Schull Community College

French Exchange

The exchange programme between Schull Community College and College La Sine in Vence, near Nice in the South of France enters it’s third year in 2008.

As part of the exchange programme approximately 20 students travel to France for a week in March or April. They spend a week with their French exchange partner experiencing French family life and sampling the culture. Students from Schull also go on excursions during the course of the exchange to see some of what the beautiful Cote d’Azur has to offer. In 2007 destinations included Cannes, Monaco and the beautiful village of St. Paul de Vence to name but a few. Students particularly enjoyed their visit to the “Accrobranche” activity park where their endurance and tree climbing skills were put to the test !
On their return visit during the month of May students from College La Sine spend a week in the homes of their “correspondants” in Schull and surrounding areas experiencing some true West Cork hospitality. Last year the French students were accompanied by their Irish partners on trips to Blarney Castle and Cork City. French students also visited Mizen Head and the visitors centre. The highlight of their week was certainly a day spent sailing, even if temperatures were a little cooler than those which they are used to at home !

In 2008 students from Schull Community College will depart for Vence on 22 April. Their French partners will arrive in Ireland on May 6

During the school year 2004/2005 a French Exchange Programme was organised between Schull Community College and Collège La Sine in Venice near Nice twenty three First and Second year Students are involved in the programme In May the French students spent a week in Schull. During the week they stayed in the homes of their Irish partners, toured the Cork area, visiting places such as Blarney Castle, Cork City, Mizen Vision and Barleycove. The highlight of their trip was the day in Schull when they sailed to Long Island, viewed a Planetarium Show and took part in games and challenges and a céilí with their Irish hosts.

In June students from Schull completed the exchange when they visited Venice for one week, while there, they too stayed in their partners’ homes and visited the local area including a day trip to Monaco, a day at Aqualand Waterpark and the much anticipated tour of ‘une confiserie’ where sweets are made!


A student's report of their trip to France: