It was raining outside. Yet today was anything but a sad day for Thomas. As he neared his high school, accompanied by his parents, he had a thought: each step brought him a little closer to a new life. The prospect of a future even more exciting than its present, doubts too, fear of course. If Thomas went to high school on a Saturday, it was precisely for that. But he was not alone, some students were also walking towards the school while others were already waiting outside the door of the amphitheater. For them too, it was about uncertainty and joy. Suddenly a slight noise was heard from inside. The sound of a key and lock, and the door opened. A paunchy man, with a short haircut that inspired order and discipline, stood on the doorstep and said:

• Go ahead, come in.

When Thomas entered with his family, he was amazed by the place. He had been a student at this high school for a few months already, but he had never had the opportunity to enter the amphitheater before. It was much bigger than the classrooms, and better decorated too.

Thomas took his place with his family, and the others present quickly did the same. As the man worked out a few final technical details from the podium, Thomas’s mother took a notebook and a pen out of her purse. Once everyone had settled in, the man began to speak:

• Hello, and welcome to this exchange program setup meeting. First of all, thank you for coming so many and enthusiastic, despite the bad weather outside. For those who do not know me well yet, I introduce myself, I am Mr. Malraux, the principal of this school.

Mr. Malraux then took a remote control from the stage table and pressed a button. Immediately, the image projected on the large white canvas changed.

• As you know, your children here today will become school ambassadors around the world next year. Our meeting today therefore aims to review the various preparations, in order to organize this great project together.

A major student competition was launched a few weeks ago by the school, allowing 10 students to study abroad the following year. 10 of the most deserving students, with the aim of promoting the school throughout the world and forging close links with different countries. Thomas had been selected for his qualities in English, both written and spoken, and he was about to discover a destination he could never have imagined.

• Our team has worked hard to allow your children to study in the best conditions and keep a memorable memory of their future stay abroad, says the principal. It is by no means a vacation and an irreproachable attitude will be asked of them, so is the reputation of this school. But if they are here today, it is also because they adopt good behavior on a daily basis. They have our full confidence.

Mr. Malraux pressed the remote control, and a new slide appeared.

• Miss Eva Martin, let's start with you.

The principal presented to Eva and her mother the exact destination where she will study next year, a high school in the suburbs of Barcelona, ​​the place where she will stay as well as many details which Thomas had nothing to do, impatient to discover where would be sent to him. The same pattern was repeated for a few minutes, then it was Thomas' turn. He already knew that his destination was the United States, but he knew no more. Which state ? Which town ? Or maybe a small village? He was impatient to find out.

• Mr. Thomas Duval. I am pleased to announce that you will be studying next year at Harvey Benjamin High School near Orlando, Florida.

At these words, Thomas was filled with great joy. His American dream was becoming even more a reality, and it would take place in Florida. It was beyond all his expectations.

• You will follow the same teaching as the students of Junior Year. No adjustments will be granted to you, the objective being to make you discover American education in its greatest authenticity. But judging by your results in English, I have no doubts about your adaptability.

He cleared his throat, then pressed the same button on the remote again.

• You will be greeted by the Walker family upon arrival at the airport. This is your host family, with whom you will stay and eat outside of school hours. You will stay there from August until June of next year. As with all other students, we cover all travel, accommodation and education costs. You will only be responsible for paying your own leisure costs and any other costs which will not be of primary necessity. We will provide you with all the technical details at the end of the year.

* * *

It was on a beautiful summer day that Thomas was summoned to the principal's office. He went to the reception of the administration building, which asked him to wait a few moments, the time to warn Mr. Malraux of his arrival. After a few minutes of waiting, they motioned for him.

• Mr. Duval, you can go. At the end of the corridor, last door on the left.
• Thank you, replied Thomas in a polite tone.

He went to that door, then knocked.

• Come in !

Mr. Malraux rose from his office chair and walked over to Thomas.

• Thomas, nice to see you. Please have a sit.

Thomas then took his place in front of the principal, who had sat down at his desk.

• First, I want to congratulate you on your good results this year. Going to high school is never an easy task and you have done very well.
• Thank you sir, replied Thomas.
• Here are the various documents that I had to give you for your trip in a few months.

M. Malraux handed Thomas a cardboard shirt, which he hurried to open.

• You will find there in particular your plane ticket for Orlando, the return ticket will be sent to you at the end of the year to prevent you from losing it. There is also a high school brochure where you will study next year. This will certainly allow you to make the flight pass a little faster. I also wanted to remind you of how important it is that you continue to behave as you have throughout the year. Consider yourself lucky to be able to have an experience like this. And don't forget that this trip exists for an educational purpose of course, but that it is also essential that you show rigor in your work and exemplary behavior in order to allow us to engage in more serious discussions with the management of this school and the local authorities. I'm sorry to repeat myself, but it's necessary.
• Of course, Thomas replied timidly.

It was then that Mr. Malraux rose again.

• I will not take more of your time. Thanks for coming. I wish you the best for next year.
• Thank you, replied Thomas.

He closed the principal's office door, the ticket to Orlando in his hands. To him the United States, to him Florida, to him a whole new life, at least for a year.