Hi Warrnambool Rotary Club,
So I’ve been in France 6 weeks now and thought I better give you and rotary a quick update on how my exchange has gone so far.
My City, Angouleme (pronounced ON-GOO-LEM) is absolutely beautiful! It is centred on the top of a large hill, with the mayor's house being at the highest most central point, meaning that from pretty much where-ever you are in or around town,
bell tower from part of the mayor’s house can always be seen.
My current home is about a 10-minute walk to- 5-minute walk from town up/down about 10 flights of stairs! My home is also absolutely beautiful, being built in the 17th century and renovated early last year- I am incredibly lucky. My host family are also absolutely gorgeous and over the last 2 weeks of vacation, have been so kind to take me all around the district, to the beach, many many Chateaus, and churches and for my birthday, to a beautiful little village which is the oldest in France, it was absolutely stunning!
My school is also at the top of the town, and although some days are very long, I really enjoy it as I've made some really great friends! On top of this, there are a heap of exchange students in my school which I am also great friends with!
I soon learned that French is actually a very difficult language, however, with practice, I’ve started to see progress. I attend a weekly private tutoring lesson with an incredible teacher who has really helped me a lot. On top of this, my host family is really supportive of me when I try to practice speaking!
My highlights of this Month and a half have definitely been my birthday, meeting my host family, as well as meeting all the other exchange students in my district.
I hope everyone back home is doing well, and the weather isn’t cooling down too quickly. Once again, I’d just like to reiterate how thankful I am for the support from everyone back home and hopefully, I can check in with everyone a little sooner next time!