It's so surreal to be back in New York, the signs are in English, the cars are giant, and the money is green. My trip is now a memory. I've met people, seen places, and done things that I'll never forget. I adapted a lifestyle and developed relationships that broadened my perspective and influenced who I want to become. It's extremely hard to say goodbye forever, to walk away from people who have changed you for the better, never knowing when you'll see them again, or if you ever even will. I was one of those people that did not want to come home.
The first couple days were both incredibly exciting and incredibly difficult. I was sooo slow with French for a while. It was the first time I ever really attempted to express my instantaneous thoughts and ideas in French on the spot. It's friggin hard. I drastically improved at being able to use the French I already know, vocabulary and grammar I had previously studied became clarified and cemented, and better known by heart so by the end I was chatting away. I learned colloquialisms, expressions, and vocabulary as well. That all came from the conversations I had, especially with my host family. It's a lot more challenging to discuss things like music, art, politics, and culture than it is to order a sandwich. Getting to know them as people in French was probably the coolest thing about my trip.
It was a great program to have fun in France, but I also came home far more capable at French, as I previously mentioned; it was still such an educational experience. There are so many layers of wisdom and self awareness that can be gained from a trip like this, the likes of which I think are far more valuable than textbook knowledge that can be gained at home. Now that I have the skills to use the French I know, I'm excited to pursue grammar, reading and writing.
I have no regrets about going. I must credit the program for giving me the opportunity of going there and doing all that I did as an introduction to my future studies abroad. In fact I'm eternally grateful. I really am in love with France. It was a little like a dream, to have really adapted a lifestyle there. I had a routine and a home and relationships.
Pre-France
Hi my name is Caroline, and I will be participating in the 2011 summer visit to St. Laurent du Var as a Web Ambassador and the recipient of the partial Chris Meyer Scholarship.
I'm from Westchester, New York and am going to be a senior in high school. I'm heavily invested in music and art, and am really looking forward to being immersed in French culture. I'm also excited to meet everyone on the trip, hopefully our French will allow us to get to know each other.
I chose Abbey Road because of how well rounded their idea of the experience seemed. I'm anticipating complete immersion in the french language, but also in the french culture through a variety of mediums such as music, art, film, and fun. I hope to collaborate with those on the trip to really take advantage of the opportunities Abbey Road will give us; the "workshop" policy seems like a great way for everyone to make the most out of the experience.
I'm also excited because I think it'll be fun as hell. Four weeks on the French Riviera cannot be a bad time. Thanks to all the Abbey Road staff who have helped with the process, and of course, my parents, mainly for not stowing away in my suitcase. My next post will be from Europe!
I'm from Westchester, New York and am going to be a senior in high school. I'm heavily invested in music and art, and am really looking forward to being immersed in French culture. I'm also excited to meet everyone on the trip, hopefully our French will allow us to get to know each other.
I chose Abbey Road because of how well rounded their idea of the experience seemed. I'm anticipating complete immersion in the french language, but also in the french culture through a variety of mediums such as music, art, film, and fun. I hope to collaborate with those on the trip to really take advantage of the opportunities Abbey Road will give us; the "workshop" policy seems like a great way for everyone to make the most out of the experience.
I'm hoping to learn a lot this summer, about french of course, but also about life. As a potential philosophy major, I chose to invest in a summer excursion such as this in an attempt to gain some perspective before starting college in the fall of 2012. I believe that this program truly offers the chance to get an educated feel for what life is like in another country, environment, culture. I think this summer can be so significant as to contribute direction to what I chose to pursue in life, especially since my one consistent desire has been to travel. These thoughts, as well as how hard I've worked to save the money to afford this trip, is what I think qualified me for the partial Chris Meyer Scholarship.
I'm also excited because I think it'll be fun as hell. Four weeks on the French Riviera cannot be a bad time. Thanks to all the Abbey Road staff who have helped with the process, and of course, my parents, mainly for not stowing away in my suitcase. My next post will be from Europe!
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