Teens from France check out local high school

ChloÉ Beltier and RÉmi Faynot had a day at Peacock Collegiate that could only be described as "magnifique."
"It's a totally different education system," Faynot told the Times-Herald between classes on Thursday. "I feel the atmosphere here is more relaxed and the hours are very . . . good.
"But we have more holidays in France."
Beltier, 16, and Faynot, 17, have been in Saskatchewan for the month of August, improving their English and learning about Canadian culture. The citizens of France are staying with local host families and have met many people and seen various regional attractions.
However, before the two head back to France on Monday, they wanted to spend one day in a Canadian public school. So on Thursday, Beltier (from Toulouse) and Faynot (from Lyon) went to various classes with a group of local teenage guides.
Faynot attended drama, which he said students don't study in his home country. He also attended an English class, which he said is actually very similar to a French class in France.
While sitting in on a physics class, Faynot said he actually took the opportunity to assist a local female student with a math problem, even though he's not much of a math student himself.
"But I still helped out."
Faynot said the past month has been an educational experience, which included attending a typically Canadian sporting event.
"I went to a football match - Roughriders against the Tiger Cats . . . The atmosphere was amazing."
Beltier said her most memorable experience in Saskatchewan was the recent AC/DC concert she attended in Regina.
"It was wonderful. It was the best concert of my whole life."
According to Beltier, Saskatchewan is different from France in many ways, such as the minimum age for driving is lower here. As well, there aren't the same strict etiquette rules regarding such things as when to eat supper. She likes it here.
"I enjoy the spaces of Saskatchewan. It's very big and I like Prairies."
Both French teenagers share one regret from their month in Moose Jaw - they didn't meet as many fellow teenagers asa they would have liked during their visit.
However, after spending the day at Peacock, Faynot said, aside from the language difference, Saskatchewan teenagers and French teenagers are actually quite similar.
"There's not really a difference. I don't feel a difference."

Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.