Here I am, at the halfway mark in my study abroad experience. And here you are, wondering what the hell has happened so far, as I never sit down to take the time to tell you. Bref:
School - IES is going well. The classes seem to be pretty easy, yet still interesting. The most important thing I have to say on this front is that I've noticed a huge increase in my comprehension thus far. At the beginning of my time here, I had to give every bit of my concentration just to focus. It was none of that half-assed daydream and still get an A kind of business. Now I've reached the point where focusing isn't quite so exhausting. I can tune in and out and still walk away having learned something, albeit accidentally. It's kind of cool. My university class, however, is still difficult because the teacher doesn't cater to my linguistic needs the way the IES teachers do. She still talks incredibly fast, but I'm even starting to get more out of that class, too.
Internship - I'm so glad I chose to do the English teaching internship. It's really opened my eyes in a lot of ways. For many of my students, I'm the first American they've ever encountered in real life. In a way it's a lot of pressure. They ask me many opinion-based questions, and I feel that I constantly have to remind them that I'm just ONE American; I can't give them the thoughts of the entire country. I'm surprised also at their language abilities, or, for many, the lack thereof. Many of these students have studied for at least 10 years, and they barely speak or understand English. There are a few exceptions, of course, but I think that, for the most part, France seems to have dropped the ball in this department. Hopefully I can do my best to change that, at least for the students with whom I work.
Life in France - I really love the French way of living. Everything seems to be more relaxed, and I find that it makes for a better quality of life. For instance, if you go into a restaurant, expect it to take about two hours. In America, this would be an insult, you'd surely refuse to leave a tip. Well, they don't have tips here. The waiter comes and asks you what you'd like, and you essentially never see him again. It's kind of nice, actually. The French really take their time eating, savoring each delicious meal. The other night I was invited to a neighborhood party that began at 8:00 (normal dinner time in France). We didn't even begin eating dessert until 11:00, and the party didn't end until about half past midnight. And I wouldn't have had it any other way.
Language - For me, this is the most important point of discussion. I go back and forth with how I feel about my French speaking skills every day. I've absolutely improved, yes. I have confidence to approach people, I'm not afraid to ask questions in class, or even to make errors - but I fear that I'm running out of time. I have officially been in France for two months and one day, and I only have about a month and a half left. I'm worried that as soon as French begins to come as second nature it will be time to leave. I'm also frustrated at the amount of English I speak. Since I take classes with other Americans, it's so easy to spend time with them speaking English constantly. I fear that I could have improved more had I secluded myself more, but I know that's not very realistic. I speak with my host family whenever I can, and I try to be amicable when I go out. I've gotten compliments on my speaking, and yet I still hear myself making the same mistakes over and over again. I try to think in French when I can, and I've had a few dreams in French recently, though I doubt their grammatical correctness. I'm hopeful, though. If I've gotten this far in only two months, I'm sure I will skyrocket in the remaining weeks.
Also, I miss Mexican food.
A prochaine fois!
samedi 5 novembre 2011
dimanche 25 septembre 2011
Blog Facultatif: Settling in.
It's weird to think that I have officially been in France for 21 days. Three weeks. I have heard over and over again that time passes very quickly whilst abroad, and it definitely seems to be true.
This past week marked the beginning of our courses. So far, I really think it's going to be manageable... fingers crossed. Except for Racines Culturelles. That's one of my courses at l'Université de Nantes, and it certainly won't be a walk in the park. My professor talks about a mile a minute, not to mention that we're currently studying l'Iliade, which, to be quite frank, I couldn't care less about (regardless of the language of instruction). My friend and I spoke with her after class, though, and she seemed sympathetic to our plight. Not to mention that French universities usually only give (maybe) one assignment per semester, so hopefully I can make this work. It really was comical, though. Taking notes is useless when you don't understand WHY you're supposed to write these things down. So I have several pages of names and dates that mean nothing to me... oh, well. Maybe it'll click any day now.
I also got my teaching assignment for my internship this week. We were able to choose our own placements, and I chose to teach at a Lycée Supérieur, for 18-20 year-olds. Kind of intimidating that they're so close to my age, but my teaching preference has always been the older crowd. I truly dislike dumbing things down or feeling like a babysitter. My hope is also that, since the age group is more mature(?), they may have a genuine interest in learning English. I start on Thursday, unless one of the current grèves (strikes) pushes that back.
