Picture Courtesy of Veronique Liska

A picture of the group of French exchange students that came to visit Unionville in front of a school bus.

Emma Marcotte ‘27

REPORTER

In early October, the high school hosted 30 exchange students from Toulouse, France. The students of Lycée Pierre d'Aragon, a high school in Toulouse, traveled to the United States as part of the Unionville-French exchange program. The French students experienced American culture and education, and brought with them their European culture and perspective, which they shared with high school students. Over the course of 10 days, the French students participated in classes, enjoyed American cuisine, and engaged in a variety of sports and extracurricular activities.

The high school French teachers developed this exchange program to create a mutual understanding and build long-lasting friendships between students of different backgrounds. The American and French students first met as pen pals and had conversations and formed connections online. After landing in the United States on October 1, the French students were welcomed by their pen pals into their homes, although the students had to overcome jet lag and acclimate to a six-hour time difference. While in the United States, the French students traveled to Lancaster to learn about the Amish, Philadelphia to tour Old City and see the Liberty Bell, and New York City to experience American city life in Manhattan.

Around the Unionville community, they attended the school’s football game against Avon Grove, visited the Bates Motel and Haunted Trail, went to Longwood Gardens, and spent leisure time at Liberty Market. A couple of American students also hosted the group at their homes and offered the French students typical American foods such as hamburgers, BBQ, mac & cheese, Crumbl cookies, and wings. For many of the visitors, this experience was their first time in the United States, resulting in many notable culture shocks. Clemence “Clem” Rolland, a French exchange student, was surprised by many of the differences between French and American high schools. Rolland stayed with senior Sophia Marcotte, who had already taken AP French and is currently independently studying the language. Marcotte and Rolland were assigned as pen pals about a year ago and were able to meet in person during the summer of 2024 when the high school hosted a trip to France.

Rolland marveled at the fact that a student could get up in the middle of class to throw out a piece of trash. Rolland said, “That would never happen in France, as students are not allowed to get up or ask questions.” French classes are also about 2-3 hours in length, so Rolland was “happily surprised” to learn that American classes are much shorter.

Additionally, she was intrigued by the variety of animals in Pennsylvania, including deer, raccoons, squirrels, and birds. “I wished we had them back home,” said Rolland. Leo, another French student, said his favorite part of the trip was “riding the school bus on their various trips.” In France, students often walk to school.

As many French students do, Rolland began learning English at around the age of six and continued studying it throughout school. Rolland explained that chatting with American friends online and immersing herself in American culture via social media and music greatly improved her fluency. While in the United States, Rolland practiced her English while the American students spoke in French. Each group of students noticed improvements in their speech and vocabulary. “They spoke quickly, but I recognized some slang speak from social media,” said Rolland.

On October 9, the French students prepared to depart, but their flight was delayed due to storms in Europe. The students stayed at a hotel overnight and returned to France the next day. To keep in touch, students from the two countries still chat almost daily via WhatsApp, a free app that allows for international communication. Instagram is also used to stay updated.

Between the French and American students, lifelong friendships have been built and everlasting memories were formed at the high school.

As Rolland said, “I wish we had that (the American school style) in France. It’s really cool to be here with American people- I feel American at school because that’s really what I wanted to do”.