À Bientôt Mayla et Bienvenue Inz!

Sunday, September 22, 2024
Two students participating in Rotary's Youth Exchange Program are just now getting settled in with their host families.  Before too much time goes by, we thought we'd share how they're doing:

Mayla (Arlington, VA) arrived in Briançon in the French Alps in late August.  Her father Juan Pablo (Crystal City-Pentagon Rotary Club) was a youth exchange participant in Austria many years ago, so the family tradition continues.  Mayla, starting her junior year in high school, hoped to find a placement in France as she's been studying French for the past two years.  Mayla took the initiative to learn about her options, fill out the paperwork, and was rewarded with a placement in France.  Mayla stepped up her French studies this past spring in anticipation of her year abroad.  As she's just arrived in Briançon, we'll have to check in with her again to see how her year is progressing.

Inz (Marseille, France) arrived in Arlington, VA in mid-August.  Hosted by Juan Pablo's family, she had the good fortune to spend time with Mayla before Mayla began her exchange program in France.  Prior to Inz' arrival in the US, Inz' family and Juan Pablo's family were able to introduce each other via WhatsApp.  Since her arrival, Inz has begun her junior year at Yorktown High School.  Before Mayla headed to France, she helped Inz get in touch with the dance coach at Yorktown; Inz has dance experience and was interested in joining the team.  Not only did Inz make the team, she's been attending regular drills for upcoming performances and games. Inz becomes more proficient in English every day as she attends classes at Yorktown and interacts with Juan Pablo's family, including Mayla's younger brother and sister.  The whole family is excited and happy to host Inz – they're making her feel very welcome here in Virginia.

Stay tuned for a future update on Mayla and Inz!

 

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