Perhaps the most noteable event of my week occurred on Tuesday, when my host family brought me to a neighborhood party. It was, undoubtedly, the best experience I've had in France so far. We were the first to arrive, and my host family kindly introduced me to the neighbors throwing the party. They were all very polite and interested to meet an American. As more people began to arrive, more people began to take interest in me. When I noticed that my host family was occupied with the various guests, I began to worry how I would handle the introductions on my own. "Hi, nice to meet you, I'm not French," perhaps?
Let me just take this time to say that a French party is NOT an American party. Everyone introduces themselves to you. Everyone. Not only that, but complete strangers will faire la bise (that weird kiss thing you've seen in movies). What's more is it's apparently entirely acceptable for old men to ACTUALLY kiss your cheeks during this process. And this is all before they even know your name. Not sanitary, je pense, but entirely welcoming. Within minutes (and a couple of glasses of whiskey on the rocks, as insisted by the host of the party) I felt completely comfortable. I was speaking French like I never had before. Sure, it was still labored at times and certainly not grammatically remarkable, but it was happening. And it felt amazing.
After probably two hours of chatting and munching on appetizers, we sat down for a tremendous dinner. We had eaten so many appetizers that I thought we were finished eating, but boy was I wrong. As I sat there, listening to the various French conversations around me, drinking my wine, and eating my apple tart, I realized - I actually made it here. I'm at a dinner party IN FRANCE. And I'm pulling it off. I've really accomplished something, here, and it's only just beginning.
The best moment was when my host father introduced me to a couple, and said, "This is Elissa, our American student. She speaks French very well, and she has only studied for one year." I blushed, assured them this wasn't true, and made sure to lower the bar before we began any semblance of a conversation. About half an hour later they brought it up again: "So you've really only studied French for a year? You really do speak quite well, etc. etc." For the first time since being here, I felt proud. My host father is right. What I'm doing is praiseworthy. There are people on my program who have devoted a large portion of their lives to studying this language, and I'm keeping up. I don't mean to say that I'm amazing. Not by any means. But I do mean to say that I have had an epiphany. I need to stop comparing myself to the other students, the native speakers, whomever - and I need to sit back and revel in my own accomplishments, large or small. I may make mistakes- hell, I told my teacher it was forty o'clock the other day- but I'm still here, and communicating. That was the goal, non?
I can't wait to see what the next few months have in store.
Until next time.
This past week marked the beginning of our courses. So far, I really think it's going to be manageable... fingers crossed. Except for Racines Culturelles. That's one of my courses at l'Université de Nantes, and it certainly won't be a walk in the park. My professor talks about a mile a minute, not to mention that we're currently studying l'Iliade, which, to be quite frank, I couldn't care less about (regardless of the language of instruction). My friend and I spoke with her after class, though, and she seemed sympathetic to our plight. Not to mention that French universities usually only give (maybe) one assignment per semester, so hopefully I can make this work. It really was comical, though. Taking notes is useless when you don't understand WHY you're supposed to write these things down. So I have several pages of names and dates that mean nothing to me... oh, well. Maybe it'll click any day now.
I also got my teaching assignment for my internship this week. We were able to choose our own placements, and I chose to teach at a Lycée Supérieur, for 18-20 year-olds. Kind of intimidating that they're so close to my age, but my teaching preference has always been the older crowd. I truly dislike dumbing things down or feeling like a babysitter. My hope is also that, since the age group is more mature(?), they may have a genuine interest in learning English. I start on Thursday, unless one of the current grèves (strikes) pushes that back.
Perhaps the most noteable event of my week occurred on Tuesday, when my host family brought me to a neighborhood party. It was, undoubtedly, the best experience I've had in France so far. We were the first to arrive, and my host family kindly introduced me to the neighbors throwing the party. They were all very polite and interested to meet an American. As more people began to arrive, more people began to take interest in me. When I noticed that my host family was occupied with the various guests, I began to worry how I would handle the introductions on my own. "Hi, nice to meet you, I'm not French," perhaps?
