lol, yay for leaving things last minute. We had to write an essay summarizing dialogue between yourself and others who have participated in the program before you. I just finished it and yes it's due today. The May 12 batch of paperwork barely squeaked in as well. Preparation of the documents was mind-numbing. @.@ I just have to remember to keep repeating to myself "it'll all be worth it, it'll all be worth it...." and think about the copious amounts of food I will ingest over there. Mmmm, French butter....
Here's a copy of the essay:
After interviewing one L&C Lyon Returnee and reading another's blog, I can't help but feel a large sense of anticipation. Studying abroad is obviously a life-changing experience, but after speaking with them I feel that that may be an understatement. The picture I have now of my time participating in study abroad is one of ups and downs, one of unexpected happiness and rewarding hardships. I think that I’ve learned that when going abroad, one should go with an open mind and a desire for good interactions.
Before speaking with Allison and Brad (the returnees) I definitely held notions and fears in my mind about the experience. First of all, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, and second I was afraid of the difficulty of the adjustment. Allison helped a lot by answering my silly questions regarding differences in academic culture. Through her I’ve learned that scantrons have yet to take over France. Textbooks don’t cost quite an arm and a leg. There is little emphasis on group work, and professors are just as easy to talk to as they are here.
Brad’s journal provided a good resource of things you should and shouldn’t do. Through his recollections, I’ve learned that you definitely should keep your passport in a safe place. You should talk to as many people as you can. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re willing to learn, they are more than willing to show you.
When discussing some more logistical aspects, the main thing they told me was to pack lightly. They also mentioned that the casual dress-code in France is a little less casual, public transportation is very easy to get to, and there are plenty of internet cafés so a laptop is not extremely necessary. Communication with family and friends was also relatively easy to do every few days, postcards were cheap and easy to send, and getting your own cellphone wasn’t hard to do.
Neither of them had anything bad to say about their experience. Both of them had gotten what they wanted out of their experience. Neither of them had decided to extend past the four months though, so they both professed that their level of French proficiency was not yet fluent. Brad in particular expressed his regret in not staying longer, a major factor in his decision to take up a position in France the following year.
With their thoughts, experience, and advice in mind, I feel a little more at ease with what France has in store for me. I understand that this is a great opportunity for personal growth, as well as an intimate look into a beautiful culture outside of our own.
End essay.
Meh.... yeah. I started writing that at 4 in the morning. I took a nap (until 10), and then finished it.... :D
*promises to be more responsible in France*
Side note: Brad Nguyen was the guy who's LiveJournal I read. He inspired me to start one of my own.
