Earlier this semester, the Wo International Center and the French Sub-Department welcomed students from Lycée Sainte Marie du Port in France for a week of cultural exchange, language immersion and shared experiences on campus and around Oʻahu. Organized with the support of Madame Claire Ligner and Monsieur James Robb, the visit marked a special opportunity for Punahou students to connect with the school’s only exchange group from Europe this year.
Programs like this give students the opportunity to build confidence in speaking another language while developing global awareness, cultural understanding and meaningful personal connections. Through everyday conversations and shared experiences, students gain a deeper appreciation for perspectives beyond their own – skills that are increasingly important in an interconnected world.
Students built friendships while practicing both French and English through classes and campus life. Kara Lawas ’27 reflected on the experience, saying, “Talking with someone around my age who was fluent in French allowed me to stretch my vocabulary and challenge myself to attempt to match their fluency.”
Sophia Foster ’26 shared, “Hosting French exchange students for a week was very rewarding. As a student in AP French, I could practice my French and saw a lot of improvement. They had the same experience with English as well. We had so much fun, whether it was going on hikes, walking around Waikīkī, seeing the night show at PCC or showing them my classes.”
Madame Claire Ligner emphasized the lasting value of partnership, sharing, “This authentic experience encourages us to continue our partnership with LSMP.”
Mahalo to the students, families and faculty members who helped make the exchange a meaningful and memorable experience for both schools.
