échange étudiant
The English phrase "student exchange" is translated into French as échange étudiant.
The term refers to a program where students from different countries study at each other's educational institutions for a period of time.
Which one should you use?
While échange étudiant is a common compound noun, you may also encounter échange d'étudiants, which is the more grammatically standard way to express the 'exchange of students'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, you may see Échange étudiant international or Programme d'échange international d'étudiants used to highlight the international nature of the exchange.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun échange is masculine. Therefore, when referring to a single student exchange, you should use the masculine article un, as in un échange d'étudiants.
Did you know?
- While échange étudiant is the standard term, many French university students simply say faire un Erasmus to describe their experience. This uses the name of the European Union's program as a common noun for any exchange.
- In French, the word for student changes based on the level of education. You use étudiant for university but must use élève for primary and secondary school students.
- The double diplôme is a specific type of exchange that is regarded as far more prestigious and difficult than a standard échange étudiant because it grants degrees from both institutions.
Examples in context
- Je participe à un échange étudiant en France ce semestre.I'm participating in a student exchange in France this semester.
- Notre université offre un programme d'échange d'étudiants avec des établissements européens renommés.Our university offers a student exchange program with renowned European institutions.
- J'ai rencontré de nombreux amis lors de mon échange scolaire au Canada.I made many friends during my school exchange in Canada.
Example conversation
Two university friends are talking about their future plans.
- LucasLucas, tu veux faire un échange étudiant ?Lucas, do you want to do a student exchange?
- ChloéOui, j'aimerais partir au Canada.Yes, I would like to go to Canada.
- LucasC'est génial, moi je choisis l'Espagne.That's great, I'm choosing Spain.
- ChloéOn va s'inscrire ensemble alors.We will sign up together then.
