Ambre Desforges, a bright-eyed student from Paris, France, begins her exchange year in America where she will get to immerse herself in the culture and experience school. Swapping the historic streets of Paris for the bustling life of Atlanta, Georgia, Ambre is ready to embark on a journey of cultural exchange, exploration and personal growth.
The program that brought Desforges to Atlanta is designed to foster international understanding and provide students with a broader perspective on global cultures. Lambert High School is known for its strong academic reputation and diverse student body, making it an ideal environment for such an exchange.
During her one year stay she will be living with a host family and attending Lambert High School. This move marks an exciting chapter in Desforges’s life as she immerses herself in American culture.
Desforges, who is fluent in both French and English, expressed her enthusiasm for this opportunity.
“I’m really excited to experience life in the U.S. and see how high school is different here compared to France,” she said.
Ambre’s enthusiasm for embracing the American lifestyle is palpable in her journey. From a young age, she was determined to engage herself in American culture.
“I always wanted to live the American dream, so I started searching a little bit on TikTok and discovered this program. I was like, ‘Oh, I want to do that.’ Since I was about 10, I knew I wanted to be an exchange student,” Ambre said.
During her first few months here, she has embraced many aspects of American culture, from attending high school football games, to participating in club activities and, most importantly, exploring the diverse food.
The contrast between French and American school meals is distinct. French students are accustomed to multi-course lunches, often featuring a salad or soup, a meat or fish dish with vegetables, cheese and a small dessert. Meals are usually prepared on-site and are considered an important part of the school day, often lasting more than an hour.
Ambre highlights a stark contrast between lunch cultures in her observations.
“The lunch is very different because here it’s only snacks and you have milk for a drink. But in France, it’s like you have a starter, main course, and a dessert, all for about four euros, which is $3. It’s good, and you get a lot of food,” she notes.
Her comparison underscores not only the richness and variety of French lunch options but also the affordability and satisfaction they offer. Ambre’s experience illustrates how cultural differences can impact daily routines and dining experiences.
In contrast, Lambert High School’s cafeteria offers a more streamlined approach. On any given day, students can choose from a variety of hot and cold options, including pizza, burgers, salads and an array of snacks. There’s a certain efficiency to the American model, with its focus on quick service and a diverse menu designed to cater to a wide range of tastes.
Ambre Desforge has continued her remarkable journey as a foreign exchange student in America, it’s clear that her time here has been nothing short of transformative. Immersing herself in American culture and language has allowed her to live a cherished dream, enriching her understanding of the world and broadening her horizons.
