An Invitation
ECI invites you to participate in a unique and rewarding experience. ECI’s Lancaster area program is intended to give French teenagers the opportunity to live in American homes and be immersed in our language and culture. Each student lives with a host family for up to 14 days in February/April or 21 days in July. French teenagers are interested in learning about America as a member of a family. They want to experience the true nature of our American lifestyle, which they have only viewed through dramatized portrayals in films and television shows. The homestay experience affords these students and their host families the opportunity to gain new cultural awareness in the context of family sharing. By inviting a French student to be a part of your household, you will be making a significant contribution to international understanding and goodwill. The students will return to France with an increased appreciation of the United States thanks to your family’s hospitality and generosity and your family will gain valuable insight into another culture.
About the French StudentsThe French students participating in the ECI program have studied English and seek an environment in Pennsylvania where they can improve their skills. They have demonstrated interest and motivation to see and learn about America in the context of an American family. Each student is interviewed by ECI correspondents in France to assess their maturity and ability to take responsibility for themselves in new situations. Many of them have already traveled to other countries. The students complete an application in which they describe themselves, their families, interests, and hobbies. They write a statement giving their reasons for wishing to visit the United States and they offer a personal insight into their expectations. The students are made aware that in a very real sense, they will be seen as “ambassadors” of their own families, culture and nation.
What ECI Does for You
■ Information gathered from each student’s application form allows an ECI coordinator to match each student with an appropriate family.
■ ECI handles the international arrival and departure flight schedules of visiting French students.
■ ECI provides civil liability waivers and medical treatment releases signed by French parents or legal guardians. Complete and comprehensive liability and medical insurance for each student is provided.
■ The local ECI coordinator organizes several full-day field trips to various points of interest. Host family teenagers are welcome to participate on select trips.
■ For families hosting in April, your French student will shadow your child at school for 2-4 days. The local coordinator contacts your child's school to get the necessary clearance - no work on your part!
■ At all times, a local ECI coordinator is in direct contact with you, available to answer questions, and ensure a pleasant and productive experience throughout your French student’s stay.
■ A pre-arrival orientation for first time host families will be held shortly before the students arrive. The ECI coordinator will discuss final arrival details and answer any questions relating to expectations, rules and cultural differences. In addition, the meeting will give participating families a chance to become acquainted.
Responsibilities of the Host FamilyYou agree to provide a congenial environment and integrate your French student into your household routine. By living with your family, the student will share in your family’s activities, duties, and recreation. The French student will return to France with a heightened sense of what it is to be American and you will have acquired a more intimate appreciation of France.
