Dear Reader,
They say that home is where the heart is. If that is true, then I left my heart in St. Laurent du-Var. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I bade farewell to the small town I had grown to love so much. Even though I had four days in Paris ahead of me, I couldn't fathom dinners without Lucie (my adorable host sister), walks without my new friends from St. Laurent who weren't venturing to Paris, or days without going to the rocky beach. Saying goodbye to all those things was a nightmare. It is strange when your nightmare is that the dream is simply coming to an end.
At the beginning of the trip, I made a few goals for myself. They included accidentally writing a blog post in French, reading a newspaper article in French understanding every word, and considering myself to be borderline conversational/fluent. After a few days in France, it became easier to transition between English and French so I never wrote an entire blog in French. But when speaking to friends, I often typed in "Franglish" throwing in a few words in French here or there. Also, when I first arrived in the US, I kept accidentally talking to people in French. "Oh right. We're in America now. English", I constantly had to remind myself. I had the opportunity to read several newspaper articles while in France. Though I never could understand every word, I understood the overall idea. It was fun getting to keep up with the same world I had always lived in, but in a different language. I would consider myself to be very conversational in French, but I still have a long way to go before I'm fluent. Looking back on my French speaking skills prior to the trip, I was hardly conversational. I could read and write well but I had never spoken French aloud. It was so rewarding the other day listening to my favorite Edith Piaf songs and understanding what the famous French singer was saying.
Returning to my house in America was strange. I wasn't used to all the space and I realized that people really don't need that much space. How amazing it is to have air conditioning all the time, to be able to dry your clothes quickly in a machine, and to be able to drive everywhere... unnecessary, I now realize, but luxuries.
I expected to be homesick when in St. Laurent du-Var. I never expected to be homesick once returning to Kansas City. I want desperately to be back in France with my friends and host family. If I was crying when I left St. Laurent, you would expect for me to bawl when leaving Paris. Yes, I was sad. But looking out that airplane window, I knew it wasn't goodbye for long. "Au Revoir, France. Mais pas à jamais", I said under my breath.
Avec toute mon affection,
Elizabeth
C'est la Fin
Dear Reader,
Today was my last day in St. Laurent du Var. Those were the shortest 4 weeks of my life. Saying goodbye to many of my group members for the last time was sad but I was soon cheered up by my host family when we exchanged gifts. The two oldest siblings weren't here to open their presents but Lucie went on and on about her HelloKitty watch. She had never heard of jacks so I taught her how to play and I ended up playing jacks with her for 2 hours... 2 whole hours... Corrine (my host mom) loved the Kansas City BBQ spices but was really confused when she saw the BBQ sause. I'm still not quite sure why. My French family gave me lavender pouches with a lavender colored teddy bear, a book written in French with the English translation on the neighboring page, and French chocolates (which I do not plan on sharing with anyone, in case you were wondering). Grace, my roommate, gave me a necklace with a hand carved glass dog on it. Why? Because I was supposedly born in the year of the dog (which explains a lot in terms of my unusual obsession with dogs). Though the French customs are slightly different than American ones, it brings me comfort to know that dogs are the same in both countries: when I go after them with my arms extended for a hug, both French and American dogs run away.
Naturally, being me, I have an embarrassing story. Stating the obvious: I am clumsy. I constantly drop things, trip over my own feet, and get injured in the lamest ways. I had SO MANY clumsy moments during my time with my host family that I actually had to look up the word for clumsy in French so I could explain to the family why their bowl was broken, why I randomly fell from time to time, and why I am so bad at walking down the stairs. This last week, whenever I had a clumsy moment, I wouldn't even have to say anything. My host parents would simply to at each other, look at me, and in unison say "clumsy" in French.
I am looking forward to Paris tomorrow and will write again whenever I can. Caio Caio!
