French immersion in Saint-Malo and Normandy: A journey of language, culture and discovery

Students of BD Somani International School participated in an enriching programme d’immersion in Saint-Malo and Normandy, blending language learning with authentic cultural experiences. The journey began in Paris, where visits to Montmartre, the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe offered students a premier aperçu of France’s artistic and historical grandeur.

In Saint-Malo, students were warmly welcomed by their host families, experiencing la vie quotidienne française firsthand. Mornings were dedicated to interactive lessons in language, history, and culture, while afternoons unfolded through guided walks in Intra-Muros, where cobbled streets and ramparts echoed stories of the past. A visit to Normandy proved deeply moving, as students explored the Caen Memorial Museum and reflected at Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery, connecting classroom learning to lived history.

The programme also celebrated cultural discovery, from exploring the breathtaking Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey to enjoying coastal moments in Dinan and Dinard, and participating in a delightful atelier de crêpes. Students demonstrated remarkable progress in their French, earning certificates and growing in confidence.

Ce séjour was more than a trip; it was a journey of découverte, échange et apprentissage, leaving students with lasting memories, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for the French language and culture.

Tribes for Good: Community Project

Through our partnership with Tribes For Good, Grade 11 student Vipanshi Agarwal designed and led a series of workshops for women with skills in beauty and makeup — combining financial literacy, confidence-building, and awareness of cruelty-free practices. What she found was that the skills were already there. What was missing was someone connecting those skills to the idea of income. This is her reflection on what it means to create impact, and what she learned when she stopped trying to teach and started listening.

Zine, Cosmetics of Capitalism – A passion project

Cosmetics of Capitalism began with two things that had always run parallel in Vipanshi’s life: a deep commitment to animal welfare and a growing curiosity about the economic systems that allow cruelty to persist. In this zine, Vipanshi Agarwal investigates the ethical and economic costs of animal testing in the cosmetics industry — an issue she argues is as much a business question as a moral one.