Press release from Asheville Sister Cities:
From February 8-19, 2020, a delegation of 31 students from Lycée Duplessis-Mornay in Saumur, France will be in Asheville on cultural and academic exchange hosted by students from the Franklin School of Innovation (FSI), Asheville High, SILSA, and Enka High School. Stephanie Hellert, the French teacher at FSI, has been working with Asheville Sister Cities (ASCI) to coordinate cultural events during their stay.
The French students will be staying with host families from participating high schools. They will attend class with their local hosts and evening programming will be provided by ASCI. (See agenda below)
“This is a very important step in building upon our international relations”, says Saumur Committee Chair, Jessica Coffield. “Saumur will return the hospitality by hosting high school students from FSI in April of 2020 to further solidify the relationship between our two cities and foster cultural exchange.”
The current mayor of Saumur, Jackie Goulet, has supported the exchange programming and invited a UNCA student, Diana Casillas, to live and work in Saumur the summer of 2019. ASCI and Saumur are planning to continue the college internship program for 2020.
In addition to ASCI, Saumur and Asheville also have a relationship with their mutual Rotary Clubs. ASCI and Rotary work together to nurture connections and provide opportunities for economic, cultural and academic exchanges.
Saumur, located in the Loire Valley of Central France, has been affiliated with Asheville in 1996. Well known for its beautiful centuries-old homes and churches, fine wines, and mushroom caves, Saumur is also the birth place of Coco Chanel. It is home to The Cadre Noir, a corps of instructors at the French military riding academy, École Nationale d’Équitation, founded in 1828.
ASCI is a non-profit organization that serves to promote international awareness and maintain relations with Asheville’s sister cities of Vladikavkaz, Russia; San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico; Saumur, France; Karpenisi, Greece; Valladolid, Mexico; Osogbo, Nigeria; and Dunkeld-Birnam, Scotland. Join us for international films, performances, travel opportunities, food and wine tastings, and a chance to promote peace through global friendship.
Chateaus along the river, equestrian heritage, and a love of fine food and drink—our cities have much in common.
AGENDA FOR DELEGATION VISIT:
Saturday, February 8th
Greeting the arriving French students at the Asheville Airport at 11pmSunday, February 9th
Welcome Pizza Dinner at UNCAMonday, February 10th
Revolve and Redirect Studios TourFrench Broad Chocolate Factory Tour
Tuesday, February 11th
Cooking Classes to explore Regional Appalachian cuisine and UNCA campusWednesday, February 12th
Blue Ridge Parkway Folk Arts Center, plus short hike if time allows.Thursday, February 13th
Additional Cooking ClassesFriday, February 14th
Biltmore house Tour
French Conversation Table at Trade and Lore CaféSaturday, February 15th
UNCA Basketball GamesSunday, February 16th
Farewell Potluck and BBQ Dinner at Franklin SchoolMonday, February 17th
Sister Cities Film NightWednesday, February 19th
Departure, Asheville Airport
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