MICDS students recently returned from an enriching two-week trip to France as part of our longstanding biennial exchange program with Institution Sainte Marie de Caen (ISMC) in Caen. This exchange builds on the strong connections formed last fall when we welcomed ISMC students to St. Louis, hosting them in MICDS family homes and on campus. This winter, our students had the opportunity to experience French culture firsthand through homestays with families in Caen.
The trip began with an exciting four-day tour of Paris, led by chaperones Daniel George, Upper School Dean & French Teacher, Carolyn Dalton, Upper School French Teacher, and Christine Mayer, Fifth Grade Dean & Spanish Teacher. Students explored iconic landmarks such as the newly renovated Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Pompidou, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Champs-Élysées, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre, and the Eiffel Tower. A scenic river cruise along the Seine provided a unique perspective of the city.
Mayer shared, «One moment that stood out to me was the possibility of an unexpected visit to Notre Dame in all its glory after the renovation. The catch? It required waking up at 6:30 a.m., while it was still dark, and students would have to forgo the morning to chill. We offered the students a choice: sleep in or make the trek into town before dawn, knowing there was no guarantee we’d actually be able to enter the cathedral. I thought only a few students would want to go, but to my amazement, nearly all of the students enthusiastically said yes! We made the journey, and not only did we arrive at Notre Dame, but we were also able to go inside, and it turned out to be a memorable experience. The determination, curiosity, positive energy, and overall character of this group were truly remarkable—not just during this moment but throughout the remainder of the trip. These qualities consistently shone through as the students embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and grace, making the entire experience unforgettable.»
After their Parisian adventure, the group traveled to Caen to meet their host families and exchange student buddies at ISMC. Following a welcome from the head of school and lunch, students began attending classes alongside their French counterparts, including an exciting PE lesson on wall climbing. The immersive experience extended beyond the classroom with a variety of after-school activities, including shopping, visiting open markets, and a tour of a local bakery, complete with lessons on how to make baguettes and croissants.
Students also visited Mont Saint Michel, a tidal island and mainland commune, and two abbeys, Abbaye-aux-Hommes and Abbaye-aux-Dames. The trip concluded with a visit to the opulent Palace of Versailles, the former royal residence of King Louis XIV.
The trip was a feast for the senses, especially for the palate! The photos shared by our students showcase the incredible culinary experiences they enjoyed.
«I enjoyed our four days in Paris the most,» shared Maahi Saini ’27, «Every single day was jam-packed with activities. We roamed around with our self-made groups, and we were able to explore the culture and learn so much about the country’s history. Staying with a host family was such a good opportunity to indulge in French culture, and it really made me better at speaking French. It was so fun to be part of another world for those two weeks.»
«This trip provided students with a deep immersion into the rich history and the culture of the Normandy region, including four days dedicated to exploring Parisian life,» added George. «Our students explored the towns and markets in Caen and the surrounding area, visiting historical sites like the Abbaye-aux-Hommes and Abbaye-aux-Dames built by William the Conqueror. They shared unforgettable moments with their French peers.»
Dalton shared, «As a French teacher traveling with students, one of my favorite moments is witnessing their expressions as they navigate new languages and cultures. A particularly memorable experience took place at the Abbaye-aux-Hommes in Caen. Seventeen students sat in two wood-paneled alcoves by a window that had stood for nearly a thousand years. Our guide, Pierre, shared stories of monks who once lived in silence there, spending hours absorbing their teacher’s lessons.
«As our MICDS students took in the history, they noticed tiny carvings etched into the wood—marks left behind by students centuries before them. These imprints, made by pressing quills into the surface, were a timeless reminder that even in a place of architectural and historical wonder, students of the past experienced their own moments of boredom during long lectures—just as students do today.»
We are grateful that this exchange program offers an exceptional opportunity for cultural immersion, fostering friendships, and allowing students to practice their French language skills and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s historical significance. The warmth and hospitality of the French families made the experience even more meaningful, creating lasting connections and memories for our students.