As we mark our 10-year anniversary of Oui-Connect, I am very thankful to all the people that have helped and supported our goal and vision. What began as a small venture in the summer of 2014 with just 13 exchange students has blossomed into a thriving community of over 2,000 students and host families over the last decade. It’s been a remarkable journey, one that I embarked on fresh out of college with my brother Calvin, driven by a shared passion for cultural exchange.
Over the years, my biggest joy has been working with and getting to know on a personal level our team and volunteer host families. Your commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and providing a home away from home for our students has been the cornerstone of our success.This program goes beyond cultural exchange; for our students, it is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. For our host families, not only is it a way to make a student’s dream come true, but it is also an opportunity to learn from a different culture, rediscover your own home city and make meaningful international relationships.
Today more than ever, it is so important to disconnect from our digital social world for a bit and share real life experiences with other human beings. Connecting with a family that might be very different than yours develops language skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for diversity. These experiences have impacted all exchange students and host families involved.
The success of Oui-Connect can only be attributed to our volunteer host families who have selflessly and generously opened their hearts and homes to international teenagers from Thailand, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Taiwan and the US to Europe (started in 2017 the Go Abroad program). I love hearing stories of past host families that still are in touch with their exchange students. We have SO MANY! Some who even consider their exchange student as their own child now.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion has been unwavering. Regardless of nationality, religion, ethnicity or background, every participant is welcomed into a community that celebrates differences and promotes mutual respect. As Judy, one of our founding team members says: “everyone smiles in the same language.
The past decade has brought its share of challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic where we were paused for 2 full years. We are thankful to be back and thriving better than before the pandemic.
For the past 10 years I have so many people to thank! Brittany, of course, my wife who has been extraordinary with everything. Judy and Linda, my two right hands throughout the past 10 years that became friends! Thank you for your passion and dedication. Rebecca who has been so essential in the growth of Oui-Connect, along with her husband Richard. Marla, thank you so much for your commitment with everything you do. Virginie who is a key player working for Oui-Connect in France. Alejandro, Nikki, Monica, Bill, Jennifer, Cristi, Wendy, Xavier, Calvin, Marie, my parents and many more over past 10 years. Oui-Connect would not be where it is today without these wonderful people who have been a part of our team and family.
As we look to the future, we are more committed to continuing to create meaningful experiences for students and families alike. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Here’s to the next decade of growth, friendships, and cultural exchange!
With Love,
Oui-Connected !
Hector Bachelot
first group of 13 French students in summer 2014!