Welcome to LEC Washington

LEC (Loisirs Culturels a l'Etranger) is a travel organization headquartered in Paris. Since 1972, LEC has arranged visits for French students to American homes. Every year, nearly 250 students count on families like yours to open their home and their hearts for three weeks in the summer months. These French ambassadors are here to improve their English skills, to learn about the American culture and create friendships that may last a lifetime.







Please subscribe to this blog, and get updated information on new arrivals, activities planned (for Discovery) and see the students disappear as host families make their selection). Here today, gone tomorrow!







Send an e-mail to loulamy@comcast.net for more information.



Wednesday, July 18, 2012

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!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

 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!

Friday, July 6, 2012

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.