RHS STUDENT HOMESTAY IN ANNECY, FRANCE

During Field Studies week 2024, RHS French teacher, Kim Christensen traveled with three RHS French students to Annecy, France for a 10 day homestay experience, organized by Language and Friendship. In order to participate, students needed to study French for a minimum of two years.

Both students and Ms. Christensen were hosted by families with children who attend St. Michel High School in Annecy. RHS students attended classes with their French host siblings and were immersed not only in French language but also in the daily lives of French families. One student described: "My brain started thinking in French and I noticed that when I responded to people that I often automatically started speaking in French without realizing it!"

Annecy is very close to Switzerland, so RHS students were able to explore Geneva for a day as well. One parent shared: "I was amazed at how independent my daughter became over the course of the trip. It was a confidence building experience for both her and me as a parent."

The natural beauty of the region was impressive.  Lake Annecy is known as the "cleanest lake in Europe." Nestled next to the French Alps, the Lake Annecy area offers a wide range of outdoor activities including mountain climbing. paragliding, skiing, and bike riding.

One student explained: "I loved the use of electric bikes everywhere. While Portland is a bike city, biking in Annecy felt like it had less of a risk because all of the cars were so used to bikers. I also loved the long lunch breaks in school, lunch never felt rushed and also felt like an actual break in the day rather than a quick turnover."

Annecy itself is known as the Venice of France because of the canals that lace through the old town portion of the town.

Lake Annecy, France