Exchange Student Program

Jesuit High School has hosted two French Catholic exchange students this fall, marking the beginning of a partnership with with Inspired Gateways, a Catholic organization in France that places young French Catholics with Catholic families and Catholic schools in the United States.

After receiving strong interest from current families during summer information sessions, Jesuit made arrangements to host two French students in the fall semester and two in the spring semester.

During the four-week period of his stay, each young French student participates in family life and school. Since the student is typically on holiday from school in France and the stay is relatively short, the school portion mainly involves auditing classes and working on language skills, though all students from Inspired Gateways placed in American homes already have a basic fluency in English. Additionally, there is an attempt to match the interests of the French student with the host Jesuit student.

This fall, from October 14 to November 9, Jesuit welcomed Côme Berton and Eloi Joly. They were hosted by the families of Michael Skarupa '22 and Andrew Garateix '21, respectively. The French students shadowed classes and participated in a variety of campus events, including daily Convocations, All Saints' Day Mass, and Homecoming week festivities. 

"I would recommend this experience," said Berton. "All the students in this school are very nice and very welcoming. The bond is so cool and the teachers are awesome. I will miss all of my friends that I made through this experience, and I will never forget them."

Next semester, Jesuit will welcome two new French exchange students during four weeks spanning March and April. The students will be hosted by the families of Sebastian Greenberg '20 and James Motta '22. 

For more information about Inspired Gateways and to learn how to get involved with the program, contact Steve Matesich '91, at smatesich@jesuittampa.org or 813-877-5344, ext. 715.