Junior High Visits Québec
A Memorable Cultural Immersion Experience
By April Bell-Martha, (Upper School French Teacher)
Last Friday evening, the Jr. High students returned from their biennial trip to Canada. This cultural immersion experience provides students with an invaluable opportunity to apply their French and Spanish language skills in practical, real-world contexts. During their four-day trip, they explored Québec City and Montréal, immersing themselves in the local culture, language, and history.
In preparation for the trip, students studied La Dame Blanche/La Dama de Blanco, a popular legend set at Montmorency Falls, which provided both a historical and geographical framework for understanding the significance of this location in Québec. Students also practiced practical language skills, such as ordering food and inquiring about prices. As part of their preparation, they created skits centered around restaurant scenarios to further enhance their conversational abilities.
Some of the highlights of the trip included snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier, a walk across the bridge at the Montmorency Falls, and a French-Canadian legends’ theater workshop, in which students performed two Québécois legends. They also participated in a ghost tour and ate authentic Canadian food with plenty of maple syrup at an authentic French-Canadian cabane à sucre. Undoubtedly, another memorable aspect of the experience was the local cuisine, which was a favorite among the students.
In Montréal, the students who are learning Spanish had an opportunity to practice their language skills as well. They communicated with the waiters and ordered their meals in Spanish, while enjoying a flamenco performance. They also participated in a Latin music percussion workshop. Overall, the trip to Canada provided the Junior High students with a memorable and enriching experience that not only strengthened their language skills but also deepened their understanding of diverse cultures and histories.