Latest Update – To Sign Up:

Click this link to download the Parent/Student Interest Flyer. Complete the form and return it to Mrs. Debra Armstrong (the French teacher at PHS) by January 15, 2011.

General Overview

The Ponchatoula Cultural Exchange (PCE) is a unique international program for students ages 16-18. It operates on the belief that intercultural exchange fosters invaluable personal and educational growth in young adults and gives students a fun, hands-on opportunity to explore the world around them. This exchange takes place between international sister cities: Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and Fontanil, France. Students DO NOT have to know French to participate!

Background Info

Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and Fontanil, France, have been international sister cities since 1989. Since that time, several informal exchanges between adults and students have taken place, and in October 2009, a group of Ponchatoula residents visited Fontanil to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our relationship.

Volunteers from each town are now working diligently to establish two-week, high school student exchanges every summer. These exchanges will be centered around homestays in both cities and will involve fellow teenagers with similar interests (i.e. cinema, sports, shopping, etc.). As a result of this experience, students will gain new opportunities, foster positive, international relationships and hold memories that will last a lifetime.

Who Can Participate?

Students must be 16-18 years old at the time of the exchange to participate, but support from community members of all ages is welcome. Not only are we looking for students but also host families, general volunteers and sponsorships!

How Much Does It Cost?

One of the best things about PCE is that it’s affordable! The only costs for traveling students are a plane ticket, travel insurance, and souvenirs/spending money!

Those families hosting a student provide them with free room and board (so just estimate having one extra mouth to feed for two weeks).

Contact Information

Visit our site, send us an email (ponchatoulaculturalexchange@gmail.com), or give us a call (985-981-1339) to find out more.

Fontanil, France