I am also looking for coordinators to assist in recruiting families. The compensation is good, the rewards... priceless! Looking for help in VA, MD and south PA. If you want to spread the word about our program ask me about it. Call 703-392-6234 and leave a message. I'll get back to you.

LEC is back! The students are signing up and we'll be kicking off the 2013 season in San Diego. Once a year, all General Coordinators meet in a different city. This year, we chose San Diego. I can't wait!

This year again we'll be hosts to two groups of 25 students each. Here are the dates:

 JULY 9 go 29th
AUGUST 6 to 26th

Reserve your student NOW, they go fast! I will start receiving student's profiles soon, and I can watch for your perfect match. Let me know your preference such as gender, age, interests and I'll put the perfect match on hold until we meet.

I'll be posting student's profiles as soon as I receive them, end of February or March.

We still have students -- all boys! -- on our August 2-22 list. They are eagerly awaiting news that host families will be welcoming them. Will you be one of those families? Have a look at their profile. Just click on the name to see their interests, a photo, and a letter to prospective host families.

This is a great opportunity to get to know French guys and their interests while sharing with them what it is we like to do. Many are anxious to experience American sports. Summer teams and August practices at school would give them a chance to see those sports from the inside out. They also like Wii and video games, movies, biking, swimming, and listening to music.

Host families, don't worry that there is are no girls available. We have several host families who receive students of the opposite gender because their kids would like to have sister or brother if only for a short time. One family with a daughter at home has had three male students over the years. Last year, a family with two teen daughters welcomed a teen boy, who was a hit with their friends, both male and female.

 

 

We've had boys who love to cook and have whipped up some delicious crêpes or other French goodies for their host families. Some guys are interested in history and love to see museums and historic sites. Others are into politics and are anxious to hear your point of view. If you read what a guy's ambition is, like doctor or pilot, you might get some ideas on where to show him around.

Host families will greet their student at Dulles International Airport and then the fun begins!

If you are concerned that your child or children might have to return to school before August 22 rolls around, you might have a family member, neighbor, or friend willing to devote some time to the student. As a last resort, LEC can plan day trips or other activities for students who would otherwise be left home alone.

Please contact us at (703) 392-6234 or write to loulamy@comcast.net for more information.

Review the Application Form and the Host Family Handbook (it tells you everything you ever wanted to know). There is no need to print the Handbook -- we'll give you a copy!

 July 11, 2012, our first outing. What a fabulous day! Our group of 15 headed for the capital around 9:30 am. We met with the Maryland students and their coordinator Kathie around 10:30. Our tour started with a stop at the Lincoln Memorial, and we walked through the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the World War II, to reach the Washington Memorial Monument. Although we had packed lunches, the students couldn't resist to see the largest McDonald in the nation, or the second largest in the world! After lunch, we made our way to the Capitol where Ron Jackson, a personal friend of mine was waiting for us at the Visitor's Center with a big smile on his face. The security officer was not smiling, and confiscated a couple of butter knives, and a bottle of perfume. Oh well, lesson learned. It was well worth it. We walked through the various rooms and corridors, admired various paintings and statues, experienced the whisper spot and met with Freedom, the statue who lives on top of the dome. It is a must see, and I strongly suggest to book a tour, if you have not experienced it yet. Our next excursion will be on the 19th. See you then!

WELCOME TO AMERICA

Welcome to all our French students.
The flight got in on time, even with a 50 minutes delay departure! And the students were released from customs within an hour. Wow. For the first time in 15 years, the families did not have to wait for the students. And we had no lost luggage either. They all made it and were happy to meet with their host families. Thanks to all for participating. The next time we meet (Discovery group) will be on July 11th, to go to DC and visit the Smithsonian museums.

HELP, time is running out!

HELP!

Time is running out! If you can help, or know someone who can, please let them know that we're are desperate for host families, specially for July. We're only a couple of weeks from the arrival, and I still have a lot of students who need homes.

Michelle Baker from the Gainesville Times wrote a nice article (read it here) and it was published, last Thursday (06/07/12) and I'm still waiting for calls! Please, spread the word, these kids already have their tickets and will not be able to come and realize their dreams if people don't step up! Please, pleease help if you can. It's only three weeks in your summer; but it means years of preparation for the French student.

Activities for the July DISCOVERY group have been scheduled and will be as follows:

Wednesday July 11 - Smithsonian Museums, DC (a no brainer)
Thursday July 19 - Medieval Times, MD (new this year)
Monday July 23 - Kings Dominion (my favorite)

As you see, we have something for everyone. Transportation will be arranged from Manassas and details will be available to our Discovery host families. As they say, the more the merrier, so our hosts and their children are welcome to join us, and I always enjoy the company and the help is most appreciated.