Savannah couple opens home to French exchange student for senior year

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Savannah couple is opening its home to a French exchange student, giving her a home away from home as she completes her senior year.

Cari and Patrick Phelps welcomed Ainhoa, a high school senior from France who is studying dance at Savannah Arts Academy.

The couple became host parents through their involvement with the Metropolitan Savannah Rotary Club. Ainhoa has also gained an extended support system of Rotarians eager to introduce her to Savannah and American culture while learning about life in France.

Cari Phelps said hosting Ainhoa reflects Rotary’s mission of building understanding and friendships across cultures through shared, everyday experiences.

The Phelps also hosted two college exchange students from Denmark and Sweden during the Georgia Rotary Student Program’s Conclave Weekend, held Aug. 21-23 in Savannah.

The weekend marked the kickoff of the student program and brought international students together as they began their experiences in Georgia.

Rotary members say programs like these allow students and host families to learn from one another while forming relationships across cultural and national boundaries.

For Ainhoa, the experience offers a chance to complete her final year of high school in Savannah with the support of a host family and the wider Rotary community. For the Phelps, it is an opportunity to see their community and country through the perspective of someone from another part of the world.

The Metropolitan Savannah Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global network focused on community service, international understanding and building goodwill.