Sophomore Maddie Cook said she anticipates walking down the streets of France and biting into a piece of chocolate in Brussels.

French teacher Kyle Sweeney said the students fly into Brussels June 24 and spend two-and-a-half days on a walking tour of the city. They will also visit the European parliament, explore museums and go on a chocolate tour. Later in the week, students will visit Paris and explore the city for three days.

Junior Connor Williams said he is attending the trip because he is interested in French culture.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the life there,” Williams said. “I’m excited to see the simple, little shops on the street and experience their everyday life.”

Sweeney said the trip provides students with the opportunity to apply what they learned in class to real life experiences.

“Being surrounded by the language and culture will be very beneficial for the students,” Sweeney said.

According to Sweeney, the second week of the trip includes spending six days with a French family in the city of Tours.

“For the students, I’m most excited about the family stay because it’s such a valuable experience,” Sweeney said.

In past trips, Sweeney said she witnessed her students grow in their speaking skills, while experiencing new things and forming new relationships.

Cook said she is nervous about the family stay because she is only in her second year of French. She is anxious to determine the extent to which she is able to communicate with the French people.

“I’m worried that I won’t be able to communicate with the family,” Cook said. “But it will be a good opportunity to speak their native language and immerse myself into their culture.”