Northeast France may seem like a long way from the Foothills School Division, but it could soon be a temporary home for exchange students.

FSD Superintendent John Bailey, Principal Dinah Van Donzel and Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services Pam Rannelli, all travelled to the Nancy-Metz region of France to set up a new school exchange.

"Obviously we are interested in French language and culture for our schools," said Bailey. " They are interested in English language and culture, but also they are the only educational region in France that has an English immersion program."

Along with exchange programs, both for teachers and students, they are looking to set up classroom partnerships.

"There is a nine hour time difference, so if classrooms were to visit over Skype we would have to plan that ahead."

While there they toured five different schools, spending a minimum of two-and-a-half to three hours at each site.

He added it was a bonus having Principal Van Donzel along to explain how French immersion schools work in Canada.

Nancy-Metz is the only school region in France that runs an English immersion program.

In this region of France they have more students than all of Alberta.

"So they have partnerships with schools in the States, and now one with us, a couple of schools in Calgary, Grand Prairie, and they are looking at one in British Columbia."

'It could be very exciting for our students and staff," Bailey said.