Brussels, Belgium, the headquarters of the European Union, and the European Parliament, was the first stop for our school’s exchange students on their one week trip to France. Brussels is also home to a diverse population to match—the city is officially bilingual with both Dutch and Flemish spoken.
Students visited Brussels’ Grand Place, the geographical center of the city and one of the finest squares in Europe. Surrounding the Grand Palace are buildings dating from the 1600s and wonderful, decorative flower markets and performances. The square actually holds a long and turbulent history. At one point, it was virtually destroyed by King Louis XIV of France, but faithfully rebuilt by the citizens of Brussels. Two museums are located in the square—the museum of the city of Brussels and a small brewing museum, where tourists can test samples of different beers.
“Brussels is a wonderful city. Many different cultures thrive here, and it is a very welcoming place. There are many attractions that hold special histories. It has proven worthy to be the capital of Europe,” said sophomore Paulina Plata.
Brussels is also popular for its maze of narrow streets, many containing some of Brussels’ best restaurants and shops. Students visited the modest symbol of Brussels—the Mannekin Pis. The Mannekin Pis is a small statue of a small boy in the act of urinating, symbolizing the legend that the boy was responsible for putting out a fire at the town hall in this manner.
Students also had the chance to purchase fine goods while in Brussels. Belgium is well known for its chocolate, waffles, and lace, and there are plenty of shops in the city specializing in those two luxuries.
“The Belgium Waffle was quite possibly the best waffle I ever had. The waffle was very fluffy, and the ice cream and chocolate syrup made an awesome combination. The ice cream was sweet, which made the overall taste better and the powder added a soft texture. I would definitely eat a Belgium waffle again!” said sophomore Adam Levine.
Belgium takes its reputation as a producer of excellent chocolate so seriously that in 2002 the Ministry of Economic Affairs created a measure of quality assurance, thus ensuring the continued excellence of the product. Although students only spent a day in Brussels, the thrills and memories of the city were confirmed to be one of the highlights of the trip. During the French Exchange, one of the most appreciated stops was Lille, France. Lille is the fourth largest city, in population in France. The city has recently transitioned from an industrial city to the financial center for northern France by adding a chic shopping center.
Today, Lille is a medley of Victorian and modern architecture. The district of Old Lille contains buildings dating back to the 1600s, with its narrow cobble stone streets. The modern Euralille district is centered around the city’s two railway stations and the Euralille shopping center. Lille is also an important crossroads between London, Paris, and Brussels.
Lille is best known for it’s variety of shopping districts. Old Lille contains numerous antique shops and art galleries. The city center’s pedestrian streets house department stores and trendy boutiques. The Euralille district houses on of the largest malls in Europe.
“Lille is the most important shopping center in Northern France. Around Christmas time, there is a beautiful outdoor market” said Gael DeLussaic of Carvin, France.
Lille is well worth a visit if you are in France. It is about an hour by train or three hours by car away from Paris.
“Welcome to Carvin, France!” were the greetings that students and chaperones received upon arrival at Lycee Diderot, our host school.
“I am so happy to see Megan again. I am eager to make this ten day exchange between our school and Lycee Diderot last as long as possible,” said senior Cristy Castillio.
Students went home with their host students, enthusiastic to learn about the culture of France during the days that lay ahead.
The days were filled with commentaries on historical France. The weekend was spent with host families and each student’s correspondent filled the evening with activities, such as laser tag and bowling.
One day out of the week students attended classes with their correspondents. Most students immediately recognized the difference of the school in France compared to New York.
The teachers at our host school gave lectures while students took notes. There was little to no interaction between students and their teachers. Seemingly, students appeared to focus only on studying what they were taught and passing exams.
On the second day of school, students were assigned to give presentations. Followed by the presentation were questions and discussions in regards to each power-point.
“I was a bit nervous while presenting because I didn’t want to speak too fast or too slow for the students. I wanted them to understand and enjoy the presentation,” said senior Gerald Lara.
At the end of the day, the students and staff at Lycee Diderot held a welcoming party. Students and teachers from our school were
welcomed by the Mayor of Carvin, host families, school staff and students, and local newspaper reporters. A poem was read in honor of Lycee Diderot’s first exchange. After, students received a binder and a shirt from the school.
“I am very proud because I am welcoming you all to this city. I am very happy that our students were able to go to New York City and share this opportunity,” said Mayor Kemel of Carvin.
On another day, a few students were asked to take part in a Q&A session in Mrs. Claudine Ballieul’s class during which, French students who were in their final year, asked questions to the American students. All the students in her class were twenty-one and had years of learning English.
“Students are here for a two-year course. After taking the exams, seniors have a choice to end after two years and get a job as a simple accountant or continue to attend universities in order to become a teacher or another profession.” said Mrs. Ballieul.
After conversing, Mrs Ballieul passed out our school newspaper. The different topics and issues that were published, as well as the primary sources reporters often secure impressed the students.
“In France, the French school newspaper covers only events that happen in school,” said one of her students.
The last day of France ended with tears and promises to revisit Carvin by our students and to revisit New York by the French.
“I hope that with internet we can do so many more things. I wish that one-day students from the Lycee Diderot could take part in an English exchange for up to three months at your school. That is something I see in the near future,” said Mayor Kemel.
