French-American Center

The French American Center is a non profit educational and cultural exchange organization based in the South of France in the town of Montpellier, France. It was founded in 1991 by the American, Jérôme Rudes with the aim of creating exchange opportunities for French and Americans to create lasting and positive ties between the two communities. It deals mainly with educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and France and offers its services to over 500 members. Through a wide variety of social, cultural and educational activities offered weekly, the French-American Center works at helping bridge the cultural divide between the two countries and offers its members the opportunity to experience another culture in a conducive environment.

The Center serves as a resource for American students residing in Montpellier as it offers the opportunity to incorporate themselves into the French society through placements with French families via the "Au Pair in France" program, and practicing the French language in the "Language Partner" program. Through the annual "Lord Grey School Visit" program, American members also get to interact with young students from the south of England and share their knowledge of French society with them while welcoming them into their homes. Alongside the aforementioned programs, the Center offers French lessons and helps American students find volunteer and work opportunities.

In addition to pairing up French members with American members, the Center has a wide variety of services it offers to the French community in Montpellier. The French-American Center provides English lessons in levels ranging from beginner to advanced. It has a team of professional men and women who serve as instructors for these lessons. Members preparing for the TOEFL can also get practical instruction via the Center. In the area of hands-on cultural exchange, the French-American center provides an opportunity for French students to experience the United States on site through the "Camp America" program. The Au Pair programs organized by the Center in the United States and England also afford members a chance to practice and improve their English speaking skills.

All members have access to the Center's internet and library as well as the opportunity to participate in events organized by the center.