For two weeks in February, nine Ursuline Academy students traded in their French classroom in Dedham for the real thing, studying with students at L' Institution Saint Marie in Toulon, France.
This is the second time that Ursuline has offered this French exchange program in collaboration with Xaverian Brothers High School, an all-boys Catholic school in neighboring Westwood. "Students who study French have the opportunity to spend two weeks immersed in French culture through staying with French families in Toulon, then visiting Paris for three days," said Dr. Amal Radwan, one of Ursuline's French teachers and the UA chaperone on the trip.
The students spent time with their host families and got to know the city of Toulon, in the southeast of France, as well as attended classes at the host school. "My favorite thing about France was living in the city for a few nights and being able to see how the French people live," said Meghan Stewart '14.
Both the Xaverian and UA students also got to see the sights in France, from the Lourve, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Versailles to the World War II museum in Toulon. They also enjoyed a brief visit to the nearby country of Monaco, where they saw the Royal Palace and the exterior of the famous Monte Carlo casino. "Being immersed in the French culture and experiencing their way of life was truly an unforgettable experience. I came back with not only new friends--both American and French--but a French family that I love just as my own," said Chantal Chammas '13.
Many of her classmates also expressed a desire to return to France again in the future. "France was a life-changing experience that I will never forget," said Lisa Luciano '14. "The scenery was breathtaking and I met lifelong companions. I cannot wait to go back as soon as possible!"