School exchanges are more than just academic adventures, they are opportunities to build lasting friendships and discover new parts of yourself. In this interview, Lucie, a Terminale student at Ermitage, shares her incredible exchange journey in Australia at Matthew Flinders Anglican College. What began as a one-month stay turned into a life-changing experience filled with laughter, discovery, and the formation of a sister-like bond with her exchange partner, Lilly. From exploring Australian wildlife to hosting Lilly in Paris, Lucie opens up about the unforgettable memories and meaningful moments that have shaped her final year of high school.

 

From Australia to France: A Journey of Culture and Connection

In which country did you do your school exchange and for how long?

My name is Lucie, and I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an exchange program with Matthew Flinders Anglican College in Australia. I spent a month there during the summer, staying with a wonderful host family. That’s where I met Lilly, my exchange partner, who quickly became a close friend.

 

What did you like the most during this school exchange experience?

One of my best experiences was getting to know her friends and spending time at a small creek with them. We created unforgettable memories where we were swimming in the sea, grabbing burgers at Betty’s Burgers, and going on shopping trips.

 

Lucie eating an ice-cream by the beach.

 

What did you discover about Australia that you did not know before?

Australia amazed me with its incredible biodiversity. I discovered the famous “bin chickens,” encountered unique bird species, and even got to feel how unexpectedly soft a kangaroo’s fur is.

Sydney Opera House

 

What is the biggest difference between Ermitage Lycée and Matthew Flinders Anglican College ?

One of the biggest differences between our schools was the variety of courses available. In France, we have a more rigid curriculum, whereas my exchange partner was studying engineering, design, food and nutrition, French, and maths, all in the same year!

 

Lucie with another student at Matthew Flinders Anglican College.

 

What was the best moment that you shared with Lilly?

One of the funniest moments was every time we visited a new place, I would completely butcher the Australian names, which had us laughing for hours and even turned into inside jokes that we still reference today.

 

From Strangers to Sisters: Hosting Lilly in France

From left to right: Lucie, Lilly and Natalie (another exchange student) under the Eiffel Tower.

Lucie and Lilly with Salome and Natalie (another pair of exchange students) at the top of Arc de Triomphe.

 

How was your overall experience as a host?

Welcoming Lilly to Paris after my exchange in Australia felt like a wonderful full circle moment. Seeing my city through her eyes made me appreciate its charm and culture even more. We did many exciting activities, from visiting famous monuments to spending a magical day together at Disneyland. Beyond sightseeing, what made this experience so special was how naturally Lilly became a part of my daily life. She blended into my family and my group of friends, and our bond grew stronger every day. And I am convinced this friendship is going to last forever! 

We created memories full of laughter and discoveries that made my senior year experience even better. Hosting her was not only fun, it was also meaningful, as I created a sister-like bond with her — something I’ll cherish forever.

Would you recommend this school exchange opportunity to other students? Why?

This exchange was truly one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. Not only did it help me improve my English, but it also gave me the chance to build lifelong friendships and a second family on the other side of the world.

Will you stay in touch with Natalie?

Lilly has become my best friend abroad, and we make sure to keep in touch, as we talk every week on the phone, and we’re already planning for her to visit me in Paris soon!