On the 5th of March this year twenty French students from St Joseph du Loquidy, Nantes visited Donabate Community College with their teachers Caroline Laloude and David Evans. They spent the week with the 3rd year (now 4th year) students. On the 10th of October 2015, the students with whom they stayed made a return trip to Nantes.
Students and teachers arrived in France and were met by their French families. They immediately got a taste of French family life. Dinner took place at 9pm, a time much later than in Ireland. Dinner also lasts a lot longer in France. It is where the family talk about the day’s events, current news and topical issues that have taken place. By the time dinner was over, the Irish students were exhausted!
During their stay, the students and their two teachers, Mr Smith and Ms Whyte, visited a number of attractions. Les Machines De L’ile(The Island’s Machines), Le Chateau d’Angers (Angers Castle), The Nantes Slavery Memorial Port and an impressive cathedral to name a few. The group took it as a chance to immerse themselves in the French culture. Photos were taken, videos were recorded and questions were asked as the Dublin natives took every opportunity to embrace the history and culture of Nantes.
As each day progressed, it became notable that their French was steadily improving. They were more able to maintain a conversation with their host family or discuss an interest of their own at the dinner table.
On the second last day, students got a taste of French school life. In this particular school classes have much longer duration and their lunch breaks last two hours. Students can go home, buy food in the cafeteria or bring a packed lunch. There is less of a focus on exams and students are allowed express an opinion freely. That night, the Irish enjoyed a trip to the ‘Patinoire’ or ‘ice rink’ in English.
As Thursday morning dawned, the group packed their bags and we said our goodbyes. We traded last minute contact details and our friendships were cemented. The group were sad to be leaving, however, we’re looking forward to seeing their families.
The exchange was regarded as an invaluable experience by the students involved. “It was a great chance to improve my French and practice it in friendly environment,” said one student.
Nous voulons dire merci beaucoup a Mr. Smith et Mme. Whyte pour l’experience, les bons temps et les souvenirs! Nous n’oublieront jamais l’echange et nous esperons que nous allons bientot revoir nos amis avec qui nous avons passes des moments inoubliables.
