Students from Marine Academy Plymouth have returned from a brilliant bon voyage as part of a French pen pal exchange, experiencing language in action, new friendships, and cultural adventures, all thanks to generous funding from the British Council.

Their journey began with a warm welcome at the French technical school, where students dived into collaborative projects, ice-breaker activities, and campus life, even exploring some incredible engineering innovations.

In Toulouse, students took in iconic landmarks like the Capitole, racked up over 20,000 steps, and enjoyed their first taste of authentic crêpes which they declared délicieux! Evenings were spent bonding with their pen pals over games and laughter.

The historical town of Albi wowed students with its awe-inspiring 13th-century cathedral and sunshine-filled sightseeing. Evening board games kept the cross-cultural fun going strong.

A standout moment was the magical visit to Carcassonne, a medieval city where students braved escargots at lunch and wrapped up the day with French speech practice and a cozy film night, language learning at its finest.

Marine Academy Plymouth, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is delighted that the students have come back from the trip with stronger language skills and even stronger friendships.

 Jennifer Brimming, Principal of Marine Academy Plymouth said:

"This trip was so much more than a visit, it was a life-changing experience for our students. Watching them confidently use their language skills, form genuine friendships, and immerse themselves in French culture has been incredibly rewarding. We’re so proud of the way they represented the school and embraced every opportunity."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

"At the Ted Wragg Trust our mission is to broaden horizons and raise aspirations, and this exchange embodies that beautifully. These young people stepped outside their comfort zones, made lasting international connections, and returned more confident, curious, and culturally aware. It’s a shining example of education at its best."