Exeter Township School District

When Emily and her daughter hosted a French exchange student last year, she said that the experience "broadened my perspective (and) created lasting memories and bonds that transcended borders." The high school is looking for families wishing to provide a similar experience to a French student this fall. Exeter Township Senior High School families are preferred, but K-8 families are also welcome to host! Read Emily's letter below:

To my fellow Exeter parents -

My daughter is a junior this year who participated in the French exchange during 22/23 school year. Madame Lapic is putting together another opportunity for students from France to return to the US, and I couldn't be more excited for them to come back to Exeter during the fall of 2024. I wanted to share my experience as a host family in hopes some of you would be willing to volunteer to open up your homes and heart to a “Frenchie.”

First of all, I have to admit, while excited, I was extremely nervous and perhaps a bit apprehensive about having a foreign teenager who spoke little English in my home, sleeping in my house, and hanging out with our family for two weeks. I was concerned if our household of just 2 would be a good enough experience and if I would I need to take off work and how much additional running around would I need to do.

In my opinion their time here wasn't long enough. The French students compete and are handpicked out to come to the US, and despite jet lag and a first few odd nights, ALL of them were open to trying new things, pleasant and kind. Hosting a French exchange student was an enriching and transformative experience that I wholeheartedly recommend to others. Not only did it provide an opportunity to learn about French culture firsthand, but it also fostered meaningful cross-cultural connections and friendships for myself and my daughter. From sharing regular meals at home to exploring local sights together, every moment was filled with excitement and discovery. Aside from doing a few extra weekend excursions, having an exchange student just added an extra person to share our time with, they fit right into our normal schedule and seeing their excitement over "everyday" sites and experiences gave me a renewed appreciation of the ordinary and mundane.

Hosting a student from France not only broadened my perspective, but also created lasting memories and bonds that transcended borders. It also challenged my daughter and myself to learn how to communicate better, which is only setting her up for success as she starts to venture out into the world and out of Berks county in the next few years.

By opening your home to an exchange student, you not only provide them with a valuable cultural exchange experience but also enrich your own life in ways you never imagined.

Sincerely,
Emily S.