Community Corner

From France to Avon/Avon Lake. Are You In?

Avon and Avon Lake families needed to host exchange students.

I am a great believer in the exciting adventure of meeting new people and having new experiences, especially when it concerns young people. Travel enriches us and makes us better citizens but I know that not everyone can take the time to travel. So why not invite a traveler right into your living room by welcoming one of seven French boys, one French girl, or one of the two female group leaders in their 20s who are waiting anxiously to see if they will have an American home to call their own for three weeks?

I have spent the last 15 years hosting students for three weeks
every summer through World Exchange (www.worldexchange.org) right here
in Avon Lake. So it was a no-brainer that when the opportunity presented itself that I began working in the field. My family and I have enjoyed our many international guests, and my children have benefited greatly from spending time with our students—sharing games, boating, swimming, talking and laughing.

I am very proud that I have helped make many, many international friendships. The problem is that I can only help create these friendships if area families are willing to reach out and participate.

I am writing this letter to our community to ask you to pitch in! With only a few days left to find homes, it’s crunch time.  

Seventeen-year-old Eva loves Italian, movies, acting and sports – she wants to
study international business. Alexandre likes playing American football, swimming, and going to the movies—at home instead of a lawn mower his family makes use of their two little goats.  Charles, Alexandre’s 15-year-old brother who wants to be a surgeon, also likes American football, tennis, baseball, sailing, archery, and more.

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Fifteen year-old Virgile who hopes to become a math teacher, loves swimming, cycling, riding, comics, and computers.  In a matter of a few days, these may not just be names on a page in the newspaper, but true international family friends.

I am determined to find homes for Eva, Alexandre, Charles, Virgile, and the other students coming from Aug. 1 to Aug. 20. It would make me sad to have to tell them that America is “shut for business” when they so badly want to experience our daily lives.

Please tell your friends and family about this one-of-a-kind opportunity, and consider hosting yourself. Your new French student is looking forward to meeting you!

Please call or email me: Jill Quinn at 440 653-1564 or by email at  georgee182@gmail.com.

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Jill Quinn

Avon Lake


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