Let me just take this time to say that a French party is NOT an American party. Everyone introduces themselves to you. Everyone. Not only that, but complete strangers will faire la bise (that weird kiss thing you've seen in movies). What's more is it's apparently entirely acceptable for old men to ACTUALLY kiss your cheeks during this process. And this is all before they even know your name. Not sanitary, je pense, but entirely welcoming. Within minutes (and a couple of glasses of whiskey on the rocks, as insisted by the host of the party) I felt completely comfortable. I was speaking French like I never had before. Sure, it was still labored at times and certainly not grammatically remarkable, but it was happening. And it felt amazing.
After probably two hours of chatting and munching on appetizers, we sat down for a tremendous dinner. We had eaten so many appetizers that I thought we were finished eating, but boy was I wrong. As I sat there, listening to the various French conversations around me, drinking my wine, and eating my apple tart, I realized - I actually made it here. I'm at a dinner party IN FRANCE. And I'm pulling it off. I've really accomplished something, here, and it's only just beginning.
The best moment was when my host father introduced me to a couple, and said, "This is Elissa, our American student. She speaks French very well, and she has only studied for one year." I blushed, assured them this wasn't true, and made sure to lower the bar before we began any semblance of a conversation. About half an hour later they brought it up again: "So you've really only studied French for a year? You really do speak quite well, etc. etc." For the first time since being here, I felt proud. My host father is right. What I'm doing is praiseworthy. There are people on my program who have devoted a large portion of their lives to studying this language, and I'm keeping up. I don't mean to say that I'm amazing. Not by any means. But I do mean to say that I have had an epiphany. I need to stop comparing myself to the other students, the native speakers, whomever - and I need to sit back and revel in my own accomplishments, large or small. I may make mistakes- hell, I told my teacher it was forty o'clock the other day- but I'm still here, and communicating. That was the goal, non?
I can't wait to see what the next few months have in store.
Until next time.
dimanche 18 septembre 2011
Blog Obligatoire: I caved.
So, here I am, after my first full week in Nantes. I have debated for a while whether or not it would be prudent to have a blog - would anyone read it? Am I really that self-important? The answer, at least to the latter, is yes.
For those of you who don't know by now (who I assume are probably not reading this), I recently arrived in Nantes, France, where I will be spending my entire Fall semester (and then some). I'm living with a French family, attending a French university (part-time), and drinking lots of wine (full-time). So, the big question: How is it so far?
I love it.
BUT...it's been rather stressful up until this point. After spending two days in Paris (which were mostly wasted due to jetlag and sheer terror), I took a train to Nantes, where I waited for my host family to retrieve me. There are 67 other American students in this program, and we were all cramped into a rather small library, where we waited to be adopted. Rarely have I experienced something so nervewracking. My famille d'accueil consists of a couple, their 17-year-old son, and their cat, Hubert. They also have two older children who live in Paris. So far, they are all really great. And it certainly doesn't hurt that ma mère is an amazing cook, et mon frère is more than willing to show me all the hottest spots in town.
After only one night with our families, we were uprooted to Vannes, a city about two hours away, where we took in many sights that I cannot even begin to explain. Save for a daylong bout with seasickness, it was truly beautiful. Then it was a week full of orientation- touring Nantes, talking about safety, and other general housekeeping. Comment dit-on snooze? Though it was all necessary, I think we were all just incredibly anxious to get into the swing of things and find out what our lives will REALLY be like here.
Tomorrow I will commence my classes, which, by the way, are all taught in French: French grammar, French poetry, translation, Racines culturelles, a theatre production class, and a teaching internship. The last three are the most important. Here's why: Racines culturelles, or cultural roots, is a literature course at l'Université de Nantes. In this class, I will read and discuss some of the most important literary works to date: Othello, The Iliad, The Idiot, etcetera... mais en français. Pas de problème, right?
The theatre production course will be especially interesting because we'll be putting on a French play by the end of the semester. I can't think of a better or more fun way to improve my speaking skills.
Last but certainly not least- the teaching internship. This internship had a lot to do with my selection of the IES Nantes program. As an intern, I will be placed in schools around the city, and teach English to the students. Depending on their evaluation of my competence, I will either teach junior high or high school students. I cannot begin to express my excitement/nervousness about this aspect of the program.
Now, the stereotypes Q&A portion of the program:
Do the French smoke all the time?
Like trains.
Do the French drink wine constantly?
Comme des poissons! Yes, many of them do (and I join them). Surprisingly, though, I haven't seen many wine lists in restaurants. The true connoisseurs of wine don't seem to need a list. Also, wine is literally cheaper than water.
