A True French Opportunity

Allan: How is your French now and did you speak any English at all while you were there?
 

My French has improved considerably. Before I attended RSGC, I was at John Fisher Public School for Grades 1-6. It was French Immersion, so my French was pretty good. But after many years of non-immersion, my French was weaker, so my time in France really helped me get it back and expand my vocabulary. I didn’t speak any English, although sometimes my exchange partner, Gaspard, and his family were curious to learn new English words from me. I stayed in the French Alps, in a small town called Coublevie. The nearest big city was Grenoble, about 20 minutes away. 

Max: Why do you think an experience like this is important? 

I met many new, interesting people, experienced a completely new culture and saw the differences in our schools. My French also improved a lot. I learned about French customs and traditions and can apply them to my daily life in Canada. The trip motivated to work harder at home, but at the same time, enjoy life. I was in Poitiers, two hours from Bordeaux.

Andrew: What was the most valuable part of the France exchange experience?

For me, the most valuable part of this exchange wasn’t the improvement to my French, but rather the memories and friendships I made during the trip that will last a lifetime. The fact that I have what I now consider a second family on the other side of the world, as well as the memories I have forging new friendships that continue to grow regardless to the change in time zones, is infinitely more valuable than any of the language skills I learned. I was in Grenoble and my exchange partner’s name was Victor.