Joy Xu at the Louvre Museum in Paris
From left: Grace Young and her exchange partner in France
Dovetail Exchanges When I signed up for this exchange, I didn’t know just how amazing it would be but now, coming back to New Zealand, I know for sure that I have to return to France one day. This exchange wasn’t just to enhance my French (although it definitely did): it also helped me to realise that it’s OK to make mistakes. My confidence has increased and I’m not as afraid to participate in class now. I know to take every opportunity to ask, speak and just make the most of it all. My month of living in a different country with a different family went by so fast, I would have loved to stay longer. During this time, I did everything an average tourist would do but also so much more. I experienced the culture of Paris, I saw things that maybe tourists wouldn’t, I ate authentic French food and I went to a French school. There were some embarrassing, awkward moments but I learnt how to get through those and to learn from them. It was more than anything I could have wished for in an exchange. I’m also so happy to have been able to see Cléo, my exchange student, and all her friends and family.
My trip to Paris was absolutely incredible. While attending La Source, I made so many new friends that I hope will remain global connections for years so that if I’m in Paris or France in the future, we’ll be able to reconnect. The exchange has greatly improved my French as for six weeks I was fully immersed in the language. It was also amazing as I got a first-hand experience of the culture and life in Paris, which I think is close to impossible for any tourist. As well as seeing the tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée D’orsay etc., I was also lucky enough to experience things tourists wouldn’t, like the five-night camp in Le Temple-sur-Lot just outside of Bordeaux, canoeing, kayaking and rowing down the river near where we were staying, biking to sunflower oil farms and eating fresh melon from the garden. We did a whole array of activities and I am so grateful I was able to experience such a life-changing trip. Grace Young, Year 10
It was honestly amazing and whenever anyone asks me what was my favourite part was, I simply can’t choose! Joy Xu, Year 10
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