From 6 to 17 August 2025, seven students from Xiamen University Malaysia attended Immersion in France Programme, immersing themselves in the heart of French life through a blend of travel, study, and homestay opportunities.

Organized by the Department of English Language and Literature in collaboration with Alliance Française Kuala Lumpur, the programme was led by Ng Sze Ni, a French lecturer, aiming to provide students with an authentic cultural and linguistic experience.

The trip began in Paris, offering students an introduction to French culture before moving on to Rouen for a week of deeper immersion. In Rouen, participants stayed with host families, attended classes at the Alliance Française de Normandie, and joined excursions around the city and nearby regions.

Yet the true value of the programme lay not in sightseeing, but in the small, personal moments - meals shared with host families, conversations with locals, and the confidence gained from navigating daily life in another language.

Participants shared their experience of the trip:

Lee Yan Yu IBU2302115
"One of my warmest memories in Rouen was the time spent with my host family. She welcomed me into her home with kindness and treated me like a part of the family. At the dinner table, we shared meals filled with laughter and conversation, where I practiced speaking French while learning about their traditions and daily life. Even small moments, like using food names to improve our language, gave me a true sense of belonging. Her patience and encouragement boosted my confidence in using the language, and the bond we built made Rouen feel like a second home."

Tan Pei Yu AIT2209611
"The greatest takeaway from this journey was the power of language. I bravely tried to speak simple French with my host family and even a woman in a chocolate shop. Although my French was far from perfect, these direct conversations gave me a sense of accomplishment and genuine connection. I learned that even simple sentences can bridge the distance between people. When I made the effort to speak French, locals would often react with surprise and warmth. This experience solidified my belief that language is the key to truly exploring a culture."

Chen Yan ENG2409005
"Alongside rich sightseeing activities, I attended French language courses in Rouen. The classes mainly centered on language input, with a focus on practicing basic French. This period of concentrated learning added a sense of fulfillment, combining the relaxation of traveling with the joy of 'recharging' academically. It made the entire trip not only joyful with 'seeing all the scenery' but also satisfying with 'gaining knowledge', far more meaningful than an ordinary trip." The Immersion in France Programme gave me more than just exposure to France; but also, growth, courage, and connection. Through homestays, classes, and daily interactions, I discovered that learning a language is not just about studying - it is about living it."