Cultural exchange program seeks O.C. families to host students from Europe

Oui Connect – Experience an International Cultural Opportunity

Oui-Connect is a cultural exchange program based in Orange County. This program is run by Hector Bachelot and Judy Cohen who are actively looking for host families that would like to have a culturally enriching experience this summer for three weeks.

Eight years ago, Bachelot came to Orange County as an exchange student, he was so inspired by his stay, that he started his own cultural exchange program. Cohen has hosted over 40 international students and has been a part of the organization since the start. 

This is the third year that Oui-Connect has been in operation, the success and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Beautiful, lifelong friendships are formed every year as our students and families form strong bonds. It’s amazing that all this can happen in just 3 weeks! The last days of our program are particularly emotional as families and students say goodbye; There’s “Not a dry eye in the house.

Hector & Judy ask you to host an Italian, French or Spanish high school student this summer for just 20 days! Oui-Connect believes that hosting helps young people broaden their worldviews, and opens their minds through new experiences and perspectives. For Hector, the most fascinating aspect of spending time in America was “size”. He couldn’t believe the size of the freeways, the cars, the department stores and even the soda pop. The best store ever? Costco of course!

So what is involved in hosting an international student? Can they speak any English? How old are they? Does it cost anything? All the answers are on the Oui Connect website but essentially you will be matched with a teenager ranging in age from 14-17 who will have learned the basics of English (as they learn it at high school). This is a full immersion program meaning the students spend all their time with you and your family, not in a classroom. They chose this organization because they want to spend all their time with an American family improving their English speaking abilities rather than spending hours in a classroom, they could do that at home! Oui Connect offers a small stipend to offset some of the cost of hosting for 3 weeks.

This year, there are two summer programs. July 10th to 30th (for Spanish and French Students) OR July 31st to August 19th (for Italian and French Students). During their stay, the students have a weekly planned activity that includes a visit to LA/Hollywood, OC Fair and Monster Truck Show/Rodeo, Whale Watching and an Angels’ Baseball Game. Students are required to sign an agreement to ensure respectful behavior whilst in their host family’s care, and they are fully insured for any medical emergency. Furthermore, Hector & Judy are a hands-on team and can be reached at any time for assistance or questions if needed.

Experience the cultural diversity, the fun and the life-long friendship of being a host family. For more information, visit our website or contact Hector at hectorbachelot@oui-connect.com, 949-338-9388 or Judy at judy@oui-connect.com, 949-683-2529.