-Elizabeth
Today was my last day in St. Laurent du Var. Those were the shortest 4 weeks of my life. Saying goodbye to many of my group members for the last time was sad but I was soon cheered up by my host family when we exchanged gifts. The two oldest siblings weren't here to open their presents but Lucie went on and on about her HelloKitty watch. She had never heard of jacks so I taught her how to play and I ended up playing jacks with her for 2 hours... 2 whole hours... Corrine (my host mom) loved the Kansas City BBQ spices but was really confused when she saw the BBQ sause. I'm still not quite sure why. My French family gave me lavender pouches with a lavender colored teddy bear, a book written in French with the English translation on the neighboring page, and French chocolates (which I do not plan on sharing with anyone, in case you were wondering). Grace, my roommate, gave me a necklace with a hand carved glass dog on it. Why? Because I was supposedly born in the year of the dog (which explains a lot in terms of my unusual obsession with dogs). Though the French customs are slightly different than American ones, it brings me comfort to know that dogs are the same in both countries: when I go after them with my arms extended for a hug, both French and American dogs run away.
Naturally, being me, I have an embarrassing story. Stating the obvious: I am clumsy. I constantly drop things, trip over my own feet, and get injured in the lamest ways. I had SO MANY clumsy moments during my time with my host family that I actually had to look up the word for clumsy in French so I could explain to the family why their bowl was broken, why I randomly fell from time to time, and why I am so bad at walking down the stairs. This last week, whenever I had a clumsy moment, I wouldn't even have to say anything. My host parents would simply to at each other, look at me, and in unison say "clumsy" in French.
I am looking forward to Paris tomorrow and will write again whenever I can. Caio Caio!
-Elizabeth
Entering the Last Week in St. Laurent
Dear Reader,
How many people go cliff jumping and parasailing within a week?! Today, I had a blast flying high above the French sea as I parasailed for the first time. A few hours later, the group went to Nice, France with the option of Salsa dancing or spending time in the city. I wasn't in the mood to dance so I went off to my favorite cliff in Nice. I just sat at the edge, 25 feet above the waves crashing into the rocks below and watched the light from the lighthouse rotate around and around off in the distance. Yet again, I felt like I was living a fairytale. It was so relaxing and just what I needed after a long, busy day.
This upcoming Saturday, I leave St. Laurent for Paris. Not many people from my group are going. Everyone is just sad, awaiting the day when we will have to say goodbye. I am thankful for the opportunity to spend a few more days in France but I will miss my friends.
Aside from that, not much more is going on. I will write more in the next couple of days whenever I have the opportunity.
Ciao ciao!
-Elizabeth
How many people go cliff jumping and parasailing within a week?! Today, I had a blast flying high above the French sea as I parasailed for the first time. A few hours later, the group went to Nice, France with the option of Salsa dancing or spending time in the city. I wasn't in the mood to dance so I went off to my favorite cliff in Nice. I just sat at the edge, 25 feet above the waves crashing into the rocks below and watched the light from the lighthouse rotate around and around off in the distance. Yet again, I felt like I was living a fairytale. It was so relaxing and just what I needed after a long, busy day.
This upcoming Saturday, I leave St. Laurent for Paris. Not many people from my group are going. Everyone is just sad, awaiting the day when we will have to say goodbye. I am thankful for the opportunity to spend a few more days in France but I will miss my friends.
Aside from that, not much more is going on. I will write more in the next couple of days whenever I have the opportunity.
Ciao ciao!
-Elizabeth
Random Information
Dear Reader,
I have a story. I meant to blog about it weeks ago but kept forgetting to do so. When I first met up with my group from Abbey Road in the JFK airport, I suddenly became paranoid about the word "bubble". Yes, it is a random word. But for some reason, I NEEDED to know how to say it in French. It wasn't long before I learned that "les bulles" = "the bubbles". During my time in France, I swear I have never had to use the word bubble so much in my entire life! From the moment I boarded the airplane, my entertainment screen had a picture of a woman blowing bubbles. The next day, as I walked along the beach with my friend, Meredith, a little girl was blowing bubbles and Meredith insisted on popping them before the little girl could. A few times when my host mom cooked dinner, the pot of water on the stove began to bubble over and I had to run tell her. I can never remember the French name for sparkling water so I order the "water with bubbles". Is it a coincidence that I've had to use this word so often? Perhaps I am simply more aware of it. Anyway, I know this story was random and rambling but I thought it was worth sharing. Hope you enjoyed!
