Midview High School recently welcomed 14 new “students” to campus through a French American Cultural Exchange Program. The visiting French students, ranging from high school freshmen to seniors, spent two weeks in the district sharing their language and culture.
First coordinated in 2004 as a unique opportunity for Midview French students to practice their language skills with native speakers and vise-versa, the benefits of the exchange have proven far greater than initially imagined. Now, nearly 16 years of participation later, Midview High School has welcomed over 150 French students to campus.
“Learning and sharing a language and culture takes on a new meaning when students can connect face-to-face with someone,” said MHS French teacher Courtney Miller who coordinates the exchange. “They can comfortably explore and ask questions about the other’s culture - history, food, education, family values, beliefs, etc., - while reflecting on their own. This type of interaction naturally creates deeper understanding and appreciation of our differences and similarities as individuals, promoting personal growth and awareness.”
Midview families with students enrolled in French volunteered to host the exchange students for the duration of their stay. During the school week, they acted as Midview students, attending classes, enjoying after-school activities, and participating in extracurricular practices. In the evenings and on weekends, the students experienced life as their host family does.
“My favorite part of the exchange was seeing how our French exchange students reacted to our everyday experiences and life. Going places and doing things will definitely be far less exciting without them,” said Midview freshman Adamarie Janus. “Having the opportunity to learn about a different culture is really impactful and eye-opening, especially learning firsthand from someone. It’s easy to be so centered on what’s immediately around us and set in our ways of life. There are things I learned from my French sister, like how she cooks for example, that I will continue doing. I will definitely miss having her around.”
French students Mathilde Godart (junior), Lisa De Almeida (junior), and Camille Chetouani (senior) shared the following sentiments when asked to reflect on their visit to Midview:
Favorite part of the experience:
“Attending sporting events and experiencing school spirit has been the best part. Athletic teams/clubs are not associated with the schools in France, so we don’t have these experiences.”
“Midview teachers are very approachable, and students can talk to teachers without judgment. They seem to almost have friendships with one another. In France, the relationship between students and staff is very professional.”
Something surprising learned:
“In France, we dress up and are very fashion-forward no matter where we go. It feels as if everyone is judging each other. Here, everyone feels more comfortable being who they are, and there is much more acceptance. It feels like you’re at home.”
“The French education system has a reputation for high academic standards. School days are much longer, the courses are much different, and students are expected to only focus on their studies. At Midview, there are many class options, and students are engaging in creative ways of learning.”
How the experience has been impactful:
“Everyone we have met - students, host families, staff - were incredibly kind and welcoming. It has really felt as if we are Midview students.”
“Everyone has been so welcoming, and I’ve built such fast relationships with my host family. I will probably cry when I leave.”
What they would say to others who might be interested in an experience like this:
“Go and do it! Don’t think twice - you won’t regret it. We’ve been very lucky to have experienced this.”
“The hardest part will be leaving. I will miss everything - my host family, the school. When I am an adult, I am going to travel back to Midview. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming.”
“When my mom found this trip, I was so excited. I want my children to grow and learn in this environment.”
The Midview High School Class of 2023 includes 12 students who have earned the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy and eight who have been awarded the Global Seal of Biliteracy. The Global and State Seals of Biliteracy recognize individuals who have attained an Intermediate mid to high proficiency level in two or more languages. Through testing, students have demonstrated functional and working fluency in either French or Spanish. This credential allows recipients to showcase their language skills to any school or employer across state lines and national borders.