How many crêpes have you eaten?
Already too many to count. And they're FABULOUS. The best one so far was filled with goat cheese, which is also very cheap here. Apparently the region of France that I'm in specializes in galettes, which, to my understanding, are flour-free crêpes. Not only are they amazing, but there may be hope for my Grecian Goddess figure after all.
Do French people take showers?
Probably more than I do. Though sometimes, after a long day without air conditioning, you can't tell.
Do French people like sports?
Rugby. Rugby is the only answer to this question, at least in the testosterone-based family with whom I live. It's exactly like football, sans protection. At first I thought it'd be boring to watch, but ladies...it's worth your time.
Do you speak French?
Yes and no. Every day I'm learning. It's only been a little over a week, and I'm already so much better than the first day. Are there language barriers? Absolutely. Do I make mistakes? Every time I open my mouth. But it's a good place to be. A new place.
Everyone should have to be a foreigner at some point in their life.
A toute à l'heure.
For those of you who don't know by now (who I assume are probably not reading this), I recently arrived in Nantes, France, where I will be spending my entire Fall semester (and then some). I'm living with a French family, attending a French university (part-time), and drinking lots of wine (full-time). So, the big question: How is it so far?
I love it.
BUT...it's been rather stressful up until this point. After spending two days in Paris (which were mostly wasted due to jetlag and sheer terror), I took a train to Nantes, where I waited for my host family to retrieve me. There are 67 other American students in this program, and we were all cramped into a rather small library, where we waited to be adopted. Rarely have I experienced something so nervewracking. My famille d'accueil consists of a couple, their 17-year-old son, and their cat, Hubert. They also have two older children who live in Paris. So far, they are all really great. And it certainly doesn't hurt that ma mère is an amazing cook, et mon frère is more than willing to show me all the hottest spots in town.
After only one night with our families, we were uprooted to Vannes, a city about two hours away, where we took in many sights that I cannot even begin to explain. Save for a daylong bout with seasickness, it was truly beautiful. Then it was a week full of orientation- touring Nantes, talking about safety, and other general housekeeping. Comment dit-on snooze? Though it was all necessary, I think we were all just incredibly anxious to get into the swing of things and find out what our lives will REALLY be like here.
Tomorrow I will commence my classes, which, by the way, are all taught in French: French grammar, French poetry, translation, Racines culturelles, a theatre production class, and a teaching internship. The last three are the most important. Here's why: Racines culturelles, or cultural roots, is a literature course at l'Université de Nantes. In this class, I will read and discuss some of the most important literary works to date: Othello, The Iliad, The Idiot, etcetera... mais en français. Pas de problème, right?
The theatre production course will be especially interesting because we'll be putting on a French play by the end of the semester. I can't think of a better or more fun way to improve my speaking skills.
Last but certainly not least- the teaching internship. This internship had a lot to do with my selection of the IES Nantes program. As an intern, I will be placed in schools around the city, and teach English to the students. Depending on their evaluation of my competence, I will either teach junior high or high school students. I cannot begin to express my excitement/nervousness about this aspect of the program.
Now, the stereotypes Q&A portion of the program:
Do the French smoke all the time?
Like trains.
Do the French drink wine constantly?
Comme des poissons! Yes, many of them do (and I join them). Surprisingly, though, I haven't seen many wine lists in restaurants. The true connoisseurs of wine don't seem to need a list. Also, wine is literally cheaper than water.
How many crêpes have you eaten?
Already too many to count. And they're FABULOUS. The best one so far was filled with goat cheese, which is also very cheap here. Apparently the region of France that I'm in specializes in galettes, which, to my understanding, are flour-free crêpes. Not only are they amazing, but there may be hope for my Grecian Goddess figure after all.
Do French people take showers?
Probably more than I do. Though sometimes, after a long day without air conditioning, you can't tell.
Do French people like sports?
Rugby. Rugby is the only answer to this question, at least in the testosterone-based family with whom I live. It's exactly like football, sans protection. At first I thought it'd be boring to watch, but ladies...it's worth your time.
Do you speak French?
Yes and no. Every day I'm learning. It's only been a little over a week, and I'm already so much better than the first day. Are there language barriers? Absolutely. Do I make mistakes? Every time I open my mouth. But it's a good place to be. A new place.
Everyone should have to be a foreigner at some point in their life.
A toute à l'heure.
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