Student’s from Bega’s Sapphire Coast Anglican College (SCAC) joined students from St Peter's Anglican College in Broulee last month for an 18 day cultural journey through France.

For many students, like 15-year-old Dominique Turville, it was their first experience travelling overseas.

“It was quite incredible,” Dominique said.

“There were so many old buildings, and so much history.

“I really enjoyed walking from place to place, seeing everyday life and meeting locals.”

Dominique is studying French as part of her school studies, and being immersed in the language and culture was a valuable experience.

“The way they speak is hard, but you get the hang of it,” she said.

“Ordering food or buying clothes was a good way to practice.”

The students took in as many sights, sounds and smells as they could during the visit.

“Monet’s garden was incredible,” Dominique said.

“The Louvre was really incredible, you were in amazement the whole time.”

SCAC French teacher Jean Winterflood initiated plans for the cultural trip along with Kate Woolnough from Broulee after a New South Wales Association of French Teachers weekend two years ago.

“It was a little daunting for the students who don’t study French, but they practiced from day one,” she said.

“It made all the planning worthwhile, seeing the smiles on their faces.”

The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Mont Saint Michel and even Disneyland in Paris, were all part of the experience.

Student Tom Rowe was moved by the diverse surroundings of the country.

Then there were the catacombs deep beneath the streets, we couldn’t have imagined what it was truly like - eerie yet peaceful at the same time,” he said. 

“The thousands upon thousands of skeletons that left us in total awe, and we only saw a small section of it.

“The trip to Villers Bretonneux was very humbling and an experience I will never forget, from the beautifully kept graves to the wall of remembrance.”

The history of the vibrant European nation also resonated with the students.

“The chateau’s and palaces were just beautiful, and so big we could have got lost. It really made you think about how different life would have been back then,” Tom said.

“The people of France made our stay a real pleasure.”