This past spring, Rye Country Day was thrilled to host its second annual Language Exchange experience in France. The trip is part of the broader Language Exchange Program, which allows Upper School students the opportunity to deepen their language skills and gain a more robust understanding of foreign practices and cultures. The program’s destination countries this year—France and Spain—match with the RCDS Upper School modern language offerings.

The exchange trip to France was coordinated by Upper School French Teacher Dr. Maggie Parker and was designed to foster meaningful connections that will extend well beyond the duration of the trip. 

From March 5 to March 14, 15 students traveled to Aix-en-Provence to live with local host families, attend classes at La Nativité K-12 private school, participate in after school activities, and discover the region of Provence. 

This year’s exchange in Aix-en-Provence once again offered RCDS students an immersive and enriching experience. Upon arrival, students were welcomed by their host families and quickly integrated into daily life at La Nativité, where they shadowed their French peers and experienced the rhythms of an  academic environment which is similar and different from their own, giving them new perspectives on their school experience.

Upper School students observed and participated in a wide range of classes—from math, chemistry, and physics to philosophy, geopolitics, P.E., economics,  French literature and even a physical education class. Engaging fully in the classroom, they practiced their French while contributing to lessons on the stock exchange, debates on free speech and just war theory, and hands-on scientific experiments.

Outside of school, the group explored the cultural and historical richness of Southern France. Highlights included visits to Cosquer Méditerranée, with its remarkable recreation of prehistoric cave art; the iconic cliffs of Cassis and its towering white limestone Calanques; and the powerful Camp des Milles memorial site. Students also traveled to Arles to see its Roman ruins, explored the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence and its château, and experienced the immersive art installations at Carrières de Lumières. This year students also had the opportunity to partake in a cooking class run by a local chef. They enjoyed the meal they had fully prepared in a beautiful villa on the outskirts of Aix. 

Meaningful were the connections formed along the way. Through daily life with host families, students built lasting friendships and gained a deeper appreciation for French culture—sharing home-cooked meals, from baguette sandwiches and quiche to moules-frites and madeleines, and spending time together bowling, playing arcade games, and working in tandem with their correspondent to participate in an escape trivia game.

Following another memorable and meaningful exchange, RCDS students look forward to welcoming their French partners from La Nativité this coming fall and continuing the friendships and cultural exchange that make this program so transformative. 

Une expérience vraiment magnifique!

On April 17, the Wildcats Around the World lunch-and-learn series featured students who traveled to Aix-en-Provence. It was a wonderful reflection on the benefits of immersive global learning.