PAX - Program of Academic Exchange is a program of PAX Laurasian Exchange and is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program sponsor.

"Life moves pretty fast..."

For Labor Day Weekend, Matis of France visited Chicago, Illinois with his host family, the Hales. His host mom is a big fan of the American movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and had Matis watch the movie before the trip, so he would recognize some of the famous landmarks.

While in Chicago, Matis went to the Field Museum of Natural History to see dinosaur skeletons and a gemstone exhibit and Millennium Park to see and touch the giant bean sculpture. He enjoyed the architectural riverboat tour of Chicago's beautiful skyline and watching fireworks from a 22nd-floor condo balcony overlooking Navy Pier.

He also went shopping with the family on Michigan Avenue (aka "Miracle Mile") and helped his 8-year-old host sister shop at the American Girl Doll store for the first time. The weather was beautiful and the family did a lot of walking, using The Palmer House hotel as home base for their adventures. The whole family had a wonderful time and can't wait to return!

Matis is 15 years old and attends high school in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is about a three-hour drive from Chicago. His host family members include parents Molly and Aaron, Merry Alice (age 8), and Keller (age 4). The family heads to NYC and Washington D.C. for fall break to visit the 9/11 memorial, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Statue of Liberty, Washington Memorial, Lincoln Monument, and more!

—Molly Butters Hale (IN), host mom of Matis (France)