This year, the Arcadia High School (AHS) French program hosted students from Trévoux, France for two weeks. From Feb. 9 to Feb. 18, the French students were able to stay in Arcadia with their hosts, experiencing American culture and connecting with students at AHS. Many remarked on the differences between school in France and at AHS.
“I loved hosting my correspondent, Laura,” said senior Zayne Bannoura. “We immediately clicked and I got to help her immerse herself into American culture by taking her on late night hang outs and showing her how I live on a daily basis. It was so adorable to see how fascinated she was with things that seem so small to most of us: the way roads are constructed, our eating habits [and so on].”
Lilly-May Joguet, a French student, said, “The days were shorter [at AHS], and the American students can do whatever they want after school. In France, we have 1-2 hours per subject, and everyday the school subjects change. Meanwhile in America, it’s only 40ish minutes per subject and it’s sufficient, plus all the schedules remain the same everyday.”
“The athletics classes are really different because you can choose whatever sport you want. In France, you can’t choose any sport and you only have badminton, volleyball, track, weight room, swimming, and handball, [which has fewer options],” said Léana Farrugia.
“American extracurricular classes, such as Ceramics and Food Science, are all very hands-on and interesting while in France [all classes are] theoretical and based on theory and lecture,” added Farrugia.
Yet, others shared the experiences they had in California during the trip. The French students were able to see many of California’s highlights, such as Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
“I think my most memorable memory was going to the beach and Santa Monica because it’s so amazing to see it in real life, so that was amazing,” said Aurélien Soula.
All in all, the exchange program was able to foster connections between the French students and students at AHS.
