I did my exchange with a girl called Charlotte from Lyon. She is 2 years younger than me, but we got on really well with each other all the same. She came to Ireland first which did make it easier for me to go over as I already knew her. When she was here she was outgoing and friendly. She came to school with me every day and she integrated in well. She was here for the Halloween break so we went over to the west of Ireland with her to see some of the sights. She stayed for 2 months and we had lots of fun together.
I went to Lyon after Christmas, and I wasn’t too worried, mostly excited, as I already knew Charlotte. I found the airports quite easy to handle and it wasn’t that stressful at all. Charlottes mum met me at the airport, and spoke to me in a mix of French and English as I settled in. Charlotte’s family were very welcoming and nice.
I went to school with Charlotte and her friends were also friendly and kind. School was difficult to understand at first, but all the teacher were patient and I just did what I could. Maths was similar to that in Ireland and Science too. We had a 15 minute break in the morning and after an hour lunch break. We got lunch in the school canteen and the food was good, they tend do have a big meal in the middle of the day. After, depending on how long the day was we sometimes had a 15 minute break in the afternoon too.
On Wednesday we had a half day and just stayed until 12. We woke up at about 6.30 or 7 and we had yoghurt and cereal, or toast for breakfast. I went to tennis with Charlotte once a week for an hour and it was quite fun. She lived in the town, so we walked to schools and there were plenty of shops nearby. I ate dinner in the evenings at about 7.30pm with the family, and I really liked most of the French food. One of the specialties of the Alps region was raclette, and I loved that. Also during January they make a special gallette called ‘Gallette de rois’ which is tradition for the 6th of January, which I really liked too.
I was in France during the February break, and we went to visit Charlotte’s grandmother in Paris. I loved Paris, it is a really beautiful city with tons to see. We did lots of the touristy spots, and a bus tour that turns into a boat and drives into the Seine. She lived right in the city, near the metro too, so it was easy to get around.
During the second and my final week we went skiing in the Alps. I took lessons, and I loved skiing and the mountains. I definitely improved my skiing!
Overall I had an amazing experience in France and I would definitely recommend to go. My French improved immensely, and I loved the French lifestyle. I would definitely go back if ever I get the chance.
