March 9
Monday morning, the students attended their correspondents first two classes of the day before finally meeting as a group for the first time since Friday. Students shared their experiences and stories from the weekend: traveling to Paris/Versailles, playing soccer, escape rooms, and more! Afterwards, students continued their academic work before heading to lunch.
In the afternoon, the group headed to the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix Orléans, a gothic style cathedral constructed in the late 13th century. Notably, 10 stained glass windows within the cathedral retrace the life of the heroic Joan of Arc. Following this visit, students had more time to explore the downtown and continue documenting observations for their anthropology projects.
March 10
Meeting as a group first thing in the morning, students shared differences they had noticed between their American and French lives. They then continued their work building French vocabulary, as well as on their math. Additionally, they prepared two questions relating to their anthropology project to be shared via survey with French families. Then, students accompanied their correspondents to class and to lunch.
After lunch, the group visited the Musee des Beaux-Arts in Orléans and had time to explore the museum and sketch some of their favorite pieces. After a bit of time to explore and continue their anthropology observations in the downtown, students headed to Hôtel Groslot for a mayoral reception. The group received a formal welcome to Orléans; the chaperones and student Audrey Hale delivered addresses (in French) at the event and students mingled with their correspondents as well as students from Latvia.
March 11
The group had a full-day outing and headed to Amboise to visit the Chateau du Clos Lucé and Chateau d’Amboise. Students learned a great deal about the history and purpose of these castles, as well as the life of Leonardo da Vinci.
See some photos from the three days below.
