As schools empty across the Island, seven students prepared to continue their learning outside the classroom in a total language immersion course for two weeks. For many it was the first time they had ever been away from home for any length of time. But through all of the anticipation and fear, the high-school students were giddy with the thought of speaking French on a full-time basis for two weeks and meeting students from all over the world.

Denika Outerbridge from Berkeley Institute, Astoria Smith from BHS, Carys Pinches from Saltus, Sophia Maguire from Somersfield Academy, and Lianna Aggarwal, Brittany Hassell, and Thomas Svenson from Warwick Academy were all leaving for Ekocamp, when The Royal Gazette managed to speak to them at the airport.

“It will be the longest time I have ever been away from home, but I’m excited and nervous,” said Astoria. “I wanted to go because I hope to continue in the future with French. It will be useful to have another language.”

Echoing her excitement and energy, Sophia said: “It’s going to be a challenge but I’m looking forward to it.”

Next to Mont Tremblant, near Montreal, the camp attracts students from South America, Mexico, the United States, as well as both English and French-speaking Canadian students.

For two weeks the Bermudian students will be living with these other students, taking classes and participating in sports, day-trips and other activities in the afternoon — all in French.

The trip was organised by Alliance Francaise des Bermudes, an organisation which hopes to promote French language and culture in Bermuda and is supported by Christian Humann Foundation. In order for the students to attend this all-expense paid language camp, however, they must first submit a 350-word essay and interview with the judges all in French. Mariette Savoie, president and organiser of the scholarship, said: “It allows the students to take learning of a second language outside of the classroom. It also gives Bermudian children a chance to experience a different lifestyle.” For the first time in the seven years the organisation has sent students abroad, this is the first time they will be able to increase the number of participants from five to seven because of increased scholarship monies.

Thomas, who is the only boy travelling from Bermuda, said: “I’m a bit nervous but excited because I will be rooming with people I don’t know and because I am the only boy on the trip.

“I wanted to go though, because I thought it would help with my French and would be a good experience.”