Coláiste Bhríde Winter Newsletter 24:25 - Flipbook - Page 34
ERASMUS+
French Exchange
October 2024 In October last, twenty-six
students embarked on an enriching exchange
trip to ChâteauGontier, France. What began as a
short journey abroad soon unfolded into a
tapestry of discovery, friendship, and cultural
immersion, carefully woven over ten remarkable
days. The adventure commenced in the heart of
France - Paris. For two days, the students
experienced the City of Light in all its elegance.
The Eiffel Tower’s sparkling display shimmered
above them, the Champs-Élysées welcomed
them to its array of luxury shopfronts while the
Arc de Triomphe stood proud and serene as they climbed its steps. Montmartre, with its majestic
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, glistened in the glorious October sunshine as the students soaked up the sun
and the ambiance of this prominent hillside landmark. A late evening boat ride along the Seine offered
a fresh view of the iconic city, providing moments of calm reflection between the lively sights and
sounds of the bustling metropolis. Paris, with all its character and charm, provided the perfect
beginning to the students’ stay, allowing them to immerse themselves in the language and culture of
France’s renowned capital. The group then journeyed to Château-Gontier, where the authentic
experience of the exchange awaited. For the next eight days, students were welcomed by their French
correspondents from Lycée Victor Hugo, where they experienced the vibrant reality of French daily life.
Throughout the week, they joined their hosts in the classroom, navigating both academic subjects and
lively conversations that deepened their connection to the French language while simultaneously
forming bonds that would last well beyond the exchange. Alternate days were spent exploring the
Troglodyte region, the town of Angers, the nearby Mine Bleue where slates were mined for many years,
as well as the famous Abbey of MontSaint-Michel on the coast of Normandy. Over the years, this
French exchange has become a cherished tradition in Coláiste Bhríde, evolving with each passing year
into a true cultural bridge between our two schools. Thanks to the incredible support of the Erasmus+
grant, the programme has flourished in recent years, allowing students not only to enhance their
language skills but also to broaden their horizons and perspectives. This year’s trip, like each one
before it, was a powerful reminder of the value of shared experiences and the joy of connecting across
borders. Now, with memories of Paris’s splendour and Château-Gontier’s hospitality fresh in our minds,
we look forward to the next chapter of this exchange in March, when we will welcome our French
friends to Ireland. Our students are eager to share the beauty of our country, the warmth of our school
and the plethora of our Irish traditions, strengthening the bonds that continue to grow through this
invaluable linguistic and cultural exchange programme.
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