For most of us that have grown up in the United States of America, English is the first and sometimes only language we speak. Many go through their education in the United States never learning how to speak or understand another language. Currently in most high schools you need to have taken at least two years of another language in order to get into a four year university, but this can be easily taken the first two years of high school and forgotten soon after. In contrast, things are done a little differently in France. With France’s national language being French, many people would assume that to further your education in France, after high school, you would need to just know and understand French, and maybe have a few foreign language class credits. However, since English is such a widely used language, citizens are encouraged to learn it and if they want to go to college they must fluently know English. This requirement sends many students from France each year to the United States for weeks and sometimes they stay for over a year. Fifteen year old, Sandrine Xavier is one of these students.

For the past three weeks Xavier has been staying with sisters Bailey and Hannah Fadden. After paying to come here, she was more than exited to see just what the United States was all about. Her first impression was that it is “different but a cool new experience.” Things such as fast food, Thai food, and banana bread are all new to her, with banana bread being her favorite. “I was really excited because it is my first time in America,” Xavier said.

During her visit she has learned many new things about the different cultures in the United States. Xavier is able to get the full American experience because she shadows either Bailey or Hannah every day and sits in on their classes. “It’s so cool and fun to be here. The teachers and the rooms are different and people talk with more slang,” she said.

The Faddens’ have many things planned for Xavier’s visit. So far they have been go-karting, ice skating and they are planning on going to their family’s cabin in Eastern Washington. Because of this trip, Xavier is able to improve her English, but she is also gaining new friends and experiences. Xavier is not the only one that benefits from this experience. “I love having Sandrine stay with us because she is so polite and I have learned so many things about France that I didn’t know before” Bailey said.