GLOBAL PROGRAM

Linda Brown Boza, SMEDS Global Coordinator

Bonjour! As the school year begins, “bonjour” will be a typical morning greeting around campus as our community unites via our annual global theme, which is FRANCE! In recent years, Saints greatly enjoyed the themes National Parks Around the World and World of Music, but many teachers and students asked that the 2024-2025 Global Theme be a country. France quickly became the number one contender. 

Why France?

• Student Exchange Opportunity!  - This winter Saint Mary’s will host four French students from the Saint-Denis International School, a sister member of the Global Education Benchmark Group. Every class will get to meet the students. The head of their global program visited St. Mary’s last spring, and Mr. Salvo and Mrs. Orsini vetted their school over the summer. In the spring, eight of our student ambassadors will visit Saint-Denis in Loches, France. Watch the Fleur de Lis for details.
• Sports! - The 2023 Summer Olympics in Paris piqued the interest of our Saints! Football (soccer) is king in France, but 3-on-3 basketball is on the rise. Our Saints will give it a whirl.
• Communication! - Next to English, French is the most widely spoken language around the world.  As our students and their careers may take them to far off lands, it will be helpful for them to know some phrases.
• Ally! - France is the United States’ oldest ally, beginning with the American Revolution. The French gave the U.S. the iconic Statue of Liberty to mark our lasting friendship. France continues to be one of our leading allies in Europe.
• Trade! – France is ranked just behind the United Kingdom as an import trading partner with the United States for a total of 56 billion USD. France exports 48 billion euros worth of goods to the U.S.(www.statista.com). Future careers of our students could interact with the French.
• Architecture! – France is known for its beautiful architecture through the ages. From Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower to the Right Bank of Bordeaux, it continues to be a world leader.
• Art! – Monet, Degas, and Renoir are only a few of the numerous artists who honed their skills in France. In Paris, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou are a fraction of the museums that house amazing works of art.
• Music! – From classical, cabaret, to rap, France has it all. Music classes will have fun with this one.
• Food! – Yum! There is a reason why the world’s best chefs train in France.