French student expands views with exchange trip

JACKSON, Mo. -- Large homes and wide freedoms make an impact on some of the youth and adults who Stacy Meyr has helped bring to the region. In their native countries, both come in smaller sizes.

"They enjoy our freedoms," said Meyr, youth exchange counselor for the Jackson Rotary Club, which brings foreign exchange students and adults to the area. "My husband and I live in a 1,800-square-foot house, which is a nice size, but not big by American standards. However, that's huge to the students and adults who participate in our exchange program."

Quitterie Hervouet, 17, of France agreed. Hervouet has been staying with a host family in Jackson this past month.

"I would like to live in the United States some day. I like the way of life," said Hervouet, whose hometown of Nantes has a population of 500,000. "Everything is different. The houses are different, the cars are huge. France is a small country. The U.S. is big, everything is big."

Hervouet has been staying with Cheryl Rodenberry and her 17-year-old daughter, Kate Carter. Carter is the daughter of Rodenberry and Randy Carter of Farmington.

During July, Carter stayed with Hervouet's family in northwest France. Hervouet is the daughter of Elizabeth and Bertrand Hervouet.

"These are strong people who travel across the world through Rotary," Carter said. "I would probably agree that my emotional state was not prepared, but then again, nothing can prepare you for this. Everything, besides taking French, that can prepare you is in France and not here. I don't think you truly know who you are until you go out amongst those who are complete opposites. I was very stunned how there are different policies on politeness when I got there."

Carter is grateful to have visited various European cities and seen great works of art.

"There is so much art, angels on buildings, it is everywhere," Carter said. "I would suggest traveling with a group and a tour guide, though. It was scary by myself sometimes."

Hervouet prefers to travel alone. She has been to many foreign countries, including the United States twice before -- Wisconsin in 2000 and the state of Washington last year.

During her stay this summer, Hervouet visited Farmington, St. Louis and Branson. She also attended one week of school with Carter.

jgosche@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133