She's "french"ly independent now.
Okotoks resident Amelie Sutton recently returned from an 11-month exchange in France, where she immersed herself in the local culture, language, and school system. The 17-year-old Grade 11 student spent her year abroad through the Rotary Club of Okotoks and Rotary District 5360.
Despite initial challenges with the French language, Sutton adapted to her new surroundings and formed close bonds with other exchange students. She spent most of her free time with fellow travellers, eventually becoming best friends with a girl from Thailand.
Sutton’s experience was not limited to France, as she also travelled to several European countries, including Spain, England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Austria. She credits her time abroad with increasing her confidence and independence.
During her stay, Sutton lived with three different host families, each providing her with a unique experience. She also appreciated the opportunity to transfer most of her school credits, which is not always the case for exchange students.
As Sutton reflects on her time in France, she is eager to continue exploring the world and has plans to take a gap year after completing Grade 12. Her experience has also inspired her to encourage others to consider exchange programs, citing the personal growth and newfound confidence she gained during her year abroad.
Meanwhile, Okotoks is welcoming its own inbound exchange student, Ornella Crugnale, who recently arrived from France and will spend the school year at Holy Trinity Academy. Crugnale has settled into her new classes and is enjoying her time in Okotoks, thanks in part to the support of her new community, which includes Sutton as a classmate.
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