ALPHARETTA, GA – King’s Ridge Christian School recently hosted 12 French students in an inaugural exchange partnership with the Fenelon Sainte-Marie School in Paris, France. During their two-week stay, the tenth-grade students brought a sampling of French culture to the K-12 independent school, while experiencing some of the finest attractions in the Atlanta area.

Laetitia Townson, Upper and Middle School French teacher at KRCS, organized the exchange program after seeing the opportunity for her students to develop meaningful relationships with students on the other side of the Atlantic. "I wanted to give our students the opportunity to experience visitors from a country that is far different from our own," she said. "An exchange program gives our students an excellent opportunity to learn about a culture and language that they study on a daily basis."

The French students stayed with KRCS host families. "We were blessed to have Mathilde Armantier stay at our home while she participated in the exchange program," said Jeri Wallin, mother of two Upper School students at KRCS. "It was a great experience for our family, and our daughter, Alli, developed a very close friendship with Mathilde."

Senior Alexandra Einspahr hosted French student Marine Dufour at her family’s home. "I learned a lot from Marine, and we had a great time together," she said. "I enjoyed the opportunity to share our school and our lifestyle with her. It was neat to see the many differences and similarities we shared."

The French students accompanied KRCS students at many school activities, including a Valentine's Day dance and a basketball game. "The school life in America is very exciting," said Dufor. "In France athletics and social activities are not a big part of school life. In America there are many events taking place outside of the school day."

The French students brought a unique perspective to the North Atlanta suburban school, often being surprised with the independent and mobile lifestyle of busy Americans. "The day-to-day life in America is very unique,” said Mathilde Fontaine. "In Paris we rely on public transportation, so it is different for us to get into a car when we need to go somewhere. Here in America we get into a car and travel many miles to get to our destination."