Hosting a French Exchange Student

For a REAL answer:

I dont know exactly how much has changed since we did the French exchange student thing, but "real" food seemed to be more of a hit. I mean, they're from France, not Mars Just feed them whatever normal Americans eat, but maybe less junk?? I know ours weren't big into the junk/processed stuff, except maybe as a treat. But, if your area is known for any special cuisine or food or dish, that's a good thing. I'm from Upstate NY,  so we took them apple picking, made pie from the apples and got them real maple syrup and maple sugar candy and they thought that was cool - they took some back with them (syrup and candy, not apples).

Just feed her with what your family usually eat, unless she has special request.  I bet someone who participate in an exchange program would want to try out food that is typical to that country.  Same for activities. Don't overwhelm her.  Would be nice to show her how a typical American family life is like. 

We hosted a German exchange student for a month when I was in high school.  It ended up being an excellent experience and I ended up going over to Germany several times to visit him... we still keep in touch some 20+ years later.

 One of the things I remember that he was really excited about was going to see Lake Erie.  We lose sight of their size and importance.  But since you are in OH, it wouldn't be crazy hard to see it.  We also took him to see Niagara Falls, but again we had him for a month.  THAT floored him. 

 -Brian
 

Two dollars...I want my two dollars....

Snails

Frogs' legs

Royales with cheese.

Saurkraut and weinerschnitzle, The French are used to eating German food.

french toast!  french kisses!

oh wait.

win.

le big mac

I once hosted a Japanese exchange student for 6 weeks.  It was a blast!  I agree with a couple of the posts above.  You don't really need to change much.  She's here to see how American life is, show it to her.

I lived in upstate New York at the time.  She had NO IDEA how life was up there.  She though New York was the city.  We took her there, of course, and she loved it.  Not sure how far Chicago is from you, but maybe thats an option?

I once hosted a Japanese exchange student for 6 weeks.  It was a blast!  I agree with a couple of the posts above.  You don't really need to change much.  She's here to see how American life is, show it to her.

I lived in upstate New York at the time.  She had NO IDEA how life was up there.  She thought New York = the city.  We took her there, of course, and she loved it.  Not sure how far Chicago is from you, but maybe thats an option?

coredump went to France as an exchange student... and I believe his family hosted one, too. You might want to send him a PM....

Oui!

What about a huge Louisianna style barbecue?? I mean fried pickles, endless racks of ribs, a mountain of pulled pork, corn bread and beans. 

Get her out of her comfort zone, I think many people travel for that reason.