2019 France Exchange Educational Trip

2019 TASIS Dorado Student Exchange Program in Paris This semester, students in French III or AP French hosted visitors from France for two weeks of learning and fun led by French teacher and program coordinator Madame Denisse Cintrón. During Spring Break, the hospitality was reciprocated when 11 of our students traveled to France to embark on an incredible language immersion experience spending two weeks living with a French host family and attending classes at Lycée Victor Duruy in Paris, France. Language learning not only broadens our world view but also opens doors on many levels: making new friends, understanding different people, their culture and customs, and pursuing opportunities in the international job market. Most importantly, learning another language also helps to learn one’s language, to develop mental strategies and processes for tackling other disciplines, and to foster understanding of oneself. The group went on daily tours that were built around a different theme that ties together language classes, cultural activities, and interactions with locals. Accompanied by educators Madame Denisse and Mr. Giovanni Cusimano, the program provides students with cultural context and relevant vocabulary for each activity. Some of the highlights included in the itinerary: a Seine River cruise and a hop on-hop off to watch most of Paris famous monuments, an ascension to the Eiffel Tower, neighborhoods of Saint Germain des Prés and Saint Michel, Jardin du Luxembourg, Galaries Lafayette, Bon Marché, Palais Royal, Ile de la Cité, Ile Saint Louis, Marais district, Les Halles, Champs de Mars, Place de l’Etoile, Champs-Elysées, Jardin des Tuileries, Notre Dame Cathedral. The goal was to experience Paris as any local would, walking tours, using the metro, RER or bus either to go to school or to visit the French districts named in French "arrondissements". Students also received guided tours in French in Paris at Opéra Garnier, Musée d’Orsay, Musée du Louvre both targeting main movements and artists, Montmartre area and the Sacré Coeur Basilica, also outside Paris in a private shuttle and guided tour at Giverny Garden, Monet's house and garden, the Chateau de Versailles, the principal royalty residence under Louis XIV, and lastly Mont Saint Michel, an island and mainland commune in Normandy about 4-hour drive away from Paris. Students enjoyed meals at different restaurants or with host families as part of their cultural and gastronomic discovery. However, being with a family gave students the opportunity to do additional activities such as visiting the Parc Astérix, Rodin museum, attend a live concert or a French play among many other places and activities. Photo gallery at https://tasisdorado.smugmug.com/2019-France-Exchange-Educational-Trip/ #TDglobalcitizens #paris #frenchexchangeprogram #frenchimmersion #TDBearNation