I am currently four out of six weeks into my exchange with our partner school Lycée Sainte-Marthe-Chavagnes in Angoulême, France and so far my experience has been perfect. Since my arrival in France, I have explored Angoulême and the surrounding area including Bordeaux, Brantôme, and Royan which have been some of my favourite places to visit in France.

Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux. Photo: Jaeden Martin

During my time, I have been able to immerse myself in the culture and improve my French, especially my conversational skills. Being able to speak casually with my host family and friends has made me more confident in myself and helped to expand my knowledge of both the language and the culture.

Along with having the opportunity to make new friendships, reconnecting with the students who visited New Zealand last year has been an important part of my trip. Having these people there to support me and help me adapt to a new life for six weeks has been something that I am immensely grateful for, and I will be sad to leave them and my life here behind.

With everything that I have experienced so far, I encourage other students to take the opportunity and go on an exchange whether it be for French or any of the other exchange programmes that the school offers, and as for me this trip has been an incredible experience that I personally wish I could extend and will remember forever.

Rue Fénelon, outside Lycée Sainte-Marthe-Chavagnes. Photo: Jaeden Martin