CHOLET EXCHANGE UPDATE – May 13, 2025
37 JOURS!
Bonjour! This got really long. Sorry about that! I started it last week, but pre-empted it when the bus info was finalized. (I wanted to get that out ASAP). Then I kept thinking of more and more I wanted to add.
Students, please check to make sure your parents are seeing these updates.
Luggage & Carry-on: There’s a lot to discuss here.
Fee for checked bags Ever since I have been taking students to France (over 35 years) the first checked bag on international flights has been free. After my last trip in 2023, things started to change and that is not always the case these days. Many airlines are now charging for all checked bags, including the first, on international flights. The Air Canada website had conflicting information (free, $75, $100). So I called for clarification. Long story short, for Air Canada economy standard class (which is what our tickets are), there is no fee for the first checked bag. Since you will only have one checked bag, we are clear there! You can find more on Air Canada’s checked baggage policy here.
What to pack First, you can check out the suggestions on the EF Packing List as well as the suggestions that I have posted on our trip site, linked on our Main Page (Even though I could update this, much of what is said there still applies.) I have suggestions for males, for females and a link to the older version of EF’s recommendations. Remember the electric convertor/adaptor we discussed at a meeting. This video is helpful. I have three devices like the one you see at 2:10, but mine (older models - I should upgrade) don't have USB ports. Students have had bad luck with hair dryers and curling irons in the past (as in, some have blown up). Obviously, I don't use these. Ask yourself if you really need to pack these. You may have alternatives, like using one your Cholet host may already own, buying one in France (split the cost and share, then pass on to someone traveling in the future), using the one in the hotel room (but no guarantee there will be one), or just going without. In the warmer weather, hair car dry naturally quickly. Here's a video that addresses hair dryers and curling irons.
A few things I will emphasize here:
1. You are permitted to have one checked bag (max weight 50 pounds), one carry-on bag and one personal item (see the permitted dimensions here). Suggestion: after you pack, weigh yourself on a scale, then pick up your suitcase and weigh yourself again. If you are less than 50 pounds heavier with the suitcase than without, you’re all set!. If not, think of what you could eliminate, (maybe see if it’ll fit in your carry-on, ask a friend to carry something for you), or be prepared to pay an overweight baggage fee.
2. You pack it, you carry it. If your bag is too heavy to carry, it’s up to you to deal with it. Keep in mind, a bus might not be able to park near the hotel entrance - could be a bit of a walk.
3. In your carry-on bag, obviously bring anything you want to have on the plane and while waiting for flights. But also think to yourself, “if my luggage is lost for a couple days, what should be in my carry-on?” A day’s worth of fresh clothes, medication, etc. This website regarding TSA Travel Tips has A LOT of important information. I want to draw specific attention to packing medication and the video explaining the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on bag. (One year a student had to dump a brand new jar of Nutella - it counted as a liquid.)
4. If you have a suitcase that may look like many others, think of adding something to make it easier to recognize: applying a sticker or tying something (like a ribbon) to the handle - something like that. You will receive and EF baggage tag which will be a little helpful.
5. Don’t pack two weeks worth of clothing. Think carefully about what you really need. Bring enough for one week and be sure to arrange/discuss with your host family a day near the end of the exchange where you can do laundry. (One year I had students who assumed they’d be able to do laundry at a hotel. No. You can’t assume that the hotel will even have laundry service. And even if they do, you won’t have time. We are too busy for that.) Certain items can be worn more than once. Also, don't bring expensive or valuable items, like jewelry. You may want to bring one dressy item (like for the farewell dinner in Cholet), a sweatshirt (we may have cooler weather at times), a light jacket/windbreaker) and a few Ziplock bags in addition to what you'll need for liquids in you carry-on. (I'll explain at a meeting).
6. It’s very possible that you will want to pack a lot more than you will really need. It’s also possible you may not even consider certain items that would be great to have.
Miscellaneous
In a past post, I mentioned credit cards. The first EF packing list I mentioned above includes information on a Till Debit Card. Perhaps you’ve already looked into it. Check it out and see if you are interested in that as an alternative to a credit card.
Hosting next October?If you have not already done so (Chase, Dunn, Gravelle, Harvey, Stevick, Terella), please complete this survey regarding hosting in October. I have responses from 15 out of 22 students. I need to get moving on finding hosts for next October and don’t want to find new families for your hosts if you plan to host them yourselves.
Passport scans needed: Either bring me your passport (I'll scan and return), or you scan it and email it to me: Bolla, Gravelle, Melton, Stevick, Strazisar.
WhatsApp Group Fairview France 2025(students): The following are all set: Adiska, Buhl, Garcia-Rodriguez, Granger, Gravelle, Harvey, Nicholson, Post, Soety and Terella. Merci! There is also a Sophia (we have 3, this one ends in 1658), and I have the following with numbers but no names: 0775, 5312, 5167, 6670, 2752, 2799. Please include your name when you join.
Remind GroupCholet Exchange June 2025 (Parents): The following are set L. Hynes, S Sirash, A Biggs, M Myers, A Melton, T Adiska. Merci! All others, please join soon.
Bus Money: Since I only recently announced this, no need to give names. Please remember the amount $135 and checks should be made payable to Fairview School District
Tip Money: The final amount will be coming soon. As you saw in last week's update, the total will be $70 or less.
Passport Info on EF Website: Still needed to be done by: Bolla, Myers, Nicholson.
My phone number: 814-392-4524: Having all students in my contact list could be very helpful. I have all but three (Melton, Phan, Strazisar). As for parents, it's optional. If you'd like me to have your number, text me your name. Otherwise, we'll use email. If there's an emergency, I can use Remind or the emergency contact number you provided on the EF site or check with the student.
I think that's it for now. Thanks for reading this far. The parent meetings are still not scheduled. I hope to take care of that soon.
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