misunderstandings, and helps guests feel a little more integrated into daily life.

The hosts provide a simple breakfast, which varies depending on the region. Depending on the arrangement, a hot dinner is also served around 7:00 p.m. Upon arrival, it’s best to discuss your meal preferences with the hosts—including any food intolerances or particular favorites.

Just let us know when you register. We will then inform the host families. However, it’s important to talk to your host family again after you arrive to discuss your needs, food intolerances, and allergies in detail. This also requires a certain degree of personal responsibility—on the one hand, to talk to your host family, and on the other, to avoid eating foods that you can’t tolerate.

The hosts must be notified in advance via WhatsApp, text message, or phone. We will provide the phone number with your travel documents.

Minor issues should be resolved directly with the host. This gives younger guests the chance to act “like adults.” For example, if you want more, less, or a different meal; if the bathroom is clogged; if there’s annoying dust lying around somewhere; or similar issues, talk directly to the hosts and try to resolve the issue yourself! For more serious problems, contact Pierre Overall directly at +4315870518 or feedback@pierre-overall.com

Some hosts—but not all—provide internet access at home. Free Wi-Fi is available in almost all restaurants, coffee shops, and public places. Use your smartphone and the internet sparingly, and try not to be constantly in touch with home. Take advantage of the opportunity to be in a country where a different language is spoken and to stand on your own two feet here!

If you lose your cell phone while you’re out and about and you’re alone, stay calm! Just go where you were planning to go anyway—to school, to your internship, or to your host family’s home. They’ll be able to help you there. On the other hand, if you set out to look for it on your own without any way to contact anyone, it’s inefficient, and it will cause a lot of people to worry unnecessarily.

As a general rule, the host country's rules regarding the protection of minors apply. If you're there with a school group: Whether you're allowed to go out after dinner—and until what time—is decided solely by your school and your teachers!

All of our course locations are in safe areas. For example, Vienna is considered one of the safest cities in the world. As a general rule, you should exercise some caution against pickpockets in public places, subway stations, fast-food restaurants, etc.

In addition to Google Maps—which isn't always entirely accurate when planning routes using public transportation—there are also local apps that can be very helpful for finding your way around—for example, when traveling from your private accommodation to school or for other trips within the city.

The European emergency number is 112. The emergency numbers for the police, ambulance service, and fire department vary by country. You will receive the relevant information with your travel documents.

For school groups: If you encounter any other problems and the accompanying teachers cannot be reached immediately, please contact us. Please include your name and the name of the accompanying teacher.

Along with your travel documents, you will also receive an emergency contact number, which is generally available daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.