When families open their homes and hearts to foreign exchange students, they create opportunities for cultural exchange and lifelong friendships.
Hosting a foreign exchange student is more than just providing a place to stay, it’s about sharing daily life and traditions.
This year, North Central had a group of more than 20 students come from France to experience American lifestyle.
The experience began with the towering skyscrapers of New York City before flying to Indianapolis. These students end their trip to America with a few days in Chicago.
¨I think that one of the biggest differences between people from my home and people here is the hospitality. People are not as likely to wave at you while walking down the street where I am from,¨ Cali Lescure, a French foreign exchange student, said.
Many students noted the friendliness and openness of Americans, which contrasts with the more reserved social customs back home.
The U.S. also offers a wide variety of food options, from classic American fast food to specialty meals, all of these students got to experience some classic American food.
¨My favorite foods we tried were Crumbl Cookie cookies or the Cheese dippers from Chili,¨ Lescure said.
North Central students hosted a foreign exchange student in their homes.
For North Central students, the hosting experience was eye-opening. They got to learn about the student’s home country, language, and customs while introducing them to American culture. This mutual exchange helps break down cultural barriers and improves global awareness.
While hosting students, families tried many different experiences including visiting Indy Scream Park, getting Crumble cookies and playing pickle ball. These were all new experiences for the French student.
¨My favorite experience while visiting America would have to be attending American high school or playing pickle ball,¨ Lescure said.
For families considering hosting, the adventure includes not only new friendships but also a chance to make a positive impact on a young person’s life, all while getting to experience some of their culture as well.
Schools in the US and France have some interesting differences that reflect their unique cultures and education systems. Some of these differences include the length of our school days and classes and the relationships between students and teachers.
In the U.S., schools have a more flexible schedule with a variety of elective classes, allowing students to explore different subjects like art, music, or sports alongside core academics.
The school day usually starts around 8 a.m. and ends in the mid-afternoon, with a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports teams. Class sizes can vary widely, and there’s often a focus on encouraging creativity and individual expression.
French classes are much more uniform with students having little relationship with their teachers and very little extra curricular activities.
¨At my school, we get up to two hours for a lunch break some days. That is very different from your 25 minute lunch periods,¨ Lescure said.
This cultural exchange not only broadens horizons but also builds lasting bonds that transcend borders.
