WIS MAURITIUS TRIP - FRENCH EXCURSION

From the 9th of October to the 16th October 9 French students from Grade 10 and 11 went on an amazing trip to Mauritius!!!! It was a 1 week excursion where all students explored the wonders and cultures of Mauritius and practiced their French language skills by communicating with locals and for everyday survival.  We had several French lessons during the week in Port Louis which helped most of us to practice our speaking, listening and grammar. Unfortunately, of the 7 days of the trip we spent 2 full  days traveling to Mauritius and back to Namibia. However we made the best of the 6 days and were able to have a fantastic holiday in a francophone country - while practicing the language!!!  

Each day we learnt something new and had a new adventure awaiting us.

• Day 1: A day in Port Louis where we had our first French class. Afterwards we went to the botanical garden ”Pamplemousse” and on to the “L’aventure du sucre”, the sugar cane museum.  Sugar cane is a big part of the economy of the country. Afterwards we returned to the absolutely spectacular hotel, the Tamarina,  right on the beach.

  
  

• Day 2: A beach day! We did boogie boarding, swimming and walked around the Tamarina bay. Very sporty, indeed! 

  
  

• Day 3: We decided to take a hike along the coast to the famous “Flic en Flac beach” - overall a five-hour walk! Despite the distance, we were able to explore the blue waters of Mauritius and discover the private and local beaches, learning about the co-existence of international tourism and local inhabitants’ needs. 

  
  

• Day 4: We had our next French lesson morning and afterwards explored the local markets and the waterfront mall. We practised our French negotiating with the locals on the prices of souvenirs and ordering local foods. Sounds easier than doing it in French! 

  
  

• Day 5: This fantastic marine excursion day consisted of an ocean kayaking trip with dolphins (we saw 25!) and a snorkelling trip out on a reef we reached by boat. What a spectacular nature experience - we saw turtles, eagle rays and many reef fishes. For many of us, this was a first-time snorkel experience - how special!

  
  

• Day 6: On our last day in beautiful Mauritius we went on a hiking tour on the famous “Le Morne” World Heritage Site. This is an important Slave Route memorial with the most beautiful views of Mauritius’ beaches, sea and land.

A GREAT TRIP TO LEARN FRENCH

Even though we only had two mornings with formal French lessons in Port  Louis we all noticed how, after the trip, we were able to comprehend a lot more and talk more fluently. When you are forced to speak a foreign language for a week, you really get important exposure. By talking with different people, one learns new vocabulary, which is vital for progression in any language.  Not only is one able to learn French but also learn new traditons such as the Sega dance or how in Mauritius locals speak Creole. We were able to learn the rich hsitory of mauritus and understand more about its geography. The exposure to the Mauritian dance sega and the local Creole language has tought us about cultures beyond  Namibia’s borders.  My schoolmates and I all agree  - we have not enough words to even describe how amazing this trip was! A great opportunity for students who are dedicated to learn French and explore the world. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AMAZING VOYAGE!!

We thank  everyone who has made this trip a possibility, especially Madame Catherine!!! Merci beaucoup pour ce voyage incroyable!!!