So I've read one book this summer about living in France. It was called I'll Never Be French, No Matter What I Do. I checked it out at the library because the author is an American who splits his time between the U.S. and France. His second home is in Finistere, which happens to be part of Bretagne (Brittany), which happens to be where Rennes is! The difference, though, is the fact that Finistere is on the coast. But still! The book wasn't terribly helpful but it was certainly enjoyable. I learned mainly that the French appreciate when you make an effort, they eat dinner late at night, and they don't stand in lines, they stand in wedges. But it was fun to read about all the wonderful people he met in France and his experiences trying to be a homeowner in a country where he can barely speak the language correctly. Actually, it was probably more helpful than I even realize. Isn't that always the case? Interested? Click here for more info! (Not a paid endorsement, haha)
I think my next few books will be more helpful. They're called Culture Shock! France, Survival Kit for Overseas Living, and one other one that I can't remember right now. Hooray for the public library!
I'm going to be just fine. Or so I keep telling myself! =) I'm supposed to buy a France guidebook but I'm not sure why.
... is figuring out how I want to dress over there! I need to pack clothes that are sturdy and stylish-ish... The French appreciate a well-put-together outfit. I already know I'm bringing plenty of scarves because I like those anyway in the fall, but how do I even begin to layer? How cold will it get? It rains a lot but it doesn't snow often. Mom and I found a great all-weather coat on sale at Younker's so that was a score. Now just need to find some good, waterproof, comfortable shoes that don't make me look like I'm gonna climb a mountain. And figure out what sweaters to take! And other tops! And a few pairs of jeans!
I'm terrible at this... somebody call What Not To Wear, I'm sure they could help me!
On a not fashion related note - my parents aren't planning on coming to visit while I'm over there, which makes me kind of sad but at the same time I understand. So I'll just have to deal with four months of separation from almost everyone I love!
I promised to talk a little about my French background, so here goes.
Started in eighth grade learning the basics. I loved my teacher, she was hilarious and from Spain! The main memory I have of that class is a time we were practicing writing on the overhead (do they even use those anymore?) and one boy asked, "Comment-on dis 'but?'" The class was silent for a minute, then the giggling started. Everyone thought he'd asked how to say "butt!" Finally Ms. Romero figured out he meant the preposition "but," and answered, "mais." I felt really silly for not realizing what he meant, especially because I had a big old crush on that boy in eighth grade.
Took classes all through high school with three different teachers. Freshman year was pretty much review, sophomore year we read a short play, junior year I was my teacher's assistant and graded lower level's papers and tests, and senior year was a blast. We learned how to tektonik! (I'll add a video at the end of the post!) I never thought I was very good at french but I always did pretty well on the national french exams. I think I got first in the district and eighth in the state one year? But I could be totally wrong because that was so long ago. I just remember getting a card from the superintendent congratulating me.
I've taken french all four semesters of college. Freshman year was another kind of review sort of, and we watched a couple movies and discussed a lot of current events. My favorite was when we watched La Haine and discussed the immigrant/minority experience in les banlieues, the suburbs, of Paris. Last year was literature based, so we read all sorts of selections and several full novels and plays. I really enjoyed our discussions and felt like I got a lot out of it. French authors are so fascinating! I loved Rimbaud and Verlaine and Sartre and Camus. I'm excited to read more.
I hope all that wasn't too boring... and I hope it was enough to help me score pretty well on the placement exam when I get to France so I can take fun classes! I should probably start practicing more... get out that grammar book...
Tektonik!
Better start practicing for les discotheques!
Imdb for La Haine: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113247/
(La Haine means "Hate." I think the most striking line in the film is "la haine attire la haine," which means "hate breeds hate.")
Well hello there! My name is Cali (most of you should know that by now), and I'm an American college student studying at a small Midwestern liberal arts school. I've been there for two years, and I absolutely love it. My majors are History and English, with a minor in French (soon to change!), and I'm a member of the Honors Program. Part of the requirement of the Honors Program is to study abroad. Also, the only requirement I have left to have a French major is to study abroad in a French-speaking country. So... I applied for the CIEE liberal arts program in Rennes, France... and I'm leaving in a month! I can't even believe it... I've never been out of the country before, and I've never been far from home for more than a week. So four months away is going to be a challenge! But one I am very excited for. Later I will post more about my french language background (not really that exciting), preparations (minimal, so far!) and expectations. For now I just wanted to say hello and thanks for being here! I can't wait to start sharing my experiences in la belle france! One month until I'm in Paris!
