FRANCE
International Exchange:
2019 2022 2023 2024
UI’s French exchange program in partnership with Sport dans la Ville began in 2019 and is now an annual experience for our students.
In addition to cultural exploration around Paris and Provence, delegates have the opportunity to lead activities with younger students at summer camp programming, and participate in professional development with French peers.
“We all got along ok before we left, but… walking around Paris, that’s when I think we really came together and felt like a delegation.” —Ashontis
France has been a longtime partner of the US. Chicago, in particular, has benefited from both business and civic engagement. From the gardens of Grant Park modeled after the gardens of Paris, to the impact French companies have had on the infrastructure of our Chicago transit system, the influence of France can clearly be seen in the city of Chicago.
For 20 years, Sport dans la Ville has been France's leading non-profit serving disadvantaged youth through sports and job-readiness training. We are proud to partner with them for our annual exchange programs and support their mission!
FOCUS: SPORTS DIPLOMACY
Preparation:
Discuss sports as language to connect with peers from around the world
Explore sport as a tool for breaking down barriers and bringing people together
Experience:
Participate in football tournament, on mixed gender teams
Practice communicating through sport when there was no other common language
Attend Women's World Cup
Reflection: "I developed as a leader because of how we had to work to bring everyone together even though we were so different. I think that you have to be a good listener to be a good leader." —Lizbeth
FOCUS: GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
Preparation:
Examine assumptions of other places/people
Explore what it means to be a global citizen in the modern world
International travel tips from Orbitz staff
Experience:
Cultural experiences and tours in Paris
Meet and form relationships with youth from 40+ other countries
Experience new things for the first time
Reflection: "It was so cool to be [abroad] and see how things are similar and different and talk with other kids about what it's like where they live. Now I think I'm also happier in my own home. I didn't know how to appreciate it before." —Sergio
FOCUS: GENDER EQUITY
Preparation:
Explore the history of women in sports
Learn about Title IX
Discuss gender/identity politics impact on their daily lives
Experience:
Participate in youth forum, which featured Female Empowerment Workshop and leadership roles for young women
View two games of Women's World Cup
Reflection: "I enjoyed playing with the girls and feeling like I had to work hard. Now I support girls in sports more—like my football team played a school with a girl on defense. I didn't automatically assume she wouldn't be as good." —Kwinton
Exchange Program
9 high school students, 2 coaches
Travel abroad—many for the first time
Cultural experiences around Paris
Participate in sports diplomacy summit and Women's World Cup viewing alongside 400+ international youth
8 high school students, 2 coaches
Travel abroad—many for the first time
Sightsee around many different Chicago neighborhoods
Cultural experiences alongside kids in UI program
