Jeanne Lemahieu admits she got “pretty lucky” to land in Muskoka for her exchange program.
She lived with three different host families and was supported by Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Bracebridge. The local Rotary Club accepts exchange students through its Youth Exchange program.
She arrived in the area in Aug. 2024 and says she’s preparing to return home, but not before she travels through Ontario and across the border into the United States with her parents.
Lemahieu was born in Paris, France, but moved to Toulouse, which is about 680 km south of the Franch capital. It takes just over 12 hours to fly from the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport to Toronto Pearson Airport.
“In my [Rotary Club], you could give your five favourite choices and they will do their best to assign you a country you like,” explains Lemahieu. “My first choice was Canada.”
She says she wanted to improve her English before she returns home to finish high school and prepare for university.
“I really wanted to experience a Canadian winter because in the south of France you don’t get a lot of snow,” added Lemahieu.
Lemahieu says the culture is “completely different” in Muskoka compared to Toulouse. “I couldn’t even make a list because it’s endless,” she says. However, she points out one of the bigger differences is how everyone gets around.
“If you want to go anywhere here, you really need to plan ahead,” she explains.
However, in France, she frequently uses the train, walks, or bikes to where she wants to go.
Without a driver’s license, Lemahieu says she relied on her host families and friends to get around. “So that makes it easier to do stuff,” she adds.
Don Smith, president of the Rotary Club and long-time Bracebridge councillor, brought Lemahieu to the town’s municipal office last month to watch a council meeting, noting how she’s interested in politics.
She explains how she took a course on politics in tenth grade and has only become more interested in the topic since. Lemahieu says she loves diving into her country’s political history.
“We have a lot of protests and that’s totally part of our culture,” she continues.
Smith toured Lemahieu around Bracebridge and introduced her to Mayor Rick Maloney.
“It’s been a pleasure having you in our community,” he said during the June 10 council meeting.
Maloney allowed Lemahieu to wear the mayor’s chain of office, robe, and sit at the head of the council table.
“Absolutely, keep in touch with us at the Town of Bracebridge,” added Maloney. “We’re interested in following your path.”
While Lemahieu’s time in the area is ending soon, she says she “had the best time ever.”
“I definitely plan on coming back,” she adds.