-Elizabeth
I have a story. I meant to blog about it weeks ago but kept forgetting to do so. When I first met up with my group from Abbey Road in the JFK airport, I suddenly became paranoid about the word "bubble". Yes, it is a random word. But for some reason, I NEEDED to know how to say it in French. It wasn't long before I learned that "les bulles" = "the bubbles". During my time in France, I swear I have never had to use the word bubble so much in my entire life! From the moment I boarded the airplane, my entertainment screen had a picture of a woman blowing bubbles. The next day, as I walked along the beach with my friend, Meredith, a little girl was blowing bubbles and Meredith insisted on popping them before the little girl could. A few times when my host mom cooked dinner, the pot of water on the stove began to bubble over and I had to run tell her. I can never remember the French name for sparkling water so I order the "water with bubbles". Is it a coincidence that I've had to use this word so often? Perhaps I am simply more aware of it. Anyway, I know this story was random and rambling but I thought it was worth sharing. Hope you enjoyed!
-Elizabeth
Semain III
Dear Reader,
I would like to give a shout out to my sister Kiersten Schorgl who reads my blog and really wanted a shout out. Love you Kier!
This week has been amazing thus far. On Tuesday, it was pouring all day long. After class, a few of my friends and I were walking home in the rain. The other three girls splashed through the puddles belting out to the song "Yellow Submarine". But I walked ahead humming to "Singing in the Rain" which I found more fit for the circumstances. Here is the picture I snapped of the girls during that walk. Yes, we were all soaking wet... but it was worth it!
Today was one of the best days of the trip yet. I am exhausted so I won't go into too much detail but the video above will explain just about everything.
Ciao Ciao!
-Elizabeth
Semain II
Dear Reader,
I have had a really fun week here in France and look forward to 3 more weeks of this great experience. Yesterday, was a particularly good day: I saw the last Harry Potter movie. IT WAS AMAZING!!! At the end when the music played, I got chills. Seriously, this movie blew my mind out. The French subtitles were rather nice. If I didn't catch what a character said, I could just read it in French. Also, I learned a lot of French words/sayings (i.e. Of course not, Forever, Avada Kadavra etc.). Speaking of, did you know that in French, "baguette" can also mean wand? Now I can't help but picture Harry casting the killing spell with a long loaf of French bread.
On the way home from Harry Potter, a French guy sat next to me on the train. I had a whole conversation with him in French. I asked him how the French can tell when someone is a tourist. According to him, most Americans have an accent and pale skin. He said I spoke French well, dressed like the locals, but was too pale. Success: I blend in okay with the French. Failure: a cute French boy dissed the ivory skin that I was so proud of and worked hard for, thinking that it was the French look. And to answer your question, no; this does not mean I am going to intentionally get tan now.
I will try to add pictures later today but for now, Au Revoir!
-Elizabeth
I have had a really fun week here in France and look forward to 3 more weeks of this great experience. Yesterday, was a particularly good day: I saw the last Harry Potter movie. IT WAS AMAZING!!! At the end when the music played, I got chills. Seriously, this movie blew my mind out. The French subtitles were rather nice. If I didn't catch what a character said, I could just read it in French. Also, I learned a lot of French words/sayings (i.e. Of course not, Forever, Avada Kadavra etc.). Speaking of, did you know that in French, "baguette" can also mean wand? Now I can't help but picture Harry casting the killing spell with a long loaf of French bread.
On the way home from Harry Potter, a French guy sat next to me on the train. I had a whole conversation with him in French. I asked him how the French can tell when someone is a tourist. According to him, most Americans have an accent and pale skin. He said I spoke French well, dressed like the locals, but was too pale. Success: I blend in okay with the French. Failure: a cute French boy dissed the ivory skin that I was so proud of and worked hard for, thinking that it was the French look. And to answer your question, no; this does not mean I am going to intentionally get tan now.
I will try to add pictures later today but for now, Au Revoir!
-Elizabeth
Week 1 Pictures
One of my favorite pieces from The Museum of Modern and Contempory Art in Nice.
My ADORABLE host family sister, Lucie. That night, she put clips all around her hat and put on a fashion show for the family.
Two of my fellow group members, Meredith and Hannah, enjoying the beach.
My roommate (Grace) and me.
The charming view from my classroom window.
Semain I
Dear Reader,
Before, I thought I wanted to live in France. Now, I know I want to live here. My host family woke up early this morning to send the children (who are adorable by the way) to summer camp. I am so thankful for my host family. They have done so much to make me feel at home!
