On the afternoon of February 25, 17 French exchange students arrived in Hingham, excited to join in the experience of American high school life. Over the course of their week-and-a-half stay, the students participated in a range of both academic and cultural activities, expanding their horizons of life in the United States.
Upon their arrival on Tuesday, the students were greeted and sent off to their host families, which started their once and a lifetime experience. The following day, Wednesday, they shadowed their host, attending new classes and following their peers. Throughout the day, students got a unique experience to see firsthand what daily life is like at an American High School, while they practiced their English skills along the way. On Thursday, students were split into 2 groups as they went on the Historical Hingham Tour, visiting both the Old Ordinary and Heritage Museum. That afternoon, they visited Derby Street Shops for some lunch and shopping. On Friday, students returned to Hingham High School, experiencing student life again. Over the weekend, students spent time with their host families, doing all sorts of fun activities, a favorite being Crumble Cookie. The following Monday, students completed a photo scavenger hunt around Boston’s waterfront, following a tour of the Massachusetts State House and Public Gardens with several teachers. Tuesday brought another unique experience as the assistant superintendent took the group on a tour of Chinatown, with everyone sharing a meal at a Chinese restaurant. On Wednesday, the students returned to school for the half day before heading to Starland for a fun afternoon filled with laser tag. On the morning of March 6th, the exchange program ended, and the students left after a memorable week filled with unforgettable experiences.
While it may have seemed like a short trip, both host families and exchange students were left with a ton of good memories. Kristi Fickes’s family hosted a student over the week and a half, and when asked about it, she said, “Having someone join us for a couple of a days was a really good experience for our family. I really enjoyed getting to know them, as well as the other students in the program. All of us host families made a big effort to give these students an authentic HHS experience, so we brought them to play laser tag, had them get fast food with us, and we all went to the hockey game together. I would definitely recommend it to future families.” I also asked 9th grader Ellie Rogers, who had one of the students in her class, about how it was meeting someone from France who was her age. She replied, “It was really fun and interesting to hear about life in France compared to the United States. I am looking forward to going to France with the exchange program when I get the chance.”
Madame Zade, a French teacher at the high school also commented on how well the program had gone and how successful it was. When I asked her why they do the program and how it went, she said, “We do the program so that kids can create a relationship with a real-life French student, and we have found it has worked well. Even after the trip is over, the kids find each other on social media and stay in contact, displaying the language is useful in everyone’s everyday lives. We also do it, so all the kids have a chance to learn what the schools are like, what daily routines are like, and other things too.”
Finally, I asked two of the French students who came over about what they did and how life here compared to France as well as if they would ever do it again. Charly Z said, “When we arrived in Hingham, we were picked up by our correspondent and the next day we went to school and I found that it was really different. In the US, you guys finish school at 2:30pm but in France we finish at 6pm. We both start at 8am though. You guys also have only 30 minutes for eating lunch, but in France we have an hour or two. I think my favorite thing about life here is that you can easily go out with your friends during the day and I would do it again if I could.” Hugo D responded with something similar. He said, “I was very happy to have been able to be integrated into Hingham High School! Everything seemed very big to me at first, but thanks to the advice and guidance of my correspondent Huck, I found my way there. The educational staff is attentive and friendly with the students, I was integrated well into classes by the teachers. This exchange gave me a good idea of the life of an American school experience, and it may allow me to continue my education in the United States!”
While the students are back at home in Cahors, France now, everyone has great memories of the trip and students are already counting down the days they will be able to travel to France to meet their friends once again.
