The quirks of living abroad

So I have completed my first week of foreign classes.  I can not even begin to tell you how different classes are here.  To begin with, as I have stressed before, there is absolutely no english spoken in class or ever in the presence of the faculty and staff, so you pretty much have to get over being nervous/scared to talk asap.  Also, the teachers use an entirely different teaching style....while in America, teachers are constantly applauding our efforts to answer questions and speak in another language, here the teachers are quick to tell you what mistakes you made and hardly even comment on your bon travail.  It's not that they are mean at all, but they think the best way to improve is through practice and correction.  Additionally, pretty sure no teacher hear has every heard of letting class out early and you better utilize your 15 minute break because class is pretty intense.  Also, it has been an eye opener to realize that it is super hard to have a fun personality when you don't speak a language!!  When we go out with our friends it is so much fun to listen and hang out with them and I have so much to say, yet I can't always find the right words and end up sounding pretty simple.....oh well I'm sure my french personality will be fascinating some day. 

With that being said, I love my classes here!  Unlike in America where it can take years to improve your french and you hardly ever have the opportunity to practice what you've learned, here you see vast improvement daily and are able to practice all day every day if you choose.  In fact today something wonderful happened to me!  I was walking home from getting a few things in town wearing my sleek black rain coat and tall flat boots (a Europe staple) and some middle aged french woman approached me to ask directions to the nearest train station.  Yup friends, she thought I was a local!!! I was able to give her directions (in french) and she thanked me and told me to have a good day.  I have also master the grocery store checkout line and even conversed for a time with our waiter about where all the young french students hang out in Cannes.  

Another fact I've noted is how inadequate American education is.  Today at lunch, I sat by two really cute German girls who were here to learn their fourth language!!! I am struggling to learn my second.  However, they are all soooo friendly and love to talk with us and help us with our french.  

Our group heads to Monaco for a day trip this weekend, Nice next weekend then on to Barcelona!  Should be a busy next couple of weeks, but I can't wait!!

Paix,

Leah