Still in Shock

Sometimes I'll catch myself still doubting that I'm actually here. I've wanted to study abroad in France for longer than I can remember so now that I'm actually here, it's hard to believe.  Thus far, the whole experience has been surreal.  Already, I've seen so much, and the whole year still stretches ahead of me, full of possibilities.  I hope that I make the most of my time here, taking every opportunity that I can to explore, learn, grow, and most importantly, improve my French skills.  As I sit here reflecting on my goals, I wonder when it will actually sink in, that I really am here, living in France for a year just like I always dreamed?  As participants in this study abroad program, we are constantly reminded that as soon as this "honeymoon" phase is over, we will hit a low point.  While I can't say that I'm looking forward to this "depression" or period of missing home, I almost want to just get it over with, so I can really settle in here and fall into an everyday pattern, just like I do at home.

As of right now, I feel like I'm living in some kind of fantasy land, but I have a feeling reality will hit right around the time classes start on Monday.  I guess some things never change, no matter what country I happen to live in.  That being said, I am pretty excited to experience classes here, in an entirely different educational system.  The differences in attending school here and back home are noticeable already.  Even something as simple as registering for classes is an entirely different process for the French.  I can't speak for all French universities, but at Paul Valéry, there is no online registration for classes.  There aren't even course catalogs.  Information about classes has to be gathered from the different departments, which can be difficult since class descriptions and timetables are often unavailable even less than a week before classes start.  I still don't know where my media class is being held...  Anyway, once classes are selected, students just show up to the classes they want to take; there is no official registration.  I'm sure I've only just skimmed the surface on the number of differences there are between the educational systems here and in the U.S., but it will be interesting to see how many more reveal themselves as the year progresses.

In the meantime, I'm going to savor what's left of the summer and enjoy the gorgeous weather, my lovely French apartment, and delicious food.

À bientôt!