The La Crosse-Epinal Twin or Sister City partnership began in 1986 when Philippe Sequin, then Mayor of Epinal, approached Daniel Hilger who was at that time head of Trane's manufacturing operation in Epinal, concerning an association between La Crosse and Epinal. Seguin had a very global view. The fact that La Crosse and Epinal were similar in size and had Trane facilities in each made an agreement with La Crosse the natural choice. Since then, we have participated in exchanges with soccer teams, choirs and of course, students.

The student exchange takes place over two summers. Typically, American students host the first summer, usually an even year. Then, those students go to stay with their French student the following summer. We are currently accepting applications for the 2018-2019 exchange, with American's hosting in July of 2018 and travelling in 2019. Dates vary from year to year but it is typically 20 days between July 5th and 29th.

The cost of the trip is dependant on how many students are in the group, as well as the flight costs, hotel costs (for Paris). For our 3 week trip, including a 2 week stay in host families and usually 3-4 days in Paris, the cost in the past has been around $3800. This cost includes air travel, travel to and from Epinal, hotels in Paris (usually 3-4 nights), breakfast and dinner while in Paris and certain activities such as visits to the Louvre, the Eiffel tower, biking tour and Seine Boat ride. We have used ACIS for our travel company for several years now with excellent experiences. Their travel agents are very attentive to our needs and easy to work with. One of the main reasons we go with them is that they guarantee hotels in the center of Paris as well as a full time tour guide who stays with us 24/7 during the Paris stay.

This exchange is more than just a simple vacation to France. It has been a tradition in La Crosse for 30 years. Students get a unique and authentic experience staying with families and experiencing daily life in France. And of course, Paris is a must when visiting France.

Fundraising is always a great way to get to know everyone in the group. While we do not specifically run fundraisers, we are willing to help contact the rest of the group to organize a fundraiser. Groups have done Brat Barns, Kwik Trip Car Wash cards, Herberger's coupons, etc in the past. The La Crosse - Epinal Exchange committee offers a scholarship that all students are welcome to apply for. Your teacher will get you the application information as it becomes available, typically the spring before we travel. ACIS, our travel company, and other groups frequently offer travel scholarships. We encourage you all to keep an eye out and apply for others if you find them.

Your French teacher may be able to answer many questions for you. Also feel free to contact me at lovejoy.keagan@gmail.com for any questions and I will do what I can to answer. I have travelled as a chaperone three times as well as travelled as a student while in High School.