Studying abroad in France: baguettes, Brie and the Eiffel Tower
Katie A. Jones
Issue date: 10/23/09 Section: Life & Times
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The Sandspur: What was the first thing you did when you arrived in France?
Christopher McCauley: The first thing I did, even before I left the airport, was buy a croissant at a boulangerie. What else can I say? I was finally in France.
TS: What has been the biggest culture shock for you?
CM: The strangest thing to me is the fact that stores close so early, and they don't even open on Sundays. The first Sunday I spent in Paris, all I wanted to do was go shopping (I mean seriously, I'm in Paris…), and I couldn't because all of the stores were closed!
TS: What is your favorite food that you have tried while abroad?
CM: Let's just talk about cheese for a minute. The French know how to eat, and I think the thing they eat best is cheese. I have not had a cheese while I'm here that I haven't loved. Comté, Rocqueford, Chèvre, Camembert, Brie, Emmental, Boursin, and that's just naming a few! They also know how to eat it with bread-baguettes and croissants and brioches. Just writing about it makes me hungry. In fact, I just got back from the local market, where my friends and I bought a baguette, assorted kinds of cheese, and a few bottles of Orangina and had a regular feast while sitting under a tree in the Jardin du Luxembourg.
TS: What is your living situation while in Paris?
CM: I am living with a host family, which has been an absolutely amazing experience. It is so cool to wake up in the morning and speak French in my house and to have dinner each night over real conversations about relevant issues, all in French. My host family lives in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, which is in the very south part of the city. Just down the street is a lovely park, called the Parc Montsouris. I go there fairly often to read for class or to write poetry.
TS: What classes are you currently taking? Have you gone on any interesting fieldtrips with the class or had special hands-on activities?
CM: Not only am I taking French classes while I am here, but I am also taking Art History, Film Studies, and Parisian Architecture. We actually do take really cool excursions around the city. For my architecture class, we go once a week to a different part of the city to observe the history and the evolution of Parisian architecture throughout history. Each week for my Impressionism class we go to a different museum to study the paintings of Delacroix, Ingres, Monet, and so many other famous French painters of the 19th century.
TS: Are your classes taught in English or French? If in French, is it hard to adjust?
CM: My classes are taught completely in French, and it has absolutely been the best educational experience for me, as far as my language skills are concerned. I haven't had too much of a problem adjusting to the language in classes, but it certainly is a bit of a challenge. I am, to say the least, on my way to fluency in the French language, and I definitely attribute that to the amount of French I am using and speaking in class.
TS: Have you traveled to any other countries or cities while studying abroad?
CM: I have yet to travel to other countries, however, next weekend I am going to Brussels for a few days, and I am planning on spending fall break in England and either Portugal or Switzerland. I have a trip planned to Berlin as well for the end of November, and I'm sure there will be several more trips next semester.
TS: Are there any examples of stereotypes that you think the French have about Americans that you feel are untrue?
CM: Since I have arrived here, I have noticed some huge American stereotypes. The other day, I was riding the metro, and there was a group of American tourists sitting near me. They were loud, had food with them, and were trying to speak English to the Native French people. I was, to say the least, slightly embarrassed. Perhaps this is not the most positive response to this question. There are, however, several students studying abroad here in Paris, and all of the ones I have met have a general interest and liking for studying a foreign language, which has been a very refreshing feeling. To me, foreign language study is the most important part of our education, and I feel that we as Americans rarely embrace the fact that we live in a world where not everybody speaks our language. Learning a foreign language is the best way to expand your mind and learn about other cultures and foreign mindsets and opinions. Being around other American students who feel the same way is such a positive experience, and I am glad to see that this stereotype is being broken.
TS: Do you have any examples of a stereotype you had before you departed about the French that you now find to be untrue?
CM: As far as stereotypes of French people go, I feel it is necessary to tell you the truth. They do in fact shower everyday, and yes, the women do shave under their arms. French people are all so put-together and beautiful. Everyday they are wearing the most fashionable clothes, and nothing is ever out of place. I have not once seen a pair of sweatpants in France. Men and women carry around Longchamp bags and briefcases (another weird culture shock). I, myself, am saving up to buy a Longchamp briefcase for my computer and plan on bringing this trend back to the states.
TS: Is there anything else you want to share?
CM: Advice: Do not hesitate to study abroad. Do it. It will be the best experience of your life, there will never be a better time to do it, and you will never regret it. Also, go somewhere that doesn't speak English. There is no better way to learn another language than to live in the country in which it is spoken, and I really feel like you will not get as rich a cultural experience in a place where English is spoken.
Follow Christopher's blog at christopherinparis.blogspot.com. It is updated at least once a week.
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