Youth Exchange

 

Nathan spent one year in France as a Canadian Student Exchange Ambassador. He had a feeling of joy and had no idea what it was going to be like. He was a 17 year old, just graduated from High School and wanted to make the best out of the unexpected. In France, he had a culture shock. The houses are smaller and older in comparison to here. The food was very good and dessert is often served with every meal. The lifestyle was different and he had to learn to adapt. Nathan learned the language but it took him about eight months to express himself in French.

 

The school he attended was a private school in the City. He had to travel for an hour and had 10 hours of school. The school system in France is different; you can’t pick your individual courses. Nathan had swimming classes where he learned to swim properly. He also learned to tango. Making friends with the French was very easy and they are easy to talk with.

 

Nathan toured all over Europe. He cherished his traveling and made hundreds of friends. He connected with so many people that he has more friends internationally than he has in Canada and they can relate to each other even though they are far away. He has made friends that will last a lifetime and one thing he has learned is that Student Exchange brings out the best in people. Nathan thanked the Rotary for giving him this wonderful opportunity.