Midpoint Update
Bonjour de la Côte d’Azur !
I write from sunny Mandelieu, where we arrived yesterday after a five-hour train ride on the TGV from Paris. Taking the train as a group of 30+ can be challenging; however, our students fared exceptionally well and we were able to get on and off the train, as well as from the station in Cannes to our hotel in Mandelieu, smoothly. Upon arrival at the hotel yesterday, students could hardly wait to get out of the heat and into the pool; they enjoyed a few hours of settling in and lounging poolside before we had dinner as a group and ventured into town for a grocery run. Students are so excited to be sharing spacious rooms with their new friends, complete with kitchenettes. This morning, a large chunk of the group set off for Saint-Tropez, which I’m sure they very much enjoyed, and, this evening, we’ll be heading down to the beach to celebrate Bastille Day with fireworks.
As I reflect on the past two weeks, I’m reminded that Paris is always a whirlwind—and I must say that this year’s group of students embraced its busy nature wholeheartedly. Our teachers regularly had their students visiting significant sites and landmarks during class time, and students were keen to continue exploring neighbourhoods during their free time in the evenings. From Montmartre to the Louvre, from the Musée d’Orsay to the Eiffel Tower—students saw (and did) a lot. The boat cruise along the Seine on our second last night in Paris was another highlight. Students learned more about how to balance work and play as classes got off to a running start; the end of our time in Paris saw all of them wrapping up significant assignments. Teachers continue to be impressed with their students’ level of engagement, and it’s safe to say everyone’s French has improved! (Including the English students’!) Students are also learning a great deal about what it means to travel successfully, and are becoming increasingly self-sufficient and independent.
One of the highlights of the month so far has been watching friendships between the students develop and flourish. The teachers and I regularly comment on the students’ friendly and welcoming nature, which has been evident since the first few days of our program. We are fortunate to have such a tight knit, considerate group—I feel that I am watching lifelong bonds form, and I look forward to continuing to watch these friendships progress in the south of France.
Now that we’ve passed the midpoint of the program, the rest of our time in France is going to fly by. We’re all looking forward to a week of exploration and relaxation on the beach and at the pool in Mandelieu, then we’ll be bussing to Nice to visit Monaco, write exams, and wrap up with our Farewell Banquet. July 24th is coming quickly!
Emma
Program Manager