answer: Joan went to a school in Belgium from seven to twelve because her father wanted to impress a friend. She had to learn French by herself and the school was strict about manners.
documents: #Person1#: So how were your schooldays when you were a child, Joan?
  #Person2#: Well, from seven to twelve I went to a school in Belgium.
  #Person1#: In Belgium? How come?
  #Person2#: It was my father's idea. One of his friends was sending his daughter, and my father wanted to impress his friend so he decided to send me, too.
  #Person1#: Just to impress a friend? It's hard to believe. So what was it like?
  #Person2#: We had to get up early and go to church before class. And at mealtimes we just had to sit silently with our hands folded in our laps. And I wasn't allowed to speak English at all. I had to learn French but nobody taught me. I just had to sit in the lessons and try to understand.
  #Person1#: It's awful for a child of seven!
  #Person2#: And they were terribly strict about manners! I suppose that was one good thing. I had the most beautiful manners when I left.