Language Students Embrace Exchange in Italy and France
During the Christmas holidays, seven of our Year 11 and 12 Language students stepped out of their comfort zones and into new cultures, travelling to Italy and France for immersive exchange experiences. From snowy firsts to festive traditions and long school days, each student returned with stories that reflect courage, curiosity and growth.
Here, in their own words, they share where they went and a glimpse into what the experience meant to them.
Alyssa (Year 12)
My exchange was to Anguillara Sabazia in Italy. The town was situated north west of Rome and it was a 30 minute train ride to the centre of Rome.
My experience of going on exchange has shaped my perception of the world in multiple ways. The main way is that it has made me realise how vast and diverse the world truly is and how many incredible people, perspectives, and experiences exist beyond my own and this tiny bubble I live in. It opened my eyes to the fact that there are countless individuals I have yet to meet, each with their own stories and cultures. This thought makes me more excited, curious and eager to learn from others and travel the world, building meaningful human connections along the way.
Zara (Year 11)
My exchange was to France. I stayed in a small town called Bergerac, which was a 1-hour 30-minute train ride from Bordeaux, in the south of France.
The most challenging part of my exchange was being away from my family during Christmas. Christmas has always been a time when I’m surrounded by family, with everyone together for the week leading up to Christmas and the hectic day itself. It felt strange to spend Christmas with only a small group of six people and to celebrate on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. While I enjoyed experiencing a new culture, I couldn’t help but miss my own family traditions and the sense of togetherness that comes with being home during the holidays.
Frances (Year 11)
For my exchange, I went to Ancona in the Marche region of Italy.
My favourite memory from the exchange was seeing snow for the first time and going bobsledding with my host sister and brother.
Sophia (Year 12)
I went to a small town in France called Orange, which is in Provence.
I felt especially welcomed when my host family included me in all their festive Christmas decorating. Together, we decorated a real Christmas tree and built a “Crèche de Noël”, a traditional nativity set-up from the Provence region.
Esme (Year 12)
My exchange was to Lille, France (in the northeast)
Living in France was quite the culture shock for me, but there were a few simple things about daily life that surprised me. I was surprised by how long the school days were (often about 9.5-10 hours), and other things like driving on the right-hand-side of the road. I was also struck by how the French tend to only really eat at set mealtimes, and hardly ever ate snacks!
Chelsea (Year 12)
My exchange was to North Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region, in the city of Cesena.
My two-month exchange in Cesena taught me a lot about my own independence and adaptability. Being immersed in a new culture and navigating daily life in a different language challenged me through so many different ways, which built my resilience and confidence. This experience not only helped me with my Italian but also helped me grow my values and introduced me to new people and friends from various different backgrounds who I still keep in touch with today.
Niamh (Year 12)
My exchange was in Italy. I stayed in a small city called Ladispoli near Rome.
I would encourage anyone considering an exchange program to approach it with an open mind and without fixed expectations, as this mindset allows you to make the most of the experience. I would also strongly recommend taking the opportunity if you can, it’s an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience. If possible, consider applying for a longer program, as the time passes much more quickly than you expect.
From celebrating Christmas Eve in a new way to navigating ten-hour school days and building lifelong friendships, these experiences reflect far more than language learning. Our students have returned with broadened perspectives, greater independence and a deeper appreciation of both their host cultures and their own. Exchange is not simply about travel — it is about connection, courage and growth. We are incredibly proud of the way these young women embraced the opportunity and represented Santa Maria College with openness and maturity.
- Catholic Girls School Perth, Cultural Exchange, Featured, France Schoo Exchange, Global Learning Opportunities, Italy School Exchange, Language Immersion Experience, Mercy Education, Santa Maria College Languages, Student Exchange Program
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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