Published on Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 8:20:01 AM
Host a French Student, Discover a New World
Do you have an adventurous youngster in your house?
Esperance families are invited to express their interest in hosting a student from the French island of Île de Ré as part of the longstanding Esperance-Île de Ré Twin Towns Student Exchange Program. Host families will welcome a young visitor into their home for four weeks during June and July 2027, and their student can apply to travel to France in July 2028 for their own month-long exchange adventure.
Open to teenagers from Years 9 to 12, the program offers a unique chance to experience another culture, build lifelong friendships and develop confidence and independence.
The program is administered by the Esperance Twin Towns Committee with the support of the Lions Club of Esperance and the Shire. Participating families contribute one-third of the student's airfares, while the Lions Club and Shire fund the remaining two-thirds. Accommodation and meals are provided by host families throughout the exchange.
The exchange stems from Esperance's special connection with France, dating back to the arrival of French explorers in 1792 and leading to the establishment of our Twin Town relationship with Saint-Martin-de-Ré in 1988. Today, the program continues to strengthen friendships between the Esperance and Île de Ré communities while creating unforgettable cultural experiences for students and families alike.
Expressions of Interest to become a host family are open till 22 November. Not sure if the exchange is right for your family? The comprehensive information kit on the Shire website explains who can apply, what is involved in hosting a French student, the expectations placed on exchange participants, and the costs, rules and responsibilities that accompany this unique international experience.
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