Exchanges & Visits
French Exchange
We stepped off the Eurostar at Gare du Nord, all our hopes and fears could be realised soon: was it to happen to me? All the paranoia about not being talked to, about being locked in my room, or worse, not being fed... 13 nervous and giggling students, were introduced to "their" family: eight kisses later, I was completely at ease with Eva and her mother. "My" family was eager to make me feel welcome and relaxed, and to help me increase my knowledge of France. Very soon we were fully immersed in French culture. After a week-end spent shopping and watching French films, I was at the school, "St Louis & Blanche de Castille" in Villemomble... at 8am. We met outside the school: A daunting experience! A small group of British students surrounded by hundreds of French students!...
During the day, we travelled into the centre of Paris, on the Métro.. We visited the tourist sites: Tour Eiffel, Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, le Louvre. But the highlight of our trip were probably the flea market at Porte de Clignancourt, and the little cafés for lunch.
Overall, the trip was worth the money, effort and time. It has improved my confidence in speaking French, and increased my knowledge of Parisian culture. Being away from my home for the first time, I also have made new friends, both French and British. I would recommend this experience to all students. One word of caution though : if you want to take part in the exchange, go with an open mind, be ready to try new things, food, lifestyle...and always make sure you know where you are meeting: as a few girls found out, Paris is a huge place if you don't follow basic rules and get lost...
Kalifa Figaro
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