On February 6, 2023, a group of students from Le Caousou in Toulouse, France arrived in Dallas. This group of students are part of an exchange program where they will accompany their host brothers to classes and extracurricular activities. The objective of the exchange is for students from both schools to experience what differences and similarities there are in Jesuit schools from around the world. Along with the students, Mr. Julien Colombié was the visiting faculty member. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Richard about the program’s insights.
When did the Toulouse program begin? In the past few years, what were exchange programs like?
Jesuit Dallas and Le Caousou in Toulouse started as a mutual exchange program in 2015. It was important for us to experience life outside of Jesuit Dallas. During the spring of 2015, Le Caousou sent its first students here. A year later, we started to send our students to Toulouse. Where are the similarities between the two Jesuit schools? How are they different? Given that the participants of this program are French students, it also gave Jesuit Dallas students the opportunity to practice all they have learned while studying the language.
The French Exchange Program was very similar to what it is now. For Jesuit students going to Toulouse, we would fly directly to Paris. Once there, we would go on tours of historic sites, museums, cultural places, etc. Then, we take a train to Toulouse and stay with host families for about 10 days.
As for the French students in Dallas, they are staying with their host brothers, attending classes and participating in extracurricular activities or sports. Outside of class, the French students visit several museums like the Perot and JFK. In addition, French students visit AT&T Stadium and the Fort Worth Rodeo stockyards.
After COVID, what changes occurred to your program?
So, this year’s exchange program is the first time since COVID that the French program has resumed sending students. There have not been a lot of changes other than seeing if all the French students are vaccinated and ensuring extra cautious health measures. But since the CDC has reduced their testing requirements for travel, it’s not like our situation last year.
What do you think the biggest difference is for the French students to adjust to American education and lifestyle?
There is an enormous difference between the American and French academic system. The French style of teaching is more lecture-based. In Toulouse, the students do not possess the benefit of having strong relationships with teachers. Also, the teacher contracts in France are different regarding their format and requirements. French teachers are simply required to teach and review and grade assignments. However, at Jesuit Dallas, teachers are in their office or classrooms from 8 AM to 4 PM. But, most of us are beyond school hours because we are involved in extracurricular activities and supporting our students in athletics. This is not possible at Le Caousou. French athletic teams are all associated at the club level, not with their schools. This is a massive cultural difference between schools in France and the US.
What have the students commented on specifically that caught your attention? What are your thoughts on this year’s program?
The French students are grateful for everything that their host families are doing for them. My students are enjoying learning about topics we do not regularly discuss in class. I believe that it was a great opportunity for French students to come to the US and gain perspective of American education and culture. In addition, the French students are truly happy to form friendships with their host brothers and families, as well as other Jesuit students and teachers.
Now that we had a successful first exchange program since COVID, what are you looking forward to the most for next year’s program?
I am definitely looking forward to more participation from both the French and American students. After COVID, the French teachers and I wanted to keep the program small. However, now that COVID measures have eased in both France and the US, we are looking to expand our program. Furthermore, we are also looking at changing the time of travel. Specifically, we are considering not only allowing Jesuit students to travel during spring break, but also the 1st semester and summer. Our main objective is to find a good time in the calendar for more families to participate.
NOTE: Griffin Taber ‘24 (Chief Associate) helped contribute to some of the questions.
STUDENT THOUGHTS
Along with the interview, Griffin and I asked several Jesuit students and their host brothers regarding their thoughts on this year’s program.
“I really like it. It’s been fun meeting the French kids and interacting with them at school. I’d say that’s the part I like the most.” – Nico Mejia ’24
“I had an Italian exchange student who stayed with me during the 1st semester. Oscar, a student from Toulouse, is my second one. I think that the French exchange program has been an enjoyable experience.” – Leo Fernandez ‘26
“The best aspect of this exchange program was experiencing American education. I really enjoyed the environment and student culture of Jesuit.” – Oscar ‘25 (Leo’s host brother)
“It’s cool to learn about the comparisons b/w the American and French school system. During the day, the French students eat breakfast and then snack the whole day. Overall, I think their dining schedule is much different than ours.” – Kieran Welborne ‘24
Stay tuned to the Roundup for more community profiles in the community!
