Forty-five French students from Orefield and Springhouse middle schools traveled to Quebec City, Canada, in June for four exciting days immersed in French culture and surrounded by native French speakers.

They ate authentic French meals, including an entertaining dinner at a traditional Quebecois sugar shack, hiked Sainte Anne's Canyon and Montmorency Falls, where they crossed several suspension bridges over beautiful cascading waterfalls, and swam at the Village des Sports water park.

They also participated in military training and prison life at the Plains of Abraham, had breakfast in the Parliment building, enjoyed outdoor acrobatic shows by the Chateau Frontenac and spent free time exploring Upper and Lower Quebec.

"I heard students practicing their French with waiters, cashiers and people on the street," Kelly Hess said.

Speaking and practicing French in the classroom is certainly useful and helpful, but nothing compares to conversing with native speakers in authentic, everyday situations.

Not all students knew each other at the start of the trip, but many new friendships were formed throughout the week.

"I overheard one boy say he has 44 new friends and they are his family now," Hess said. "Hearing that is music to a teacher's ears."