I have been living Boca Raton, Florida, for over a week. During my stay, I have experienced many new things. In some ways, it is similar to Montreal and in other ways it is quite different.

When I landed at the Florida airport, I was kind of nervous but once I saw my host family, I wasn’t as scared. I had already been communicating with them for at least a month and that certainly helped. One of the first things that struck me was the heat. I was way too hot in sweatpants, long sleeves and furry boots!

The first week at a new school can be nerve-racking for anyone. My exchange helped me feel at home and comfortable. I noticed a number of ways that Saint Andrew’s is different from LCC. Practically everywhere you go, you’re outside. All the classes are indoors but when you leave each classroom, you’re outside in the beautiful hot Florida weather.

Saint Andrew’s also has 6 periods, not including lunch, and each class is 55 minutes. The girls wear short-sleeve polo shirts (like the ones worn in kindergarten at LCC) and skorts. The boys wear similar shirts and shorts. No ties! They are allowed to wear any kind of shoes they want. I must confess, after the second day I did the same and wore my running shoes.

On the weekend, I went to Delray Beach and it was incredible! The waves and water were beautiful! The only downside was that I forgot to wear sunscreen and got sunburned! There was also a fair on the main street right next to the beach. We shopped and wandered around looking at all the artists and their artworks and crafts. There is so much more colour here compared to Montreal.

I’ve made lots of new friends and I hope to be in contact with them for a long time. I’m having a great time in Florida!

– Gigi Gelgor ’19, Exchange Student at Saint Andrew’s School