As I was saying earlier, my host family woke up early this morning (5:00). Naturally, being a light sleeper, I woke up too. My roomate is sleeping and the family has left/isn't around. Thus, I am having some "me time" right now. I am sitting on the patio, sipping some tea, and enjoying the beauty surrounding me. I have never felt so content and relaxed, as I watch a butterfly float from flower to flower. No seriously, this is actually happening; I am not dreaming this! I honestly feel like I am in a fairytale right now.
If there is one important lesson I have learned during my time here, it is that living space and things are really quite petty. Right now, I am without many of the luxeries I have in America, yet I have never been so content in my entire life. I am an environmentalist so I love the whole idea of utilizing space and saving energy, as my French family does. Mom and dad, if you are reading this, get ready to adopt some of these aspects of French living when I come home. Speaking of, I am just one week into my vacation and I'm already dreading the day when I have to say goodbye to my new home: France.
St. Laurent is officially where I want to live when I grow up. The gorgeous city of Nice is just a 10 minute train ride away. Though stuffed with tourists, Nice borders a beautiful sea with a charming lighthouse! Those who know me well know that I am obsessed with lighthouses (along with all things French... but you knew that). I have always wanted to go to a rocky beach with a lighthouse and finally, I was able to do so. I am mildly in a hurry right now so I bid you farewell.
-Elizabeth
Before, I thought I wanted to live in France. Now, I know I want to live here. My host family woke up early this morning to send the children (who are adorable by the way) to summer camp. I am so thankful for my host family. They have done so much to make me feel at home!
As I was saying earlier, my host family woke up early this morning (5:00). Naturally, being a light sleeper, I woke up too. My roomate is sleeping and the family has left/isn't around. Thus, I am having some "me time" right now. I am sitting on the patio, sipping some tea, and enjoying the beauty surrounding me. I have never felt so content and relaxed, as I watch a butterfly float from flower to flower. No seriously, this is actually happening; I am not dreaming this! I honestly feel like I am in a fairytale right now.
If there is one important lesson I have learned during my time here, it is that living space and things are really quite petty. Right now, I am without many of the luxeries I have in America, yet I have never been so content in my entire life. I am an environmentalist so I love the whole idea of utilizing space and saving energy, as my French family does. Mom and dad, if you are reading this, get ready to adopt some of these aspects of French living when I come home. Speaking of, I am just one week into my vacation and I'm already dreading the day when I have to say goodbye to my new home: France.
St. Laurent is officially where I want to live when I grow up. The gorgeous city of Nice is just a 10 minute train ride away. Though stuffed with tourists, Nice borders a beautiful sea with a charming lighthouse! Those who know me well know that I am obsessed with lighthouses (along with all things French... but you knew that). I have always wanted to go to a rocky beach with a lighthouse and finally, I was able to do so. I am mildly in a hurry right now so I bid you farewell.
-Elizabeth
Je Suis Ici!
Dear Reader,
When I arrived in St. Laurent du Var Sunday, I was greeted with a warm smile from my host family. A couple of days have gone by and I am having the time of my life!!! I have learned so much, already and St. Laurent du Var is the most beautiful place I have ever seen! For this post, I will discuss what I have learned about the French language to this point, my challenges and triumphs in terms of the language barrier, as well as what activities I have done thus far.
My goal for this trip is to be very conversational/nearly fluent in the French language. On the first day, I wanted to speak in French right away (as did all the other students). After 5 minutes, my head was about to explode! I am sorry to say that I soon switched back to English happily! That first day, the students spoke in English to one another. However, as each day has gone by, we have begun to speak in French more and more. In other words, we have eased into the French immersion, if you will. I feel like my vocabulary has started to grow a bit already. More importantly, I have learned to form sentences in French quickly. The sentences are beginning to flow naturally!
