A group of 20 Trinity College School students spent part of the March Break enjoying the “first leg” of the biennial French Exchange program. From March 19th to 23rd, students and chaperones travelled to Pontoise, France to spend two weeks immersed in French language and culture.
Our hosts from École St. Martin de France could not have been more welcoming. TCS students lived “en famille” during the trip, experiencing daily life in the homes of their French exchange partners. They also attended classes, and it was interesting to hear the students’ thoughts on the differences between the school systems there and back home at TCS.
The trip also provided the opportunity to visit many points of interest in France. This included a guided tour of Pontoise, a visit to Normandy, an outing to Rouen and, of course, time in Paris, the City of Lights.
Throughout the trip, students had the chance to enhance their French language skills through everyday interactions. They were also exposed to French history, culture, architecture, art and cuisine – including a cooking class!
The students learned so much. They pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and made the most of their time in France. They built new friendships with their French exchange partners, and bonded with their fellow TCS travellers.
The group could not be more excited to welcome our friends from St. Martin de France when they come to TCS for the second leg of the exchange in late April!
- By Tiffany Bathurst, chaperone
