Domitille, a student from the French International School of Vientiane, spent four weeks in Pondicherry as part of the ADN-AEFE programme, which allows 10th graders to spend over a month in another AEFE network school. Her exchange partner, Anwen, is currently hosting her in Pondicherry and will soon be heading to Laos in turn.
Domitille shares her experience:
“I left my home in Vientiane, Laos, in early April for four weeks in India, in Pondicherry. It was my first time travelling alone, at 15.
Laos is a small country with a population of 7 million, the majority of whom are Buddhists. It is also one of the few remaining communist countries in the world, undergoing rapid transformation under the influence of powerful neighbours like China — a very different context.
In Pondicherry, what struck me first was the heat, the poverty, and the bustling roads, but also the richness of the cultural heritage, the well-preserved colonial buildings, the many traditions, the religious diversity, and how often people use bicycles.
I’m having an incredible experience here, thanks to the warm welcome I received both from my host family and at school. I’m sure I’ll keep unforgettable memories of my time in Pondicherry. And in just a few days, I’m looking forward to introducing Anwen to Laos.”
