Reciprocal Exchange between France and the United States

The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) exchange program involving the children and grandchildren of SAR members in France and the United States was first implemented in 2008-2009 and has been a resounding success.  The exchange includes young ladies and young gentlemen between the ages of 12 to 20 years old.   This has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for young people from both countries to experience a different culture and develop new relationships with other SAR members, sharing our mutual heritage of freedom.  During 2009 we had four youth participate in this program.  Two of the youth were from Paris, France and the two from the United States were from Jacksonville, FL and Concord, NC.

The exchange program is on a reciprocal basis.  The youth that participate in this program are paired based upon common interests and age.  The time period for those participating from the United States could occur during the summer months of June and July, when most schools are on vacation.  In France, the time period for the exchange could occur from the end of June to the beginning of September, when their schools are on vacation.  Thus, upon agreement between the paired families, the United States and France will be visiting during the time periods mutually convenient.  It is recommended that the duration of the visit to both countries be approximately two to three weeks.  However, these time periods and duration of visits can be changed based upon individual preferences.

If your children or grandchildren are interested in participating in this exchange program during the year 2010 and do not possess a French or U. S. Passport, please file for the passport immediately.  For youth under the age of 18, both parents' consent and proof of parental relationship are required.   Each participant in this exchange program must also show proof of medical insurance and have the appropriate immunizations for visiting France or the United States.

All responsibility for travel arrangements, costs and liability of these exchanges rest solely with each candidate.  The SAR will not be responsible for any expenses whatsoever.  The role of the SAR is to merely collect each candidate's interest and then identify and match each participant based on common interests.

Both French and United States candidates are encouraged to submit their respective applications as soon as possible.  April 30, 2010 is the deadline for submitting your application if you wish to participate in the exchange program for the year 2010.  The application and other data relating to this program are contained in a PDF which you can find below.

For more detailed information on the exchange program, please contact Lindsey Cook Brock via lindsey [dot] brockcomcast [dot] net (email) or 1-904-251-9226 in the United States.  You may also contact Pierre de Vasson via devassonmsu [dot] edu (email) or 1-604-561-9333 in Canada.  You may also contact Jacques de Brosses via jdesbrossesfree [dot] fr (email)  or 011 33 9 50 21 34 30 in Paris, France.