Twenty-eight French students and two teachers visited Sheboygan from Avignon, France, recently in an effort to learn more about America and its educational system.

The students are all studying English as a foreign language in Madame Ann-Marie Caro's English class. Not only do the students learn to read, write and speak English, but they also study American culture and practices.

Students were placed in Sheboygan homes for the 11 days through North High School's French Connection Committee. French student, Fiona Faudot said, "My family was wonderful. They were like my own parents."

During the week, the students went to classes with their host brothers and sisters and the teachers visited and developed partnerships with North teachers in their areas of study — English and social studies.

The visiting students thought North High School was different from a typical school in France because of the immense athletic facilities.

"North is a wonderful high school. We have no gyms, pool or weight room at our disposal," said Maleine Allard. "This facility is big, but it is beautiful."

As for classes, Allard said, "We have so many more (classes) and our schedule varies from day-to-day. Your lunch is too quick. We have a two-hour break. Americans literally eat and run."

In Avignon, students go to school from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with between two and three hours of homework per night.

"The students are very free here," Faudot continued. "They are all so nice and say 'Hello' and ask 'How are you?'"

After school hours, students experienced life as an American student. Attending two North football games were highlights, especially the North/South game.

"Even though the rules of the game are difficult to understand, I loved the atmosphere," said Irene Courtin. "We could never get that many supporters to school events at home. You can tell that the students love their school."

During the 11 days, the students experienced the wettest, coldest weather of their lives.

"Wisconsin is so much colder than France, but the colors and landscape are just incredible," said Timothée Payan. "One would never see this in Avignon."

Day trips included a tour of Madison, including the State Capitol, State Street and the University of Wisconsin campus. Old World Wisconsin was another day-trip destination.

On weekends, students went with their families to Green Bay, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Madison. They visited Sheboygan's Riverfront shops and Blue Harbor, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Woodlake Market, Kohler Design Center and many more locations.

Mostly, the students and their teachers liked relaxing with their families and their friends at home — eating American dishes, talking, listening to music, playing Skipbo, watching TV and bonding.

After leaving Sheboygan, Caro said, "Throughout our Chicago tour, many of the students broke into tears, crying for their Sheboygan families, wanting to go back. They have made life-long friends."

In March, North High School will send 15 students and language arts teachers, Erin Belongie and Jen Pickel, to Avignon.

Caro plans to bring another group to Sheboygan again next fall.