A Jerseywoman who moved to a beautiful French mountain range – and became an English teacher to adult learners in the community – is looking for islanders who can host visitors during an exchange.
Penny Setubal lived in Jersey until 2018, when she moved to the Chartreuse region, a part of the French Prealps.
Penny said: “After settling into my new home, I felt a strong desire to give something back to the local community and to find a meaningful way to connect with those around me.
“That’s when I began offering English lessons at the Centre Social des Pays du Guiers – a vibrant community hub that offers a wide range of activities, social events, and support services, all aimed at fostering connection and mutual help.”
Over the course of the last three years, Penny described how she watched her 12 students progress.
“Over time, I’ve watched their confidence grow as they’ve found their voices in English,” she said.
The group asked Penny if they could arrange a stay in an English-speaking country for some immersion – and Jersey “came to mind first”.
Penny said: “What better place to experience both the English language and the warm, genuine hospitality of its people?”
The Chartreuse massif
The Chartreuse mountains, part of the French Prealps, has its highest peak at just over 2,000 m and plays host to tourism, including winter sports and hiking.
Penny said it is known for its “breathtaking” scenery as well as the Chartreuse liqueur, “lovingly crafted by the Carthusian monks since 1737”.
Could you be a host?
The group is visiting from 19 to 22 June 2025 and are looking for ten local families who can host one student each for three nights.
Students will spend the day and meals with their group – so hosts just need to offer a bed, breakfast, and some friendly conversation.
In exchange, the students would offer their hosts a stay in the French Alps.
Penny is available at setubalp@icloud.com or on 00 33 6 38 89 51 55.
