Any language student would agree that the best way to excel in a language is to be immersed in it. So, 14 dedicated French students packed a school bus and headed to Quebec City over April break to be surrounded by French.
Some students, such as Dren Belmain, said, “I feel I was not quite prepared when it came to pronouncing the words and remembering them.” Others, such as Lexi Bartlett, said, “ I was worried about not being able to remember any French while we were there, but I was more prepared than I thought I was.”
Overall, every student, no matter the prior knowledge of the language, came back to America with a better understanding of the usage of French in day-to-day conversation.
Along with a better understanding for the language, the group learned much about the Quebecois culture and history through the highlights of the trip. From basilicas to sugar shacks, the entire prospect of the Quebecois culture was experienced. An especially memorable stop was la Musee du Fort. This is a museum in the heart of Old Quebec, where a 3-D production engages the audience while sharing the history of the founding of Quebec. This experience gave a basis of understanding of the combination of French and English cultures combining to form what is Quebec today. “This was apparent in everything from the architecture to the food,” said Autumn London.
Another highlight of the trip, according to multiple students, was the bus tour of the outskirts of the city, “our tour bus driver; he was able to conduct the tour perfectly in both French and English,” said Lexi Bartlett. The multilingual experience took the group from Montmorency Falls (higher than the Niagara Falls), to l’Ille d’Orleans, a nearby island known for its agriculture and maple products. According to Emma Peterson, “The highlight of the trip was visiting the basilica of Saint-Anne de Beaupré. The inside was absolutely stunning, and the effort put into the copper outside of the cathedral was unbelievable.”
Overall, this trip was enriching and educational to every student that attended. “The memories from this adventure will remain with me for a lifetime,” Morgan Nelson said. This is a sentiment shared by everyone, it is safe to say. The gorgeous sights of the city and the immersion of the French language was one wonderful adventure! “Going to Quebec was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” said Lexi Fore. What a great way to sum it up!
