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French Exchange - Day 2 to Day 7

24 / Mar

BEYOND BOUNDARIES – FRENCH EXCHANGE

Day 2-18.03.2025

Day 2 began with an engaging introductory French session with sixth-grade students. The session provided an opportunity to interact, explore French culture, and discuss students' interests, fostering cross-cultural exchange and language learning. Following this, students attended a structured French class, divided into two groups, where they covered essential grammatical concepts, including the future tense, passé composé, expressions of emotions, and various forms of greetings in different languages.

The session was followed by a shared lunch featuring a delightful meal of spaghetti with tomato sauce, yogurt, and banana bread, offering a taste of local cuisine. In the afternoon, students participated in a theatre workshop, where they rehearsed for their cultural performance. The day concluded with students departing with their host partners, marking the end of a productive and immersive experience.

Day 3-19.03.2025

The students embarked on an enriching cultural excursion to Paris, accompanied by their French correspondents. Departing at 7:00 AM, the group reached the city after a four-hour journey, beginning their exploration at the Esplanade du Trocadéro, where they enjoyed breath-taking views of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

The itinerary continued with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, a monument of great historical significance. Students then took a break to relax and have a picnic before exploring the world-renowned Champs-Élysées in small groups.

Following this, the group made a brief stop at Cleopatra's Needle, before admiring the grand exterior of the Musée du Louvre. A scenic walk along the Seine River led them back to the Eiffel Tower, where they ascended to the second floor to take in the spectacular views of the city.

As the day came to an end, students and their correspondents returned to school, arriving at 11:30 PM, where parents eagerly awaited their return. The experience was truly unforgettable, leaving lasting memories for both students and teachers.

Day 4-20.03.2025

The day commenced in the serene suburbs of France, where students gathered at school to rehearse for their cultural performance. Following a short break, they proceeded for lunch before returning to their classrooms.

A group of six students—Agrima, Tanu, Mehar, Vandya, Adwika, and Priyanshi—accompanied by Madame Carinne, visited the Montbazon branch. They engaged with young French students, sharing insights about Indian traditions and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

Meanwhile, the remaining students in Tours participated in an engaging sports session led by Coach Marc. A spirited India vs. France basketball match saw teams of four competing enthusiastically. With Indian students securing victory in three out of four matches, the experience proved to be both exhilarating and enriching for all participants.

Day 5-21.03.2025

A Visit to Tours

The exchange students had an enriching day exploring the historical and cultural landmarks of Tours. The day began with an English class, where Indian students assisted French sixth graders in learning English. This interactive session allowed the French students to practice self-introductions while providing the Indian students with an opportunity to engage in a meaningful teaching experience.

At 10:00 AM, the students, accompanied by teachers from both schools, embarked on a city tour via tram, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of Tours.

La Loire River

The first stop was the Loire River, the longest river in France, stretching approximately 1,000 km. The students learned about its historical significance, including the periodic floods that occur approximately every 100 years due to overflowing banks.

Visit to Saint Gatien Cathedral

The group then visited the Cathedral of Saint Gatien, an architectural masterpiece and an important religious site. The stunning stained-glass windows depicting the life of Jesus Christ and various saints left the students in awe.

Exploring the Historic Streets of Tours

Walking through the ancient streets of Tours, students observed 500-year-old houses crafted from fine wood, reflecting the craftsmanship of the 16th century. Alongside these historical structures, they explored vibrant streets filled with boutique shops, cafés, and local artisans' displays.

The House of Saint Martin and the Ancient Cedar Tree

The visit continued to the House of Saint Martin, a revered site in Tours. Outside stood an ancient cedar tree, planted by Napoléon Bonaparte and his associates in the 18th century. The students were also fascinated by the preserved circus elephant sculpture, which had an intriguing history of having once gone rogue.

The Streets of Tours

The excursion concluded with students exploring the charming streets of Tours, adorned with historic churches, lively cafés, and illuminated restaurants serving authentic French cuisine. They also had the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and experience the city's vibrant atmosphere.

The City of Tours provided a remarkable glimpse into French history and culture, making it an unforgettable experience for all.

Day 6 -22.03.2025 & Day 7 23.03.2025

Weekend with Host Families

The exchange students spent the day immersed in French culture, enjoying quality time with their host families. Each student experienced a unique and memorable day, visiting historic sites, engaging in recreational activities, and exploring the beauty of Brittany and its surroundings

Exploring Brittany

Several students had the opportunity to visit renowned destinations such as Saint- Malo, Mont Saint-Michel, and Vannes. These picturesque locations offered them a glimpse into France’s rich history, breath-taking landscapes, and coastal charm.

Shreeja, along with her host family, travelled to Vannes, beginning the day with a traditional French breakfast. They later visited Crêperie Dan Ewen, indulging in authentic French crêpes. She also explored local markets, purchasing souvenirs like diaries, journals, and jewellery. A visit to Locmariaquer Beach allowed her to admire the scenic coastline and collect beautiful seashells before concluding the day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

Tushti spent the day at Mont Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo. She explored the historic churches atop Mont Saint-Michel, enjoying breath-taking panoramic views. Later, in Saint-Malo, she experienced the tranquillity of the seafront, appreciating the stunning views of La Manche (English Channel). The day ended with a visit to Raidon, where she spent time with her correspondent’s grandparents, engaging in meaningful conversations over dinner.

Adventures in Tours

Some students chose to remain in Tours, making the most of the city's recreational activities.

Arth, accompanied by his correspondent and friends Vivaan and Rishit, enjoyed a thrilling karting session, followed by an energetic game of laser tag. The experience was filled with enthusiasm and friendly competition, making it a day to remember. This weekend with host families allowed students to experience French culture first- hand, fostering stronger bonds with their correspondents while creating cherished memories.

Album Link –

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LJECE1U8GnSco0ffGEe6CpdzcNeWUvQf?usp=sharing