Already, I have had many amazing experiences speaking French with the natives. Tuesday, at a shop, I made small talk with the French man behind me in line. We had a good 5 minute conversation and I barely noticed it at first, but I was speaking in French and the man was responding in English! Rewarding moments like this make the stressful language barrier well worthwhile. Each day in class, we go out and engage in everyday tasks using French. Today, we paired up; each pair was assigned a French dish. My partner (Jessica) and I were assigned the "tarte de blete de sucre/sale" or the sugary/salty beet cakes. We had to go up to people in the market and ask them to explain the difference between the sugary beet cakes and salty ones. Additionally, we had to ask for the different ingredients in each tart and the history behind the dish. It wasn't scary, but fun and exciting!! I must say, it is fascinating to see the difference between how the Abbey Road group is treated when we are speaking French compared to when we are speaking English. For example, today I was awaiting the train. Once it arrived, I started walking towards the door, as did another man. He looked at me, annoyed, and put out his hand as a way to indicate that I could proceed before him. I recipricated this gesture and said, "Non. Apres vous" or No. After you. He instandtly smiled and said, "Oh, alore! You speak French? That is very good". So the moral of the story is: when in France, speak French. I would describe many other difficult/rewarding experiences I have had but this post would be more like a novel.
I can't even begin to describe how amazing this experience is. From the time I walked into my host family's house, I have been living the French lifestyle, as well as speaking the language. Americans: you are so lucky to have airconditioning. At my house in St. Laurent, a couple rooms have some A.C. and my bedroom is not one of them. In America, I was almost annoyed when not in a cooled room. I now approach A.C. like: oh, it is sooo nice that this shop is cooled a little. It is discusting how much energy Americans use (airconditioning, lights, cars, water, etc.), compared to the people in France (or St. Laurent at least). I have had so much fun bonding with my amazing group members this week. I honestly do not have a complaint about any of them. Later, I will add some pictures of the group and what we've done.
I will try to post again soon but I have been so busy! The only time I can write a blog post is late at night. Like, right now it's 1:35 a.m. here. So, to my parents, I love ya. To my friends, I'm thinking of you. And until next time, "Ciao Ciao"!
-Elizabeth
When I arrived in St. Laurent du Var Sunday, I was greeted with a warm smile from my host family. A couple of days have gone by and I am having the time of my life!!! I have learned so much, already and St. Laurent du Var is the most beautiful place I have ever seen! For this post, I will discuss what I have learned about the French language to this point, my challenges and triumphs in terms of the language barrier, as well as what activities I have done thus far.
My goal for this trip is to be very conversational/nearly fluent in the French language. On the first day, I wanted to speak in French right away (as did all the other students). After 5 minutes, my head was about to explode! I am sorry to say that I soon switched back to English happily! That first day, the students spoke in English to one another. However, as each day has gone by, we have begun to speak in French more and more. In other words, we have eased into the French immersion, if you will. I feel like my vocabulary has started to grow a bit already. More importantly, I have learned to form sentences in French quickly. The sentences are beginning to flow naturally!
Already, I have had many amazing experiences speaking French with the natives. Tuesday, at a shop, I made small talk with the French man behind me in line. We had a good 5 minute conversation and I barely noticed it at first, but I was speaking in French and the man was responding in English! Rewarding moments like this make the stressful language barrier well worthwhile. Each day in class, we go out and engage in everyday tasks using French. Today, we paired up; each pair was assigned a French dish. My partner (Jessica) and I were assigned the "tarte de blete de sucre/sale" or the sugary/salty beet cakes. We had to go up to people in the market and ask them to explain the difference between the sugary beet cakes and salty ones. Additionally, we had to ask for the different ingredients in each tart and the history behind the dish. It wasn't scary, but fun and exciting!! I must say, it is fascinating to see the difference between how the Abbey Road group is treated when we are speaking French compared to when we are speaking English. For example, today I was awaiting the train. Once it arrived, I started walking towards the door, as did another man. He looked at me, annoyed, and put out his hand as a way to indicate that I could proceed before him. I recipricated this gesture and said, "Non. Apres vous" or No. After you. He instandtly smiled and said, "Oh, alore! You speak French? That is very good". So the moral of the story is: when in France, speak French. I would describe many other difficult/rewarding experiences I have had but this post would be more like a novel.
I can't even begin to describe how amazing this experience is. From the time I walked into my host family's house, I have been living the French lifestyle, as well as speaking the language. Americans: you are so lucky to have airconditioning. At my house in St. Laurent, a couple rooms have some A.C. and my bedroom is not one of them. In America, I was almost annoyed when not in a cooled room. I now approach A.C. like: oh, it is sooo nice that this shop is cooled a little. It is discusting how much energy Americans use (airconditioning, lights, cars, water, etc.), compared to the people in France (or St. Laurent at least). I have had so much fun bonding with my amazing group members this week. I honestly do not have a complaint about any of them. Later, I will add some pictures of the group and what we've done.
