Students from Kepler residing in Pforzheim's sister city

Students from Kepler residing in Pforzheim's sister city

St. Maur Hosts 31st Annual Dictée Competition, Welcoming International Students

On the 18th of November, 2023, the picturesque French city of St. Maur-des-Fossés played host to the 31st edition of the renowned "Dictée de St. Maur" dictation competition. This event, held annually to promote French language skills, orthography, and literary culture, attracted participants from various cities, including St. Maur, and students from partner schools.

In this year's edition, French-speaking students from St. Maur and two students each from the partner cities participated. The two students from Kepler-Gymnasium Pforzheim, Germany, were accommodated by a warm and welcoming French host family during their stay in St. Maur.

The students' itinerary was filled with more than just the dictation competition. An official reception and a joint dinner were organized by the city of St. Maur on Saturday, providing the participants with an opportunity to mingle and enjoy local cuisine. A sightseeing tour of nearby Paris was also included, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture.

The competition itself required the students to write down an unknown French text dictated during the event. Despite not winning, the two students from Kepler-Gymnasium Pforzheim gained a valuable experience from the competition, immersing themselves in the French language and culture.

After the competition, the students were accommodated in Paris before returning home. A small sightseeing tour in Paris was held for the students on Sunday, allowing them to further explore the city's iconic landmarks.

Though the exact origins and recurring schedule of the "Dictée de St. Maur" are not extensively documented, the competition is a cherished tradition in St. Maur-des-Fossés, fostering a love for the French language and promoting cultural exchange. For the most accurate and up-to-date details about the competition's history and schedule, consulting official local cultural institutions or the municipality of St. Maur-des-Fossés is recommended.

Their stay in St. Maur extended beyond the Dictée competition, encompassing elements of travel, education, and self-development. The students delved into the French lifestyle through local cuisine, sightseeing tours, and interactions with their host families. ultimately, this experience contributed to their education and self-development, bolstering their understanding of French language and culture.

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