Five French Students Still Searching for Local Host Families

By Jonathan Draper

I was excited to discover that Castro Valley Patch articles also circulate to nearby cities. After appeared in CV Patch two weeks ago, I received emails from readers of Pleasanton, San Leandro, Dublin and Newark Patch.

Families there have since signed up to host French students from August 2 to August 22 this summer. Surprisingly, I didn't hear from any Castro Valley families.

There are still five students coming to the East Bay in August who need a host family. If you host, your family will have a great experience getting to know a French student this summer, helping them improve their English, and showing them what you love about the Bay Area. Your family could make a lifelong friend. A trip to France to visit them could be among your future summer plans.

Today I'd like to introduce you to Violaine. She would like to stay with a
family with teenagers. She sent this letter:

Hello, my name is Violaine. I am 15. I live in a small country town of
Burgundy. I have 2 brothers (11 and 21) and one sister (24) who is already married. My dad is doctor for the eyes and my mum is math teacher but she has stopped working.

I'm climbing for 7 years, I play badminton and I ski.

I like playing sports, shopping, make games and have fun with my friends. I really love going to amusement parks. I do not play any musical instrument but I learned a little guitar when I was smaller. I love listening to music in particular.

I have 2 cats, their names are Domino and Grigri.

I am attracted by the U.S. I want to do part of my studies there after my baccalaureate. When you see my bedroom, you see a lot of pictures of USA. I dream to see the grand canyon and to go to six flags!

I would go to a family that has children and if possible about my age. Last year I already did a language course and I was in New York, but that was with a single woman host.

I would love to make American friends with whom I could continue to have contacts after the stay for example with Facebook. They might even come to my house in France after.

At first I'm still a little shy but I make friends easily. I think I'm
sociable, mature and easily adaptable. As I come from a large family I'm fairly independent.

I enjoy in advance to this 15 days with you.

Very Sincerely,
Violaine

The following four boys from France also need a host family. For more
information or to host, contact Jonathan Draper at 510-300-7022 or
jonathan@AmericanDiscovery.net. If you have questions about what's
involved in hosting, go to AmericanDiscovery.net/hosting.

Florian - 16 years old. Lives in the north of France near Lille. His
father is a teacher. Mother is in business. Concentrating on science in
high school. Favorite subject is math. Plays tennis. Enjoys bowling and
movies with friends. Favorite foods are fruits, pancakes and pasta. Says, "I
hope there is an American teenager of my age in the family. I would love
to stay in touch and welcome my new American friends to France."

Vincent - 17 years old. Lives in Lyon in the southeast of France. Studying
math, science, English and Spanish. His Father is a senior account manager
and his mother is a homemaker. Has an older sister and brother: Marie &
Guillaume. Loves mountain biking. Also plays tennis, volley ball and
badminton. Goes to movies, plays video games, and listens to pop and rock
music with friends. Has traveled to most countries in western Europe.
Says, "It has been my dream to go to USA, to visit your country and know
your culture and lifestyle."

Gregoire - 15 years old. Lives in a little village near Bordeaux in the
south of France. His father, Richard, is a manager. Mother, Fabienna, is a
homemaker. Has a younger brother and sister: Armand and Clothilde. Has a dog. Feels his English is good but wants to improve. Says, "I'm a great fan of
American TV series. Also I like to cook (more exactly to eat what I cooked) and to read."

Brian - 17 years old. Lives in Orchies, near Lille in the north of France.
His father, Tonio, is a construction worker. Mother, Sabine, is a
government official. Has a younger brother, Yohann and a dog, Ness. Favorite
foods are meat, potatoes and vegetables. Enjoys sports, music, TV, hiking and
going to movies. Plays soccer & ping pong. Says, "I would discover
American life and improve my English. Waiting to meet you, please accept my
sincere greetings."