Countdown...Pack your bags but don't forget...

                            Just a few more days left before we all head to Florida. 

           Here is a quick reminder of what will be expected of you by the end of the trip.

-You will be expected to create an internal class blog in which you shall post photos, videos and articles of the trip.
-Your posts should be centered on highlighting the differing elements between the American and French cultures that you will have observed during the trip.
-Each student will then have the final task of vocally expressing their viewpoint of what they believe to be the most striking element between the French and American culture.

 Use an audio-drop like the one below to speak and record yourself for a minute.
 


                                                   

Tips to help you prepare for the trip

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What items are prohibited from being brought onto airplanes in carry-on and/or checked bags? Visit this website.
2. How can i meet airport security rules when packing? Visit this website.

 Your task

1. Make a list of all the things you will take with you for the ten-day trip. Post the list and react to others post. (Do you find some items as unnecessary, indispensable...)

2. What items does your school  prohibit students from carrying? What items are allowed/recommended?

 Use a modal and periphrastic structure each time giving different examples of expressing:
-permission
-obligation
-interdiction

If I had a choice, I would...

                        


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                                      To get more ideas, visit: http://www.miami.com/restaurants

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  powered by tricider powered by tricider More ideas can be found here
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Miami according to Yashi

You have received a phone call from Yashi, a ninth grade student from Miami Beach Senior High School.
Listen to what he has to say about the different cities in America.



Answer the following questions:


                      


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The American Dream in Florida

*Did you know?

- The idea of the *American Dream is deeply rooted in the *Declaration of Independence (1776) which states that "all men are created equal " and that they have the right to "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness".
- The phrase "American Dream" became popular when *Horatio Alger wrote the rags to riches story of a destitute orphan boy living in New York City (1868).  He saves money, works hard and gets rich.
- In the 1920's, a great novelist, *F.Scott Fitzgerald depicted a less idealistic version of the American Dream. His novel entitled The Great Gatsby, shows that the American Dream can be corrupted by the pursuit of pleasure and money, and by excessive materialism.

=>Have a look at the photos below and imagine why they could illustrate the "American Dream" .


                                          

Pick the image that best represents your dream and post a comment that should convince other bloggers that there's no better dream!
If you prefer you can choose to talk about a dream that is not represented in the pictures.


*

Why go to Florida?

                              

                                               Have a look at the cartoon below.

 

Do you think this image best represents what one should expect when they visit Florida?

Challenge: Talk about what YOU would expect to see when you visit Florida. Record yourself. If you prefer, you can choose to talk about things that are not represented in this image.


                                                         

Possible places to Visit

You have received a reply letter from the host family listing their favorite spots to visit in Florida.

Among the touristic sites listed are the
-John Kennedy Space Center
- Seminole Okalee Indian Village
- Everglades Safari Park

Visit these websites. Pick out relevant information (admission charges, opening hours, how to get there, activities to do etc.)

Would you like to visit these places?
Write a post giving your reasons.

Miami Beach Senior High School website

As part of the language exchange program, Miami Beach Senior High School intends to organize a couple of activities and seminars every weekday in the mornings . This will help introduce French students to a typical American establishment of higher education.
Before hand, we invite you to visit the  Miami Beach Senior High school website. Please familiarize yourself with the various departments and student activities that this establishment offers.

You could begin by for example, selecting the department in which you would rather spend most of your time or by selecting 3 activities you would like to do during your visit.
Probably, you may want to engage in some sports . Have a look at what sports the school proposes. Pick out relevant information each time. (schedule, teacher, credits, pre-requisites etc). 

-Are there any activities that differ from what your school proposes? If so, make a list of them and post them. 
-Do you think it would be a good idea to have these activities in your school? If so, give your reasons.

You have got mail!

Your school has received the following letter of invitation.
Read it carefully and complete the attached sheet. 

                                                                                      Miami Beach Senior High School

                                                                                                           2231 Prairie Avenue

                                                                                                      Miami Beach, FL 33139

                                                                                                   

Lycée/College Buffon                                                                                               

16, Boulevard Pasteur                                                                                   

75015 Paris
                                                                                                   Thursday, 3^th February 2013

            

            Exchange Program – Miami Beach Senior High School – Lycée/College Buffon

Dear Students,

After the successful trip made by the *twelfth grade students of Miami Beach Senior High School to Paris, France, we have the pleasure to inform you that Miami Beach Senior High School is now organizing as part of the language exchange study program, a 10 day trip to Florida, USA for the *ninth grade student group of Lycée/College Buffon. The dates scheduled for the American tour will be from the 20^th to 30 ^th May 2013.

Accommodation for the duration of the stay will be provided by host families who will cater for the students’ full board and consequently act as chaperones during the duration of the stay. A carefully planned itinerary will allow students to experience the American culture and heritage through visits to a variety of museums and touristic sites. All scheduled activities will be chaperoned by teachers and the entire program overseen by the American tour director, Miss Claire Jones. Although the main focus of the trip is educational, there will be plenty of room for healthy fun activities and exploration. We would however like to remind students of the importance of maintaining exemplary conduct during the course of the trip. Students will be expected to respect certain rules including, punctuality at all group activities, respecting private property and people and under no circumstances will smoking or the consumption of alcohol be tolerated. 

At the end of the trip, students will be expected to create an internal class blog in which they shall post photos, videos and articles of the trip. We highly recommend that students pay keen attention during the trip to the various elements that differentiate the American Culture from the French Culture. Each student will then have a final task of expressing for a minute what they believe to be the most striking element between the two cultures.

A general orientation meeting for interested students will be held on 2^nd April 2013 to discuss the program. Until then, we invite you to follow our blog and make any suggestions and comments. Your interaction is of great value to the cultural exchange between our two countries. We will also need to have a clear idea of how many students plan to participate in this unique cultural experience. The total cost of the trip will amount to 800 euros. This includes accommodation, food, air tickets and eventual entry charges to touristic sites. To confirm your participation, please complete the attached sheet and send it to your school secretary along with a 350 euro deposit check by the 16^th April 2013.

For further information, please feel free to contact us at 305-532-4515.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Florida!

Sincerely,

Mr. James BLACK.

Tour Coordinator


*Toolbox