Download - Introductory Meeting VRHS Rm. 501 September 11, 2014 2014-2016 Franco-American Exchange Program
Introductory Meeting VRHS Rm. 501
September 11, 2014
2014-2016Franco-American Exchange Program
Overall Purpose of ExchangeTo provide students currently studying
French a two-year language enrichment opportunity
To provide students an inside view of French culture
To provide a two-week home-stay with a French family: greatest challenge, but greatest reward
To provide a student from France studying English a similar home-stay here in Georgia
To share your French friend with your family and community; repaying your host’s hospitality
Other Rewards
Possibilities for life-long friendshipsLearn how to travel safely and confidently
abroadExperience first-hand much of the history, art
and music that you have learned about in other classes
Try new foods, experience life from a new perspective
Possibility of a Paris visit
Our Destination
France
Map of Alsace-Lorraine
Our first exchange-2005 – a small beginningThis is the Administration Building of the Mendès-France High School Epinal, France
Mendès-France Campus
A typical school cafeteria?
Hmmm…French fast food..
A typical home of the region Our students will be matched with students from our host school . They will correspond with each other throughout the two-year exchange.
Typical ItineraryDepart Atlanta,
Sunday, May 31, 2015Arrive Paris
Monday , June 1Bus to Epinal Students will be
picked up by familiesStudents will attend
school with their hostsSome days we will
take excursions.Return to ParisDepart June 14, 2015
Excursions will include:
TheLorraine region:Discovery of Epinal,
Nancy, St. Dié, Domrémy(Joan of Arc’s birthplace), Grand (Roman amphitheatre and Mosaic)
There is also the possibility of a two-three day stay in Paris at an extra cost.
Budget: “How much does it cost?”A combination of
individual and shared expenses
Shared expenses will be split evenly between participants
$25 application feeTotal cost will be
split into 8 monthly payments
Trip cost DOES NOT include: passport fees, pocket money, or gifts to host families
2012 Trip ExpensesSeven participants Total per
participant $2670 $353 per monthly
installmentTotal cost included:
airfare, ground transportation, daily excursions, three -day Paris extension, chaperones, insurance
Personal Expenses:o Passport Book (Age
16 & Older) $135 oro Passport Book
(Under Age 16) $85o Spending money-
approximately $300oGifts for host family
$50
How do I Apply?Complete the Host Information FormAgree to the Conditions of ParticipationComplete the two release forms-one for
France and one for VRHSTurn in to Mrs. Miller by:
Tuesday, September 23, 2014, along with $25 fee
When will I know if I have been accepted?You will be notified by September 25 if you
have been accepted into the program.Once you are accepted, you and your parents
will need to attend the Oct 2 Parent Organizational Meeting at 7:00 pm.
At that time, we will verify that the trip is set, we will organize payment due dates, look at travel supplies and suitcase issues, etc. Parents and students will meet again in April to finalize details.
Student MeetingsAttendance is required by all participants.We will meet monthly at the school, on Sunday
afternoons from 2:00 till 4:00 pm.These meetings will:
-provide you with necessary skills for safe traveling.
-give you the background knowledge to appreciate what you will be experiencing.
-show me your reliability, responsibility and interest.
-build group cohesion.
Questions?We hope to have you join us on our journey into a new world of international fun , friendship and learning…
There’s nothing quite like home-made blueberry pie at a guest house high in the Vosges mountains!