I will try to post again soon but I have been so busy! The only time I can write a blog post is late at night. Like, right now it's 1:35 a.m. here. So, to my parents, I love ya. To my friends, I'm thinking of you. And until next time, "Ciao Ciao"!
-Elizabeth
Au Revoir
Dear Reader,
I couldn't help but write one last post before embarking on my French voyage. I know I have written three blog posts and the trip hasn't even started yet, but I am SO excited! Tomorrow morning, I am waking up at 5:30 for my flight to New York. I will spend the day there with my parents. In the early evening, I will finally meet up with the leaders and members of my Abbey Road group! That is the plan... unless between now and then my head explodes from excitement.
This last week, I heard from my French host mom. She is very nice and is going to "introduce me to some French dishes", which is awesome because I love to cook... and eat. Along with my host mom, I will have a host dad, two younger host sisters who are 8 and soon to be 15 years old and a host brother who is 10. The 15-year-old dreams of going to America. If she would like, I would love to teach her the customs of America and to learn about those of France. I am also excited to meet my roommate, Grace, in person. I know I am going to have the time of my life this summer with these new friends of mine.
The next time you shall hear from me, I will be in France. It's funny: In some ways, I feel like I am going on an exciting journey to a foreign country. But at the same time, I feel like I am simply going home.
Until next time,
Elizabeth
I couldn't help but write one last post before embarking on my French voyage. I know I have written three blog posts and the trip hasn't even started yet, but I am SO excited! Tomorrow morning, I am waking up at 5:30 for my flight to New York. I will spend the day there with my parents. In the early evening, I will finally meet up with the leaders and members of my Abbey Road group! That is the plan... unless between now and then my head explodes from excitement.
This last week, I heard from my French host mom. She is very nice and is going to "introduce me to some French dishes", which is awesome because I love to cook... and eat. Along with my host mom, I will have a host dad, two younger host sisters who are 8 and soon to be 15 years old and a host brother who is 10. The 15-year-old dreams of going to America. If she would like, I would love to teach her the customs of America and to learn about those of France. I am also excited to meet my roommate, Grace, in person. I know I am going to have the time of my life this summer with these new friends of mine.
The next time you shall hear from me, I will be in France. It's funny: In some ways, I feel like I am going on an exciting journey to a foreign country. But at the same time, I feel like I am simply going home.
Until next time,
Elizabeth
Expectations and Goals
Dear Reader,
My first blog post served as a way to introduce myself and share some experiences I have had connecting with my group members, thus far. For this post, I will discuss, further, my expectations and goals for my trip, why I chose Abbey Road, along with what I plan to do with my French-speaking skills in the future.
First, I have one silly yet puzzling question for the people at Abbey Road. I know we should speak French and only French, but when do we start? The group meets at JFK airport where we have several hours to get to know one another before the flight. We have even more bonding time during the flight before we finally land in France. Do we get to know one another in English and then start speaking French when we reach our destination or do we speak French the moment we meet at the airport? I can't help but giggle at the idea of someone saying, "Okay, start speaking French right..............NOW"!
As I venture across the globe, I expect to be nervous, but a good kind of nervous. You know the feeling that overcomes you just before you go onstage? Your stomach ties in knots, the adrenalin pulses throughout your shaking body, and your heart races like crazy as you await the moment when the curtains are drawn and you are transported to a new world upon the stage. That nervous anticipation and excitement is exactly how I feel right now. I cannot wait to venture out of my comfort zone, not only speaking the French language but living the French culture.
You don't have to know me well to know that I am obsessed with all things French. I want to speak and "live" French as soon as possible! About a year ago, I became interested in doing a French immersion program. My French teacher referred me to the Abbey Road Program. When my parents and I visited the website, we were all very impressed. The program was everything I was looking for: 5 weeks in France (not too long, not too short) consisting of cultural experiences and daily French classes. The online photographs portrayed students having the time of their lives. The moment my parents approved, I knew my dream of going to France was coming true.
