Sophomores Pia Blaszczyk, Louise Dusson, and Coline Lasselin are the French exchange students who look forward to their experience at the Academy, as it is an opportunity to enrich their high school experiences. 

The Academy is a part of a student exchange program partnership with a firm called Inspired Gateways, transferring French and United States experiences between Catholic Schools. There are three host families in Tampa paired up to host students from France. They will attend school here at the Academy from October 4, 2025, through November 1, 2025. 

Louise Dusson is staying with Junior Catalina Bunch and Sophomore Penelope Bunch. She says she looks forward to discovering the culture of America, especially because where she lives, it isn’t a prominent part of their customs to have other countries’ cuisines like sushi or hibachi. 

When describing her school experience back in France, she said she doesn’t switch classes, rather, the teachers move through a rotation and visit each class. Even though she goes to school with boys, there are fewer people in comparison to the Academy. 

At home, Dusson has one older sister and a set of twins with her younger sister and brother. She said, “I miss them, but I’m not crying.”

Catalina Bunch says, “It is very interesting [hosting Dusson] because I can learn about French culture, learn French, and listen to the music they enjoy.” She expressed that one of the most unique parts is that “they listen to rap.”

Exchange student, Coline Lasselin, went to the 2 Hollis concert on Sunday, October 19, at Jannus Live concert hall. Host Junior Sydney Hinds accompanied her, along with Juniors Sofia Anthony and Ava Diasti. Lasselin said she had fun hearing the music, jumping and bumping into people. In addition to the concert,she has also been to Universal Studios and the beach. 

When asked about what she is looking forward to doing in America, she said, “I want to go to Miami, try some new foods, and meet new people.”

Lasselin said she wanted to become an exchange student, “[b]ecause going to high school in America was a dream for me and I had the opportunity to do so.”

Her favorite classes that she is taking at the Academy are Darkroom Photography and Marine Biology. 

In France, Lasselin enjoys the food, beaches and mountains.  In addition, she has one brother back at home, but she isn’t upset about their separation because it is only one month away.

Even though she would miss her sister and family back in France, exchange student Pia Blaszczyk was excited to come to Florida because of the good weather, culture, and opportunities. She intentionally maintains her relationship with her family by talking to them everyday.

When comparing life in the States to that of France, Blaszczyk says, “the people are not the same; here everyone is very kind.”

With her host, Freshman Ellie Harman, Blaszczyk has been shopping with friends, boating, and on a trip to New York. Her favorite class that she is taking at the Academy is ceramics.

In response to what she misses the most about her life in France, Blaszczyk said, “[I miss] French food. Here, everything is made with sugar. American food is good too, but I really like French food.

Principal Jeane McNamara said the French exchange students are marvelous to be around. During shared community time, the girls were very upbeat and happy. She described how the girls really like their host families, their classes and our school. 

McNamara said, “it is so rich and rewarding to have people around us who can look at things from the outside lens and give us critical feedback about what’s good with what we are doing and what things could be better or different.”