French students get a taste of America

Andy Palmer ('12) and his family welcome Victor Boutin and Foucald Huard in the airport.

The school hosted four French exchange students from the Lycée Saint-Michel in France.

The students attended classes, visited attractions, and learned about American culture.

Foucald Huard was hosted by Andy Palmer (’12), Céline Sauron was hosted by Sylvia Al-Mateen (’13), Pauline Vanoverschelde was hosted by Kajsa Mayo (’12), and Victor Boutin was hosted by Decker and Alex Nielsen (’12).

“I was interested in the United States because I heard that it’s great, and it’s a developed civilization. Also, I wanted to practice my English,” Huard said.

“I wanted to come here because America is a good country, and I really wanted to see the differences between France and America,” Boutin said.

The French students visited Seattle and Pike Place Market, and they also tried different foods. For example, Boutin has never tasted peanut butter and root beer until he arrived in America.

“I liked being at school, going to Seattle, and basically everything,” Boutin said.

They also found major differences between American and French schools. For example, Boutin found that French teachers are stricter than Charles Wright teachers.

“The teachers are more close with their students in America. In class, everyone can wear hats, but in France, students can’t wear hats,” Sauron said.

She also noticed that there were fewer students in Charles Wright than those in her school in France. Also, she was amazed that there were many people from different countries because there were only French people in France.

Not only did the French students enjoy their stay in America, but the students of Charles Wright also enjoyed hosting them.

“[Hosting Boutin] helps me make connections around the world and learn about his French culture. [Also], I’m taking French, and it’s fun to see how he corrects me in French,” Nielsen said.

“I enjoyed being able to practice my own French and meeting a person from a different culture,” Al-Mateen said.

Even Palmer, who does not speak French at all, decided to host Huard because he had a good experience in Poland and previously hosted a student from the United Arab Emirates.

“It is nice to have him because it’s his first time in America and it’s nice to have relationships from all around the world,” Palmer said.