Exchange Trip

Liberation from Normandy to Paris

The exchange program taking place in France (Normandy and Paris) offered young history enthusiasts the opportunity to delve deep into the historical events that shaped our modern world.

Participants engaged in a variety of creative projects, including video production, podcast creation, and historical storytelling, enabling them to explore and express the human stories behind the conflict.

As the exchange traversed the landscapes where pivotal battles were fought, participants gained invaluable insights into the war’s legacy. This program wasn’t just about learning history; it was about bringing it to life through modern media. Participants worked collaboratively with fellow participants, shared perspectives and improved skills in storytelling and digital media.

Whether you interviewed locals with personal stories to tell, captured the essence of historical sites on film, or recorded narratives and interviewed people for a podcast, you contributed to preserving these vital memories for future generations. You joined us in this educational adventure, and were a part of a living history that continues to resonate today.

On The Agenda

highlights

Arromanches Museum

The D-Day Museum in Arromanches, created in the aftermath of the Second World War, was the first museum to commemorate the Landings. As early as 1945, local councils in the area of the Landings were meeting regularly to coordinate the necessary reconstruction: the Prefect of Normandy was presented with their proposals for urban and regional planning and development, monuments and commemorations.

Airborne Museum

In the heart of Sainte-Mère-Église, in front of the bell tower on which the parachutist John Steele was hung, the Airborne Museum made you understand the events of the D-Day since the preparation in England, until the conquest of the freedom!

The Juno Beach Centre

The Juno Beach Centre is Canada’s Second World War museum and cultural centre located in Normandy, France. The Centre pays homage to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives during the War, of which 5,500 were killed during the Battle of Normandy and 381 on D-Day. Opened in 2003 by veterans and volunteers with a vision to create a permanent memorial to all Canadians who served during the WWII.

Museum of the order of liberation

At this memorial museum in a prestigious setting at the heart of historic military Paris, France's second national order tells the story of the Companions of the Liberation, including Free France, the interior Resistance and the deportation.

Detailed Program

The day began in Sainte-Mère-Église with a visit to the Airborne Museum, a museum dedicated to the American paratroopers of D-Day. After this experience, the participants had a work session to start their content production and talked with the museum guide.

In the afternoon, the group headed to the German Cemetery of La Cambe. After visiting the museum, they walked through the cemetery, where 21,222 German soldiers who died in the Battle of Normandy between June and August 1944 are buried.

On the second day, the group visited the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, a symbolic place of remembrance. This site honors the 9,387 American soldiers who died in the Battle of Normandy and also includes a memorial, a chapel, and a garden of remembrance.

In the afternoon, the participants visited the D-Day Museum in Arromanches, where they learned about the history of the artificial harbor used on D-Day. A work session allowed the group to continue their podcast and deepen their discussions.

On the third day, the group spent time on research and content creation.

In the afternoon, participants went to the Juno Beach Centre, a museum dedicated to the Canadian forces’ role on June 6, 1944, and the liberation of Normandy. A work session allowed them to continue their content creation and share their thoughts on the day.

On the fourth and final day, the group travelled to Paris to visit the Museum of the Order of Liberation. At this memorial museum in a prestigious setting at the heart of historic military Paris, France’s second national order tells the story of the Companions of the Liberation, including Free France, the interior Resistance and the deportation. A final work session allowed them to complete their content creation, the culmination of their reflections and discoveries throughout the program.

After this enriching visit, the participants shared a final meal in a Parisian brasserie, a special moment to reflect on their experience and the highlights of the trip.

Their Experience

Testimonials

“The exchange more than exceeded my expectations. As a tour guide in Ukraine, I really liked the D-Day Landings Museum in Arromanches, because it showed me how a modern exhibition represents WWII. I’m glad we had creative tasks and free time, where we could get to know each other. The group became very close within a short amount of time, which was great for our teamwork.”

Anastasiia, 21 years old

Ukraine

“I wanted to learn more about the Second World War, because in school you only get the general knowledge. Visiting countries that were affected is a totally different experience. I also wanted to meet other young people from different countries and share our experiences. All visits were great, but my favourite one was the American Military Cemetery and the history of the two twin brothers who were reunited and buried next to each other after centuries. I feel like I am full of knowledge about the Battle of Normandy now!”

Klajdi, 24 years old

Sweden

“It was really cool to learn about the Allied invasion in Normandy, because every museum focuses on one specific topic. I knew Sainte-Mère-Église from a video game, but I didn’t think I’d ever go there, same as Omaha Beach. I also enjoyed the content creation and learned a lot, because I had never used recording equipment before.”

Karl, 20 years old

Estonia

“The exchange has been an enriching experience by bringing young people from different European countries together and enhancing their knowledge. By not only visiting museums but also getting to know personal stories on the beaches, in the museums and cemeteries and then writing about the events of the Normandy landings that are often forgotten, the start of the liberation of Europe becomes real and is given a more personal meaning.”

Sofía, 18 years old

Spain