Five weeks is a long time to be away from home. But is it long enough to become proficient in a language? I want to make the most I can out of these five weeks. From what I have heard from my fellow group members, everyone seems very serious about the program, wanting to speak French the entire time. As a source of motivation, I have made a list of goals to accomplish by the end of the five weeks. I wish to be able to read a newspaper or novel in French with ease, to understand a French film without English subtitles, to accidentally write one of my blog posts in French instead of English, and to be borderline conversational/fluent.
So how do I plan on using French in my life? This next year, when I am a high school senior, I will take French 5. In college, I will major in International Relations. Regardless of where life takes me, I will have a job that requires frequent use of French. For this reason, I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn French now and get a head start on my plans for the future.
Until next time,
Elizabeth
My first blog post served as a way to introduce myself and share some experiences I have had connecting with my group members, thus far. For this post, I will discuss, further, my expectations and goals for my trip, why I chose Abbey Road, along with what I plan to do with my French-speaking skills in the future.
First, I have one silly yet puzzling question for the people at Abbey Road. I know we should speak French and only French, but when do we start? The group meets at JFK airport where we have several hours to get to know one another before the flight. We have even more bonding time during the flight before we finally land in France. Do we get to know one another in English and then start speaking French when we reach our destination or do we speak French the moment we meet at the airport? I can't help but giggle at the idea of someone saying, "Okay, start speaking French right..............NOW"!
As I venture across the globe, I expect to be nervous, but a good kind of nervous. You know the feeling that overcomes you just before you go onstage? Your stomach ties in knots, the adrenalin pulses throughout your shaking body, and your heart races like crazy as you await the moment when the curtains are drawn and you are transported to a new world upon the stage. That nervous anticipation and excitement is exactly how I feel right now. I cannot wait to venture out of my comfort zone, not only speaking the French language but living the French culture.
You don't have to know me well to know that I am obsessed with all things French. I want to speak and "live" French as soon as possible! About a year ago, I became interested in doing a French immersion program. My French teacher referred me to the Abbey Road Program. When my parents and I visited the website, we were all very impressed. The program was everything I was looking for: 5 weeks in France (not too long, not too short) consisting of cultural experiences and daily French classes. The online photographs portrayed students having the time of their lives. The moment my parents approved, I knew my dream of going to France was coming true.
Five weeks is a long time to be away from home. But is it long enough to become proficient in a language? I want to make the most I can out of these five weeks. From what I have heard from my fellow group members, everyone seems very serious about the program, wanting to speak French the entire time. As a source of motivation, I have made a list of goals to accomplish by the end of the five weeks. I wish to be able to read a newspaper or novel in French with ease, to understand a French film without English subtitles, to accidentally write one of my blog posts in French instead of English, and to be borderline conversational/fluent.
So how do I plan on using French in my life? This next year, when I am a high school senior, I will take French 5. In college, I will major in International Relations. Regardless of where life takes me, I will have a job that requires frequent use of French. For this reason, I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn French now and get a head start on my plans for the future.
Until next time,
Elizabeth
The Countdown Begins!
Dear Reader,
Bienvenue! The two week countdown for my trip to St. Laurent with the Abbey Road program starts today and I am so excited! I can’t wait to meet everyone going on the trip with me and to learn more about my host family. But more than anything, I want to start speaking French NOW!!!
I’ve already started taking a few steps in order to prepare for my immersion in the French language. I have Rosetta stone and am now on the second level (out of five). Having taken 3 years of French classes, the first CD was rather redundant. But I hope in two weeks, I will have completed every level and will have a good head start for the trip. If I have any worries, they pertain to packing. I can only check one bag… mission impossible?
I recently received the student roster for my trip. There are teens from around the United States and even a girl from Hong Kong. Believe it or not, one of the guys in my group is from Kansas City (my hometown). What are the chances? We hadn’t met but our parents had crossed paths. In fact, I just came back from meeting him and am so relieved that there will be one familiar face during this scary, but exciting journey. Along with this, I have been emailing back and forth with my roommate this past week! As a matter of fact, she’s the student from Hong Kong I mentioned previously. She is very kind and I can’t wait to meet her in person. She’s even going to teach me a few words in Chinese! Anyway, it has been fun and easy getting to know a few of my group members whether they live a few minutes away or halfway around the world!
Avez un bon été,
Elizabeth
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