New Year, New Experiences

Two weeks into the semester and I already notice a huge difference compared to the last time around.  Whereas last September, I stumbled around blindly, barely able to find my classes, let alone what the professor in my lit class was saying half the time, this time I found my classes with ease and was pleasantly surprised to realize I was able to follow most of the lectures I sat in on.  Last semester, I felt like a freshman or a transfer student who had yet to learn the ropes.  What a difference a few months can make!  While I don’t know if it is ever possible to truly master all of the ins and outs of the French educational system, I have definitely made some strides.  I look forward to the challenges my new class schedule will surely bring, as I went from one to three integrated classes.  For those of you that don’t know, “integrated classes” are ones that are not organized especially for Americans or foreign students studying French.  Signing up for an “integrated class” is basically agreeing to be thrown in with the natives, in courses like 16^th century French literature or even an intro level sociology class, and held to the exact same academic standards.  Intimidating, to say the least.  We’ll see how this goes…

As I was planning out the trips I will be taking this semester, it suddenly hit me that I have less than four months left here in France.  Talk about time flying.  Less than four months to see everything I have yet to see, to check everything off my list??  Already this year I have…skied in the southern alps with a great group of new French friends, started teaching English lessons in an effort to earn a little extra cash, learned all about wine in Bordeaux with my best friend, hiked with my host family in the mountains, and planned trips to Italy and Greece.  Whew! Wonder what I’ll be able to add to that list by the end of May?! 

Christine and Alain exploring...

Michèle and I halfway through our "easy" hike :)

Alain demonstrates hiking à la française...when we stopped for lunch, he proceeded to pull out a bottle of red wine, two glasses, and a loaf of bread from his tiny backpack.  And a little table cloth.  I almost died laughing--the French need their wine and bread, even while hiking apparently!

 Between my homestay, my classes, my internship at a local radio station, and hanging out with friends, I think it’s safe to say I’ve achieved my goal of becoming totally immersed in the language and culture.  I just hope it pays off and I am able to reach a certain level of fluency by the end of my stay.  Recently, I’ve noticed I’m starting to think and dream in French, so I’m hoping that’s a good sign…