High School Students From France Visiting Tulsa Through Exchange Program With TPS

Students from a high school in France are in Tulsa visiting and learning through an exchange program with Tulsa Public Schools. 

"Being here makes it very great to understand US culture, US civilizations, US history, that's absolutely amazing," said teacher Aurelien Chapolard. 

The exchange program started a few years before the pandemic. 

About 47 students are visiting from Amiens, France, with half of them studying in Oklahoma City, while the rest are in Tulsa. 

"They get to actually share their experiences with the language, that improves their intercultural awareness, which the world needs more and more," said Edison High School teacher Poppy Kelley. 

The students spent the day exploring Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, but have also spent time in the classroom and staying with host families. 

"Everyone is having a great time here, there's multiple things to do and it's just amazing," said student Irina Deneux. 

The students say this is the first time a lot of them have been to America, and they're able to see what's different here in Oklahoma compared to France. 

"Driving a lot, for us it's very usual to walk a lot, but here you use the cars, so I was kind of surprised, but it's okay," student Maia Deola said. 

"The school where we are is huge, compared to our school it's a maze, and it's so hard to know their corridors and stuff," said student Zoe Grardel. 

They say they are grateful to be here and will cherish the friendships they've made these past few weeks. 

"It is overall a great experience, and we hope as well for the people who welcome us," said student Garance Vandevoorde. 

The students will fly home to France on Sunday, but in March, Tulsa Public School students will visit and learn from them in France.