Language Learning in Action
Highlights from GSE’s Latest UK–French School Immersion Programme
Institution Saint-Joseph (Le Havre, France) & King's Academy Prospect (Reading, UK)
“Curiosity rippled throughout the school”
- Sarah Euillet, International Coordinator and MFL Teacher @ King's Academy Prospect
This month, Global School Exchanges (GSE) was proud to bring together students and staff from Institution Saint Joseph LH (Le Havre, France) and King’s Academy Prospect (Reading, UK) for a transformative week-long immersion experience.
French students were paired with British buddies and fully integrated into the rhythm of daily school life. The result was a dynamic and collaborative learning environment, where both groups of students gained enormously.
Once again, our fully-coordinated School Immersion Programme demonstrated the lasting value of international partnerships in enhancing language learning, intercultural understanding, and student motivation.
Real World Language Learning
Reinforcing Classroom Learning with a Sense of Relevance
“In French lessons, students often ask: ‘Do I need to know this?’ or ‘When will I ever use this?’
This is us bringing France here.
This experience finally showed them that what we’ve been teaching really is useful.”
The opportunity to interact daily with native French speakers brought students’ French studies to life. With GCSEs on the horizon, authentic exchanges with their buddies reinforced their classroom learning. Both visiting French students and teachers helped them improve pronunciation, strengthen grammar, and most importantly, develop a fresh sense of enthusiasm for languages.
Meanwhile, the French students, already competent in English, became visibly more confident using the language in real-life settings.
This immersion outside the classroom helped build fluency, resilience, and cultural adaptability—crucial skills for the global workplace.
“They’ve got to think on their feet and communicate in a different language, which really helps develop spontaneity and fluidity in English.” – Tom, English Teacher, Institution Saint-Joseph
“They’ve had to learn how to adapt to UK host families, and navigate daily life in new country.” – Sue, English Teacher, Institution Saint-Joseph.
“We’ve seen our students blossom—not only those directly involved, but across the wider school community. Students in other year groups were asking questions, speaking French, and even swapping contact details.”
A Two-Way Exchange with Lasting Impact
Fostering Mutual Growth between International Education Partnerships
Student-led French Activities:
The final day of the exchange began with a student-led French activity. St-Jo students created and delivered a series of interactive language games—vocabulary memory challenges, word searches, and conversational role plays.
Not only did this peer-led approach give British students a sense of relevance and purpose in their language learning, but it also empowered the French students to communicate their language and culture effectively.
Educator Exchange: Without the Stress of Logistics
Importantly, the exchange was not just for students. Thanks to GSE’s coordination, visiting teachers from Institution Saint Joseph were able to focus entirely on the experience itself, enjoying the exchange without the stress of planning and coordination.
Tom, Sue and Jim were actively involved in lessons throughout the week—observing, assisting, and leading classroom activities. This created a genuine two-way professional exchange, allowing both French and UK staff to share insights into their respective curricula, classroom approaches, and wider pedagogical ethos.
And perhaps the most common question as the week came to an end?
“When is the return trip?”…
…watch this space!
Interested in Hosting or Partnering?
With GSE handling all the planning, itinerary, safeguarding, logistics and accommodation, teachers are free to focus on what matters most: teaching, connecting, and enjoying the experience—without the stress of organisation!
Ready to enhance your language offering, boost student motivation, and develop long-term international links?
We’d love to hear from you → 📧: hello@school.exchange
