Ascension Parish has an added international flavor thanks to a foreign exchange student program.
Students from Germany, France, Belgium and Thailand have spent time in the area, going to parish schools and meeting local people.
The experience is enriching for everyone involved, according to local program coordinator and host parent Mandy Schof. She said the schools have an international presence long term, which is educational and enriching for Ascension students.
The organization, Educational Resource Development Trust, has a program called “Share! Your Heart and Home.” The non-profit agency is affiliated with the United Way and listed with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel.
Schof lives in Prairieville, so students attend St. Amant High School when hosting.
Violaine Leyrit of France was the first student the Schof family hosted. They later welcomed Victor Ridley of Belgium.
Both of the students had an opportunity to experience Louisiana culture, by taking part in Mardi Gras and tailgating at LSU football games.
Ridley enjoyed his stay so much that his parents requested their second child get the same treatment. Simon, Victor’s younger brother, will arrive in August and attend St. Amant High.
Victor spent a semester at St. Amant, where he left such an impression that the yearbook staff dedicated an entire page to him. He even was allowed to be the school’s gator mascot for a day.
Schof said Victor was “wildly popular” at school, where he participated in homecoming activities and went to all of the home football games. He enjoyed tailgating and learned all of the rules of football. He’s already begun teaching his younger brother just in time for his arrival to St. Amant.
Victor will return in July for a two-week visit with another brother, Julien. He’s eager to contact his friends and see them again when he returns.
The host family has a unique opportunity to invest in others and to open their hearts as the world arrives at their doorstep, Schof said.
The student has a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to live in the United States and be a part of a local family and immerse in our language, our lifestyle, and our food. They have amazing experiences and at the end, they have many wonderful memories.
Several students have been placed in the parish through the organization in recent years.
Sandra Epple of Germany attended Dutchtown High School, where she was a member of the soccer team. She also placed in literary rally.
Lookpla Boonyatang of Thailand also attended Dutchtown. She won the Ascension Aspiring Artist competition during her stay.
Victora Hogrefe of Germany will arrive in August and will attend Dutchtown.
“We have great students and awesome host families,” Schof said.
The program needs more host families so more students can have the opportunity to visit the area.
The students are proficient in English and have their own money and medical insurance. They need families to provide a bed, a place at the table and a place in family life.
As a coordinator, Schof is trained to help prepare families to receive students. She supports the host family and student through the experience.
Students live with the host family and attend high school for a full 10-month academic year or for a five-month semester program.
For more information, call toll-free (800) 941-3738 or visit www.sharesouthwest.org.
