Twelve students hosted French exchange students Oct. 31. through Nov. 8. as part of the French program. It was an opportunity for both the French students and students here to exchange cultures and expand their knowledge of both countries. 

“The experience has been very cool, and I have learned a lot about America that I did not know before,” French Exchange student Thomas Dhrt said. 

French teacher Sheila McLaughlin worked with the teachers from the English language classes in France to set up the exchange program. The students hosted the French Exchange students in their home for 10 days. Last spring, six BMCHS students visited France for 10 days. 

“It was definitely different having someone I don’t know that well stay in my house, but It was also a lot of fun to learn about different cultures and introduce them to new stuff they had never experienced before,” sophomore McKellyn Johnson said. 

The French student noticed many differences between France and America. One major difference was the education system. In France, they said the average math class to take sophomore year is the equivalent of the AP Calculus class. Also, they normally attend school until 6 p.m. because they take a two-hour lunch. 

The host families and the exchange students spent most of their time together and formed a pretty strong bond. 

“I’m really enjoying being with them because they are very kind, and we do a lot of things like the NBA match and golfing,” exchange student Matteo Remi said. 

The French students left Oklahoma Nov. 8. to visit New York before returning home to France. 

“I’m sad that I’m leaving, but I also am excited to get back home and tell everyone about America,” Dhrt said. 

Next year, students from the BMCHS French class will visit France.