Rebecca Farquhar (13MRCK) and Eleana Hill (12MLBJ) were among a group of New Zealand students chosen to travel to France for three weeks in July. The trip was organised by the Embassy of France in New Zealand as part of the Shared Histories Project commemorating WWI.

The Young Ambassadors visited historical and cultural sites where New Zealand soldiers contributed significantly to World War I, including the Carrière de Wellington beneath the town of Arras. The focus of this trip was Following in Family Footsteps, so the students were also encouraged to find connections with their family history.  In Paris, they attended the Bastille Day parade, and saw the city's celebrations after France won the football world cup. This photo shows them under the Arc de Triomphe, having visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

Both Rebecca and Eleana had a fantastic time. Rebecca wrote, "This trip has not only helped me gain practical benefits, such as more fluent French, but also personal, highly-valued but rare connections to people that I will remain friends with for a very long time indeed, as well as a greater understanding of a lost part of my family’s history." 

Both students have shared their experiences on the Shared Histories website. Click these links to read more: Rebecca's blog and Eleana's blog.