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French ‘American Studies’ students visit Louisville
On April 20th 19 students and 2 faculty members (Colette Makaga and Catherine Julien) from the Lycee Jules Guesde Academy in Louisville’s French Sister City of Montpellier arrived in the USA as part of their American Studies program.
Spearheaded by Dr. Wes Lites, Professor at Jefferson Community Technical College, the students partnered with St. Frances High School in Louisville, thanks to the enthusiasm of Sarah Moran, French Professor at St. Francis, in addition to activities throughout the Metro Area.
The visit included
· 3 days in Washington DC with organized tours at the White House, The Capitol, The French Embassy and the Smithsonian American History Museum.
· Classes at St. Frances High School
· A weekend home stay with St. Frances students for full cultural emersion
· Reception with Montpellier Sister Cities Committee Members
· Visits to the Slugger Museum, Louisville Orchestra, Churchill Downs, Ali Center and Slugger Field.
Background Information
During an academic visit to Montpellier last summer with 30 students from JCTC, Dr. Lites became aware of an opportunity to provide French students with an American experience. The Lycee Jules Guesde Academy had an ‘American Studies’ program which included in its curriculum a visit to the USA to study the culture in more depth. After a planned trip to New York fell through, Dr. Lites stepped in with the warm southern hospitability that Louisville has to offer. 2010 saw the 55th Anniversary of the Louisville-Montpellier relationship and the Mayor of Montpellier, Helene Mandroux organized a tremendous amount of activities and celebrations throughout the summer to celebrate the strong relationship. It was only fitting therefore that Louisville responded to the needs of the Lycee Jules Guesde Academy. The relationship continues to expand and JCTC will return to Montpellier this summer with 50 students.
Planning is already underway for St. Francis students to now visit the Lycee Jules Guesde Academy!
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