As we left Ebbsfleet Station the excitement on the train was palpable; we knew we would be arriving in Lyon later that afternoon, where we would be met with ice cold weather and constant French for the next two weeks. We soon found that the 2012 Lyon Exchange would be much more than just a French speaking exercise, but rather a mind-opening experience which we will all remember for the rest of our lives.

Immediately after arriving we were immersed in not only the language, but also the culture of the city, as we would be spending the ensuing weekend alone with our respective Lyonnais exchanges. The initial language barriers with our own partners soon gave way to make the bonds between us all the stronger.

The following Monday marked our first visit to the Lycée du Parc, a school which attracts hundreds of students each year from all across France, yet although we were with our own English classmates speaking French just seemed more natural. After eating breakfast with the school’s headmaster we went on to attend some classes just for us, where we learnt about geology and French literature, but all in French. The French literature lesson stands out in all of our memories of the trip, as we were asked to memorise the poem 'La Cigale et la Fourmi', by La Fontaine, and then without the paper, read the poem to the class. I am proud to say I can still recite the poem to this day. Read the full report.