Over this year’s spring break from March 27-April 5, students in high level French classes were invited on an exchange trip to the south of France, visiting many destinations such as Grasse, Nice, Antibes, and Cannes. The students had an amazing opportunity to study French, immerse themselves in real culture, and make new friends.
Day 0: Travel and Arrival
The group of 8 students along with supervisors Margaret Schmidt and Teresa DelGiudice departed from Pascack Hills at around 2:15 pm. They arrived at Newark Liberty International airport and boarded their first flight at 7:35 pm. During the long, 8 hour flight, students became excited and nervous to meet their host families and arrive. They arrived in Frankfurt, Germany for their layover, where they quickly tasted some German cuisine. After this, they boarded their short flight to Nice.
Straight off of the plane, the students were amazed by the view and greeted at the airport by their exchange families! Each student left with their partner for their first day in France! Some students went to visit Nice for the day and others explored the local area.
Day 1: Lunch at the beach
The next day, French and American students attended a potluck at a beach called Plage de la Rague. The students got to meet each other and spent the whole day tasting local foods, playing games, and enjoying the beautiful weather. After the day, American students went home with their host families to try authentic french food made at home. While each student got a different experience, they were all amazing. Some students got to help cook their meals as well. They tried foods from, truffle, raclette, pasta dishes, crêpes, and more.
Day 2: School
On March 30, the American students attended their first day of school! They went with their partners to Lycee Amiral de Grasse, to experience the daily life of a French student in high school. The courses they took varied from French, English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Cinema, Art, and Spanish. The American students got to participate in class and get truly immersed in the culture. Everyone ate together in the cafeteria and were able to taste a typical school lunch in France. They spoke French with teachers and other students, practicing their language and making new friends. “The french students were so welcoming” said senior Kanishka Prasanna. They really helped all of the students enjoy their experience at school.
After school, students went home with their host families for dinner again. They got to help cook and see the cultural differences between cooking in the US and in France.
Day 3: School and trip to Grasse
On this day, students spent the morning attending classes with their French partners again. After having lunch in the cafeteria, they all embarked on a field trip to explore Grasse. This is the town where the high school was located and where many of the French students live. There were such beautiful views and history in this small town. First, all of the students got a guided tour through the Fragonard, a perfume factory and museum. Grasse is the world famous perfume capital because of its 16th century leather scenting. Grasee had many tanners which were known to smell bad, so they used local flowers and to scent the leather. Students were able to learn how the perfume was made in the past and present, and sample or purchase perfumes.
After this, the students got to go into the Hôtel de Ville to meet the Mayor of Grasse. Students got speak with the mayor, take a tour of the entire office, and even saw the new renovations that are occurring in the office.
After this, students went back to host families for dinner again.
Day 4: School and trip to Cannes
Students went to school for half the day again. Then they left school at noon and took a bus to the city of Cannes. They learned how the local public transportation system works. All of their French correspondents met them in Cannes after the finished classes. The students were given the day to do whatever they wanted. They all ate lunch together on the beach, shopped, tried local coffee shops and bakeries, and then enjoyed a dinner together.
Day 5: Day trip to Antibes
On April 2, American students went on a full day trip to Antibes, another beautiful town on the French Riviera. After taking the bus there, they started the day by exploring local shops and even an authentic french market that sold fresh fruit, vegetables, and spices. Students got a delicious lunch at a local cafe together. After this, they walked through Musèe Picasso where they got to see paintings, drawings, and sculptures made from Picasso. Later, they had dinner at a local restaurant in Grasse with the rest of the exchange program.
Day 6: School and afternoon in Grasse
Friday was the last half day of classes for the American students. After this they all walked to Grasse and got lunch at a local spot. Since it was Good Friday, the students got to observe a celebration happening throughout the town. They all got ice cream and hung out at a park in Grasse with a beautiful view of the mountains. Later that evening, a French student hosted a get together at their home for dinner and all of the students to hang out. Students had such a great time further getting to know each other.
Day 7: Full day with host families
On the last day abroad, students got to spend time with their host families. American students went on many adventures and came back with great stories to tell. Since the south of France borders Italy, some students ventured there and spent the day tasting Italian cuisine and enjoying the views of the coast. Some families traveled to Monaco where they visited beautiful palaces and museums. Other students went to Nice to explore the city, shop, and walk on the “Promenade des Anglais” a lovely walk on the beach.
Day 8: Departure
On April 5, students departed from Nice Airport for Zurich Switzerland. In Nice, students said emotional and grateful goodbyes to their host families and all of the friends they made on their trip. They will forever be grateful for the opportunity to travel abroad, meet lifelong friends, and have amazing experiences. Looking back, senior Camillia Ambrico described the trip as “such an authentic experience [because] we were able to immerse in the difference between French and American culture.”
