Shorter school days, a more relaxed approach to learning and Tim Tams are some of the best parts about Australia for French exchange student Garance.
She also loves her host family’s pancakes – but admits she misses her home country’s famous baguettes.
Year 10 student Garance has been studying at BRSC this term and living with teachers Damien and Teagan McCarthy’s family.
The 15-year-old took the opportunity to complete an international exchange to improve her English and experience life in another country.
She said it’s been a formative experience.
“I think this experience will be very beneficial for my future,” Garance said.
“First, living so far from home at 15 has made me much more self-reliant and independent.
“Second, improving my English is very important for my studies. This experience has allowed me to discover so many new things and makes me want to come back again!”
Garance lives in northern France in the city of Lille with two younger sisters, parents and cat.
She jumped at the chance to visit Australia.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Australia, when I was younger, it was a trip I planned with my sisters for later but I’m making it happen now, and maybe they’ll come too someday,” she said.
Garance enjoys reading and creative and sporting activities, including swimming.
In France, school days are longer and have different break times and a stricter approach to learning.
“We start at 7:45am and usually finish around 4:40pm, or at the latest 5:45pm,” Garance said.
“We have two 15-minute breaks (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), and the lunch break lasts two hours.
“Here, classes are much more playful… we chat, we do activities, in France, this is much less common; there’s a set seating plan, and students have to listen to the teacher and it’s not allowed to get up or talk without permission.”
She has been enjoying the different approach and the opportunity to form connections both at school and outside of it.
“I like the more playful aspect of the classes,” Garance said.
“I think having shorter breaks is a good thing, because it allows us to save time and leave class earlier to do other things.
“The relationship with the teachers is less strict and more friendly than in France.”
Being an exchange student, Garance has appreciated how readily she’s been able to make new friends and now that her English is improving she’s been following along in classes more easily.
“I’ve also been lucky because the teachers are… they come and talk to me directly at my desk, which makes me feel more comfortable, because I’m afraid my accent might make people laugh, and I sometimes lack confidence because I’m not fluent in the language.”
