French students to visit Manassas

By BENNIE SCARTON JR.

Twenty-five French students will be visiting in the Manassas area next month.

Host families have been found for 20 of the students but five more still need housing for the period of Aug. 6-26.

The students are visiting in the United States through Loisirs Culturel A L'Etranger (LEC)

Louise Lamy, LEC general coordinator, said "If host families are not found soon, the students will not be able to come and fulfill their dream, which is to live the 'American Way.'"

She said LEC is an organization based in Paris that promotes international friendships via family homestays. Host families provide room, board, friendship and receive a weekly stipend.

The French students needing housing are

Orianne Brault, 15, who loves animals; Nadege Delacroix, 15, who has six years of English studies; Philemon Von Gaudecker, 15, who speaks English, German and Chinese and plays the piano; Eliot Vallee, 15, who is never bored and always finds something to do; and Jonathan Puddu, 16, who has been practicing fencing for four years.

"The three boys and two girls already have their plane tickets and due to arrive in less than two weeks. They all speak English, are fully insured and have their own spending money. Anyone who can help a young French person realize a dream call me at 703-371-8582. Time is running out," said Lamy.

The program involves activities and tutoring organized for the group, four days/week. Host families children are free to join the sessions. Families in the same neighborhood can take advantage of carpooling to Manassas for the differ-ent activities. Host families include those from Manassas, Gainesville,  Bristow, Chantilly, Herndon and Fairfax Station.

"The students are always eager to meet, befriend and know their American host family who are compensated $80 per week. This a great cultural experience for the entire family," said Lamy.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.