Posted
December 15, 2025
When six French exchange students arrived at St. Edward in November, they brought more than suitcases and jet lag. Traveling from Saint-Charles Sainte Croix, a Holy Cross school in Le Mans, France—the birthplace of the Congregation—they arrived with a direct connection to the tradition that shapes St. Edward. From the moment they stepped on campus, the mission, hospitality, and global perspective felt familiar.
Classrooms, homes, and hallways became spaces of conversation and discovery as St. Edward families welcomed the students into daily routines, shared meals, and holiday traditions.
Learning Through Immersion
The French students immersed themselves fully in Edsman life—attending classes, joining activities, and forming friendships across grade levels. Hosting international peers offered Edsmen a meaningful opportunity to develop intercultural understanding and real-world communication skills.
“It’s that cultural component,” says French Teacher Sabrina Gushue, who organized the experience. “As an IB World School, this exchange gave the entire community global exposure. The students were open, communicative, and eager to connect with students and teachers in every class.”
Even language challenges—fast-paced conversations, unfamiliar slang, and moments of confusion—became opportunities for rapid growth. French students gained confidence navigating the complexities of English, while St. Edward students found themselves speaking more French, listening more carefully, and communicating with greater ease.
What Was Different—and What Felt the Same?
In French class, the exchange students reflected on the differences between their school in Le Mans and St. Edward. One of the biggest surprises? The school day. Ending at 3 p.m. felt like a luxury compared to 6 p.m. days back home.
“There’s freedom to move around campus when we’re not in class,” says Marius Moraine, guest of Jackson Stephan ’29. “And there’s a lot of joy and fun here.”
Students discovered how deeply faith plays a part in both of their school experiences. Joe Gerrity ’27 connected with exchange student Louis Vigneron during Junior Retreat, where quiet reflection opened the door to honest conversation. Nacho Secin ’29 and his family welcomed Lucas Mafray into their parish community, attending Mass together. Beyond campus, all of the students volunteered at One Hope NEO, serving side by side and putting shared faith into action.
Exchange student Arthur Rondet, an avid sports fan, was introduced to American high school athletics almost immediately. “When I was picked up from the airport, we went straight to the St. Edward football playoff game,” he says. “It was awesome.” Hosted by Charles Ruhe ’28, Arthur also attended a Cavaliers game with the group. Ozi Anyangwe ’28 made sure Grégoire Grimprel had a chance to cheer for the Browns and the Monsters.
Thanksgiving proved to be another standout. Axel Leloup carved the turkey at the home of Beney Budiman ’28, while Grégoire celebrated with Ozi, where African traditions added new flavors to the holiday. “It was such a big dinner,” Grégoire says. “I discovered dishes we don’t have in France—like potatoes with marshmallows!"
Exploring Cleveland and Beyond
Together, the students explored Cleveland, visiting holiday light displays, skating, seeing the Christmas Story House, and experiencing the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Some even attended the Saint Joseph Academy homecoming dance.
Travel extended beyond Ohio as well. Beney and his family took Axel to Washington, D.C. and New York City, while Charles and Arthur also visited D.C. “Seeing someone experience New York for the first time was really fun,” Beney says. “I was so young the first time I went—watching Axel’s excitement made it new again.”
A surprise snow day added to the excitement. Bundled up and wide-eyed, the French students embraced a winter day off—something rarely experienced back home, where snowfall is lighter and schools typically remain open.
Goodbyes—and What Comes Next
As the visit came to an end, hallway goodbyes told the real story: hugs between classmates, promises to stay in touch, and messages scrawled across a departing student’s shirt. Host families and students made the final trip to the airport together, saying goodbye—for now.
For Gushue, the exchange is deeply personal. Born in Germany, she participated in exchange programs to Switzerland and France and now speaks three languages fluently. Her own experience helped shape her future, eventually leading her to build a life and career in the United States. Now at St. Edward, she guides students through the same kind of global learning. “It’s not just about language,” she says. “They’re learning about culture, connection, and themselves.”
The exchange continues this spring, when St. Edward students travel to France over Easter break to visit Le Mans and experience Holy Cross education from the other side of the Atlantic.
As Christmas approaches, the exchange stands as a reminder of what the season calls us to live—welcome for the stranger, gratitude for God’s gifts, and joy found in shared faith and tradition.
