Editorial
Bienvenue aux Étudiants Français!

Just as we did in this space last month for the students from Trewhela’s School in Santiago, Chile, Lasso Online would like to greet the 22 new members of the extended George Mason community, the students from Lycée Ozenne in Toulouse, France.  

As many students from both the United States and France have undoubtedly been exposed to, the diplomatic relationship between our two nations has unfortunately not always been perfect.  Hopefully, though, this exchange program will allow all of us to step back from politics and misconceptions, discover our shared commonalties, and form new impressions of each other’s cultures from a much more personal view.

Already, the French students have encountered many of the uniquely American traditions and landmarks that are present in GM and in the metropolitan area.  From a tour of George Washington’s Mt. Vernon home to the crazy fun of Spirit Week, from exploring the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian to experiencing the traditions of the Homecoming game and dance, the French students have certainly gotten quite a taste of American life.  And that’s not to mention the paintball excursion, the trips to the American landmarks of Starbucks and McDonald’s, and lots and lots of shopping.

Hopefully, though, our visitors will see that there’s more to America and George Mason High School than big cars, huge malls, and football games, despite how intrinsic to American culture those features have become.  France and the United States have a long history of cooperation and we think it’s safe to say that students on both sides of the Atlantic hope that that legacy will continue.  During Spring Break, many of the host GM students will be travelling to Toulouse for two weeks to experience life in France while staying with the students they are currently hosting.  Lasso Online expects that they will also have an unforgettable experience there, although it will take a lot to top a good old American game of paintball!