Bonjour from Kilvington

Growing Global Citizens

Over the recent school holidays, a group of Kilvington students took to the skies for a long-haul adventure to France as part of the Global Connections Program. 

Research increasingly shows that experiences like this support development well beyond language learning. Students often return with greater empathy, intercultural understanding and adaptability, shaped by the experience of communicating and connecting across different cultural contexts.

2026 is an exciting year for the program with two outgoing group tours to France and Japan, and several incoming group tours from France, Japan, and China. Not to mention the handful of students who completed an individual exchange during the 2025/2026 summer holidays.

Students returning from the recent France trip have been buzzing with stories, sharing just how much the experience strengthened their communication skills and intercultural understanding. Here is what they had to say:

Individual Tour to France Dec 2025 to Jan 2026.

Charley Sanderson, Year 11

"On the summer holidays I had the amazing opportunity to go on a 5 week exchange trip to Toulouse, in the south of France. Before my trip, I was so excited to see my exchange student again after their visit in July and just experiencing France and the wonderful culture.

One thing I was anxious about were the possible language gaps and travelling there without any adults. My highlight of the trip was spending New Year’s Eve in Paris where all the exchange students met together and had dinner and watched the fireworks by the Seine.

Although it was hard to gain the confidence to speak French with native speakers, this trip improved my comprehension and speaking skills. Overall, I would recommend this experience as it is a wonderful opportunity, and I had the best time getting to know new people and learning about France."

Group Tour to France April 2026.

Sasha Polikushin, Languages Captain, Year 11

"The exchange trip to France was an experience I had anticipated, to improve my French by immersing myself in an environment where I had to speak it, and after the program, I can say it did not disappoint. 

I was anxious about living with strangers, but my host family was kind and caring, helping me adjust to life in a foreign country. We had many enjoyable experiences, with the highlight being the final three days, in Paris, spent visiting museums and exploring a city rich in architecture and culture. 

The trip improved my French and was an enjoyable and worthwhile experience I recommend to future students of French!"

Group Tour to France April 2026.

Nina Seuret-Batterham, Year 10

"Over the holidays I was fortunate enough to attend the three-week exchange to France. This trip was an incredible opportunity that enhanced my French skills and connection to the culture while further developing my independence. The main highlight from the trip was the time we spent in Paris with the Kilvington students. We climbed the Eiffel Tower, visited the Louvre, went shopping at the Galleries Lafayette, and so much more. 

It was an intense, yet thrilling three days filled with curiosity, excitement, and of course, lots of laughter. I would highly recommend this experience as I found that being immersed in the culture was a fantastic way to learn new vocabulary, local slang, and understand the overall rhythm of the language. Not only will this trip help you grow as a person, but you will make connections and memories that will last a lifetime."