Shore Regional High School’s commitment to cultivating global citizenship took a powerful leap forward this April, as 12 Shore students embarked on an unforgettable journey to France through the school’s thriving International Program. Accompanied by French, Spanish & ESL teacher and International Program Coordinator Alice Ennis Simonson; Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Media Technology Dr. Dineen Seely; and IB Program Coordinator Vanessa Miano, the group traveled to reconnect with students from Shore’s French sister school—who had previously visited Shore Regional High School earlier this spring.
Before traveling abroad, Shore Regional families warmly welcomed 20 students and two teachers from our sister school, Institution Sainte Geneviève in Asnières-sur-Seine. Sixteen Shore families opened their homes to provide a true Shore experience, hosting their French guests for eight days. During their stay, the French students participated in school life at Shore Regional, shadowed their exchange partners, and experienced our culture through a variety of activities and excursions. This hosting experience laid the foundation for strong friendships, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding that enriched the students’ time together in both countries.
This sister school exchange reflects Shore Regional’s long standing dedication to providing students with meaningful international experiences. Through our sister schools program, students are immersed in language, culture, and global perspectives that extend far beyond the classroom. “Our international program is about more than just travel—it’s about building lasting relationships, understanding different worldviews, and preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world,” said Simonson.
The trip began with several days of independent exploration before the official immersion experience. Students walked the historic beaches of Normandy—Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc—where the bravery and sacrifices of Allied forces during World War II shaped the course of history. They also visited the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, paying tribute to the fallen, and toured the Arromanches museum to learn about the engineering marvel of the artificial harbors that supported the D-Day landings. Additional highlights included a tour and tasting at a Camembert cheese factory, a hands-on crêpe-making lesson in St-Malo, and a visit to the breathtaking Mont Saint Michel, a medieval abbey perched dramatically on a tidal island and one of France’s most iconic landmarks. Students also explored Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny and hiked the towering white cliffs of Étretat, renowned for their natural arches and sweeping views of the English Channel.
Following their travels, students spent three days fully immersed in French school life at Institution Sainte Geneviève in Asnières-sur-Seine. They attended classes alongside their exchange partners and served as guest speakers in English language classes, sharing their experiences and perspectives with French students. On the weekend, they lived with their host families, gaining a firsthand look at daily life in France and exploring different neighborhoods and landmarks in Paris. This full immersion experience proved invaluable for both cultural understanding and language acquisition, allowing students to build authentic connections and apply their skills in real-world settings. Each experience deepened their connection to French culture, history, and daily life.
Shore’s International Program has already established sister school partnerships in France and Italy and is excited to announce the development of a new partnership with a Spanish-speaking school for the upcoming academic year.
In addition to sister school exchanges, Shore collaborates with CIEE, a nonprofit student travel organization that enables students to study abroad during the summer through Global Navigator scholarships. These opportunities often allow students to earn university credit and gain immersive academic experiences in countries around the world.
Shore Regional also proudly celebrates the linguistic and cultural contributions of its English as a Second Language (ESL) students and international exchange students who reside with local host families. Reflecting on their impact, Dr. Lisa English shared, “Their presence not only enhances our global learning environment but also strengthens our commitment to fostering a school culture rooted in inclusivity, respect, and global citizenship.”
Stay tuned as Shore Regional expands its sister school network and continues to grow its international offerings. The world is within reach at Shore Regional High School! Support SRHS International Program students and initiatives by following @srhsgoesglobal on Facebook and Instagram, and by exploring #SRHSGOESGLOBAL.
