French immersion students from the Foothills School Division got the rare chance to study and live like a local in France this year.

The French exchange program was a first for the FSD, and both students and faculty loved the experience.

17 students got the chance to go overseas and experience a different culture, including Paige Quigley and Adam Reed. Both students also spoke in front of the school board about their time spent in France and what they learned.

Foothills student Adam Reed raved about his experience in France.

Pam Rannelli, assistant superintendent for learning services for the Foothills School Division, said, "the program will really help our language programs and encourage kids to stay in French immersion or to start taking French". She added, "the program assists with cultural exchange, language development, and exposure to other parts of the world, not only for the students but for faculty as well".

The students and their families also had the opportunity to show the Foothills to the French students that came here.

While the exchange program was only open to students in French immersion this time around, next year it will be open to those studying French as a second language as well.

 

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