Images of the Eiffel Tower and fancy pastries come to mind when thinking of France. Last summer, a group of 10 students, including eight from Mounds View, were lucky enough to see these famous French staples firsthand.

Every other summer, French students in grades 10 and up have the chance to spend two weeks in France. In order to participate in this trip, students have to complete French Two with a grade higher than 70% in the class. “It is helpful for the students to have taken two years of French because then they are able to communicate with their host families,” said Ingrid Koenig, French teacher.

To be completely immersed within the French Culture, the students stayed with host families for a week. “My favorite part about being on the trip was the week that I spent with my host family. Every day when I went down for breakfast my host sister Chloe would tell me what we were doing that day and it was always something exciting,” said Liza Vinyon, 11.

Junior Amanda Apolloni agreed that the best part of the trip was the stay with her host family. “The family I stayed with was extremely nice and made me easily feel at home. They were a half an hour’s train ride away from Paris which was convenient because we shopped often. I lucked out because my host sister and I clicked instantly. I consider her one of my best friends to this day,” said Apolloni.

Although learning French is a large part of the trip, students learn more than just the language. The students explored historical castles and towns in the western region of the country. Along the way, they practiced their French by conversing with locals and experiencing the culture firsthand. “Although I didn’t learn many new French words, I learned a lot about the culture and way of life. The trip made me want to travel more often, meet new people, and create new memories,” said Apolloni.

Overall, the trip was a success and is sure to continue as a tradition at Mounds View. In the upcoming years, however, there might be a slight change as Spanish and French teachers hope to join their trips together by taking a larger group of students on a joint trip to France and Spain. “We will be most likely be providing information for the next trip in early 2017, so stay tuned for information,” said Koenig.