This week, we had the luck to welcome 5 students and 2 teachers from Koprivnica in Croatia. They come from the Gimnazija « Fran Galović ». This week, which is in the Erasmus program, has take place from the Sunday 22th March to the Sunday 29^th March. This was a very great experience. Thank you, the Institution Notre-Dame, for this !

The first Sunday, the Croatians were arrived in the airport of Lyon Saint-Exupery at the noon and the students were able to discover their host families and their homes for the week. Some even played laser game !

The Monday, after the welcome ceremony and the visit of the high school, the Croatians had a sports tournament with the Euro English Class.

After differents classes, the Tuesday’s morning, the French and their correspondants had been to the Crussol’s Castle to discover what is it and enjoy the beautiful view.

The Wednesday was a day of discovery. We have taken the bus and we have been in the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona in Tain-l’Hermitage. After this, we have eaten the typical French sandwich (ham, cheese and butter) in front of the Cité de la Chaussure in Romans. After the visit of the industry, where we have known a lot about the creation of shoes, the students have had time to do some shopping in Marques Avenue, a very big shopping center next to the Cité de la Chaussure.

The Thursday, the students had differents classes the morning. After this, they went to the informatic room to make a project on the mental health for the Croatians. The afternoon, they have participated to a “Rallye photos” in the center of Valence to discover new places like the Kiosque Peynet or the House of Heads.

The Friday was the last day for the Croatians in the High School IND in Valence. After the differents classes in the morning, they have had a closing ceremony with diplomas and a small initiation of “pétanque”. And some of them went to drink a thing in the bar “Miss Cookies Coffee” in the center of Valence to mark this day.

In the Saturday, the Croatians have passed a whole day with their host families. And the next day was already the end... After asked the impression of all the people concerned by this trip (Croatians students and their hosts) we have many similar answers.

Lucie (French): “This week was a veritable cultural experience. We have passed many good moments with the Croatians. But the hike to the Crussol’s Castle was the best activity of the week.”

Leticia (Croatian): “This week, we had many interesting activities. For me, the most interesting ones were visiting the chocolate factory of Valrhona and treasure hunt. With teamwork, we overcame every problem, reduced little stress and fun.”

Daphné (French): “It was really cool because everyone in the family could speak and improve their English. I think my favorite activity was the chocolate factory.”

Neva (Croatian): “I really loved this experience, not only because I got to meet wonderful people and make new friends, but because I got the opportunity to get an insight into what the French education is like and how daily life is in France. The food was amazing; the cities we visited were beautiful and overall, it was a great trip and I’m so grateful that I went.”

Naïssa (French): “I think the persons were very nice. This week was very great. I’ve met new peoples, new words and another country. My favorite activity was the hike on the Crussol’s Castle.”

Damira (Croatian): “It was a very good week. I have met new persons and I have made new friends. It is very different of the Croatia but it was nice.”

Ivano (Croatian): “I truly enjoyed this experience. Not only did I meet amazing people and make news friends, but I also had the chance to gain insight into the French education system and everyday life in France. The food was incredible, the cities we visited were beautiful, and overall, it was an unforgettable trip. I’m very grateful I had the opportunity to go.

Cédric (French): “It was an incredible week. We have made new friends very funny. I hope we can stay in contact. My favorite day was the Friday because we have spent a lot of time with our correspondants and together.

Petar (Croatian): “This week of Erasmus was a really nice experience and I had to practiced my English and my French and made new friends. My favorite activity was hike to the Crussol’s Castle because of the amazing view.”

Thank you very much for this amazing week!!!