French Department News

Au revoir Ste Ursule

The two weeks in February spent by over forty French students from Ste Ursule at Girton were eye-opening, fun-filled, and over all too soon. Hosting an Exchange student brings with it many challenges, (mainly in communication!), but also opportunities for learning about our respective cultures, improving our French and English skills, and forming close friendships.

The French students were able to discover Bendigo and Victoria through visits to the Art Gallery, Chinese Museum and Healesville Sanctuary, and also learn about the average daily lives of Australian teens through experiences with their host students.

Whilst my exchange student, Pauline, found a love of lamingtons and Tim-Tams, she couldn’t stand Vegemite. This experience, as well as seeing kangaroos and an echidna, and swimming in a dam, all contributed to an immersion in Australian life.

French students were also able to experience classes with their host students, many loving the short school days in comparison to those in France.

For Girton students who hosted or even simply interacted with the French students, we were able to practise our French (often to giggles and many corrections), and learn to appreciate both the differences between our lives, but ultimately, the many similarities we share as teenagers and students.

Many students, including myself, developed close relationships with their French brother or sister, and there were many tears on our final Saturday morning together.

I would highly recommend hosting an exchange student, whether for a short or extended period of time, whether you are learning their language or not, as it is a truly rewarding experience. Hosting an exchange student will leave you with an enriched worldview, life-long memories, and international friendships.

Abbey Saxon (12F)

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