As part of UPrep’s Global Link program, 12 students and two teachers from the Lycée Saint-Pierre school in Saint-Brieuc, France came to Seattle from April 21-29.
Over the course of their nine-day visit, the group visited the Seattle Center and International District, bonded with their host families, and did a Photography class and American Stories discussion with UPrep students.
Noémie Salardi, a biology teacher at Lycée Saint-Pierre, visited as one of the chaperones of the group. This was her first time leading an exchange program.
“It’s a very interesting trip,” Salardi said. “We learned a lot of things. We saw a lot of things. I think that the students really enjoyed being able to talk with Americans, and I also appreciated being able to discover another country that I didn’t know.”
For visiting students like ninth graders Samuel Gilbert and Malo Le Cam, simply experiencing the city of Seattle became some of the most enjoyable parts of their trip.
“I knew it was going to be great,” Gilbert said. “And when I went, I realized it was even bigger. Everything is good, that’s to say the food, the shops and even the houses. It’s everything.”
In addition to seeing the sights, connecting with his host family and the UPrep community was a highlight for Le Cam.
“The best moment of my trip was what we did,” Le Cam said. “We went to the Space Needle and Pike Place Market, and also when I met and was able to talk with my host family’s family and friends. And also all the classes we took at UPrep… I really loved everything.”
One thing several Saint Pierre students observed was the social atmosphere of UPrep, and how it differs from that of their school and country.
“People are different in France, everyone has based their decisions solely on judgment,” Gilbert said. “It’s a bit difficult, whereas here in Seattle you do what you want.”
Ninth grader Clementine Masson noticed that classroom etiquette at UPrep is far more relaxed than at Lycée Saint Pierre.
“For example, we are not allowed to get up when we want in class and we are not allowed to drink or eat,” Masson said.
Ninth grader Gabrielle Proux remarked that UPrep’s more easygoing classroom approach seems to extend outside the classroom.
“People are less stressed,” Proux said. “I find them more relaxed, cool, kind, whereas in Saint-Brieuc you can see people who are a bit rushed.”
Salardi believes the trip went well, stressing the importance of the Global Link program and the connections it forms.
“We’re very lucky. There is great communication, and the fact that Kate [Williams, Global and Outdoor Programs Manager] wants to open the program to other countries,” Salardi said. “We are very lucky to be able to have this exchange with you.”
