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> Bonjour mes amis de la France
Bonjour mes amis de la France
French students leave lasting memories
Maggie Nestor
May 11, 2007
Le français etaient ici!
Indeed, the French are here, delving into eye-opening and stimulating cultural exchanges, such as this past Monday’s downtown field trip.
Over 20 LHS students and their families have participated in the French Foreign Exchange program the past week (April 16-April 28). This first portion of the program consisted of French students visiting Americans.
For the past week, both visitors and hosts enjoyed day trips to absorb U.S. and St. Louis culture such as last Monday’s trip to the Landing. The Arch, Busch Stadium, City Museum, and Meremac Caverns are all planned trips for foreign guests.
But the program is not just for the sake of travel. It is a learning and cultural experience for both groups of students.
"The French exchange program was the best experience of my life. It’s a real eye-opener. It helps students take what they learned in the classroom and apply it. It’s just an overall great experience," said Sarah Rausch, French teacher.
The obvious language barrier also creates opportunity to improve language skills.
"Because I have to speak French most of the time to my foreign exchange partner, my spoken French has become much improved and I feel ready to travel there this summer," said Liz Renner (10).
An advantage of the program is flexibility for the students.
"I’m not hosting a student when they come here, but I’m going to France with everyone else during the summer," said Rachel Klotz (11).
LHS students will stay with the French student they hosted in France July 2-16.
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