French Exchange 2019-2020 Hosting

By Madison York

The French Exchange, or FREX, was the most amazing school experience that I have had in all of my years at Melrose - and hosting was only part of it. 

This all started last year when I signed up for the exchange. At first, I was really nervous that I would not be picked because I had heard that there were only a few French students interested in coming to Melrose. With some stroke of luck, my friends and I were chosen to both host and travel. While I was a little nervous to have a complete stranger live in my house for two weeks, I was more excited to make some memories.

Now, fast forward to this October. I had been talking to my exchange partner all summer and I already loved her! We had similar interests, and she seemed like such a nice person, so I could not wait for her to come. 

October 10th felt like the longest day ever. I was watching the clock all day, waiting for the hands to hit 2:15, so I could get dismissed (another perk) and meet the exchanges at the airport. The entire ride I was off-the-wall, I was so excited to finally meet my partner. I got to Logan and saw everyone there, signs in hand, waiting. We stood around Terminal E for maybe an hour. While we knew that the French students had landed, we also realized that customs takes a long time, especially for a group of 15 French speaking high school students and their two teachers. Finally, they walked through the door and I rushed to my partner and gave her a big hug. Everyone, both French and American, took a group photo and headed home. My exchange and I talked the entire car ride home, and I could tell that the next two weeks would be a lot of fun.   

The following weeks were crazy. Though Melrose is tiny, and Boston is a comparatively small city, there is a lot to do. Each day was something different. Where one night we would all hang out at someone’s house, the next we would go into Boston, go bowling, to Screeemfest, or to Melrose or Boston sporting events. Everyday, by being together, I became closer and closer to people that I would have never otherwise met. 

The two weeks flew by faster than I ever could have imagined. The time between October 10th and October 24th felt like nothing. On their last day, the French came to school for the last time. Again, we were able to be dismissed to get to the airport, but this time I was dreading the end of the day. As we said goodbye, or see you soon, tears were shed, hugs were given, and pictures were taken. Now, I cannot wait for February to come.