By Jonathan Draper
Want to experience France? Why not meet a French student who is excited to
show you his or her country!
Twelve French teenagers are coming to the Bay Area in American Discovery's
cultural exchange program. Five of them still need an American host family.
They're all anxious to have fun, see sights, and improve their English skills in home-stays with East Bay families. But I'm surprised at how many of them are already talking, in letters they've sent to prospective host families, about hopes of making long lasting friendships — and inviting their new American “family” to visit them in France.
On your next (or first) trip to France, why not get off the tour bus and get to know the real France by visiting the family of a good friend you made this summer?
What does it take to become a host family?
Can you provide food, lodging, some transportation and time for conversation during the roughly twelve days that your student guest will be with you between August 2 and 22? We're taking them on a camping trip in the middle of their stay, August 6 through 13.
No need for costly entertainments. They just need to be welcomed into your family for a couple of weeks this summer. It's that simple!
Today I'd like to introduce you to Gregoire, who wrote this letter to you, his prospective host family:
Hi my name is Gregoire and I live in a little village near Bordeaux in the South west of France. I'm sixteen. My english level is very good for my age according to my teachers but in spite of this what I want is to get my English better and to speak this language as easily as I speak French (that's why I'd like to be the only French student in your family).
I'm sporty, I play Rugby (it's like American football). I'm very interested by the other countries and to develop my general knowledge is very important for me. I'm a great fan of American TV Series, also I like to cook (more exactly to eat what I cooked) and to read.
I have a brother and sister, both are younger than me.
I'm really impatient to meet you, to discover your culture and share
things with you. I really hope that there is a teenager of my age in your family because I would be delighted to welcome my new American friend in France after my stay in California!
So in conclusion I can't wait to meet you and discover your country.
Gregoire
The following four students from France also need a host family. For more
information or to host, contact Jonathan Draper at 510-300-7022 or
jonathan@AmericanDiscovery.net. If you have questions about what's
involved in hosting, go to AmericanDiscovery.net/hosting.
17 years old. Lives in Orchies, near Lille in the north of France.
His father, Tonio, is a construction worker. Mother, Sabine, is a government official. Has a younger brother, Yohann and a dog, Ness. Favorite foods are meat, potatoes and vegetables. Enjoys sports, music, TV, hiking and going to movies. Plays soccer & ping pong. Says, "I would discover American life and improve my English. Waiting to meet you, please accept my sincere greetings."
15 years old. Lives in Burgundy. Her father is a doctor. Her mother is a professor. Has three siblings: Severine, Ludovic and Alexis. Has two cats. Doesn't eat meat. Likes to go to theme parks, play games and shop. Participated in a home-stay with a family in New York last August. Is looking forward to getting to know a California family with a child or children her own age, if possible, this summer.
16 years old. Lives in the north of France near Lille. His father is a teacher. Mother is in business. Concentrating on science in high school. Favorite subject is math. Plays tennis. Enjoys bowling and movies with friends. Favorite foods are fruits, pancakes & pasta. Says, "I hope there is an American teenager of my age in the family. I would love to stay in touch and welcome my new American friends to France."
17 years old. Lives in Lyon in the southeast of France. Studying
math, science, English and Spanish. His Father is a senior account manager
& his mother is a homemaker. Has an older sister & brother: Marie & Guillaume. Loves mountain biking. Also plays tennis, volley ball & badminton. Goes to movies, plays video games, & listens to pop & rock music with friends. Has traveled to most countries in western Europe. Says, "It has been my dream to go to USA, to visit your country & know your culture and lifestyle."
