For two hours on a Tuesday night in Boston, Wilbraham & Monson Academy students were immersed in France and the many aspects of the French culture, new and old.
World Languages Department Chair Kevin Kane and faculty member Fabienne Dubois took nine WMA students to the state capitol for an all-French speaking workshop, covering the country's history and the upcoming election.
It wasn't France, but inside those four walls, it sure felt that way.
"It was an extremely relevant activity," Daniel Qin-Dong '17 said. "As the French presidential elections are coming up very soon, it's an important time to be aware of global politics. The French language training in listening comprehension and speaking on a very important topic was fulfilling."
The workshop's host was well versed in the history of France. He explained, in French, how the country switched from a monarchy to a republic, as well as France's four revolutions.
"He went through all the hot periods of history and explained very well how we came to this day and the political picture we have today as a result of all these centuries," said Mrs. Dubois, a French teacher at WMA.
With the first of two rounds of the French elections coming up April 23, WMA French students have been making advertisements, both pro and con, for the candidates. That said, the workshop was perfect timing for the Academy's students.
"He talked about what's at stake," Mrs. Dubois explained. "Immigration, of course, that's on everybody's mind and the candidates all have different views. It's also about Europe. Many candidates want to be separated from Europe, like the Brexit. It's an important election."
While listening and speaking exclusively in a second language can be intimidating and challenging, the Academy's students quickly adapted.
"Madam Dubois helped us translate some difficult words we didn't know, but I would say for most of the lecture, we could understand almost everything," Elizaveta Biryukova '19 said. "Once you're put into the situation, you start thinking in the language. There we some illustrations in the presentations so it was easier for us to understand everything."
Along with Daniel and Elizaveta, also attending the workshop were: Clara Harrington '18, Lukas Muscella '19, Ellen Oudkerk-Sodia '20, Liam Garrison '20, Gokul Sivakumar '19, Nicolas Dubois '18 and Alejandra Gabilondo Camara '19.