It has been officially two weeks since my return from France, and I still reminisce about my days there. The photo below is of my last day in Aix, after my Art final, on my way home to pack for my 4am flight. I was looking forward to go home since this had been the longest I had been without my family, but on that last friday, I just did not want to go home. I was taking everything in for one last time, and thinking about how I would no longer be seeing so many outdoor cafés, no longer be hearing French being casually spoken about me, or just walking on a French street, where hundreds of years ago, things were not that different. I had experienced history, and in those six weeks, I had become part of southern France's history. I think one of the funniest changes I saw while I was there was that in the first three weeks I was there, I would get so excited every time I heard English, especially from an American; but by the last week or so, my housemates and I were able to recognize the "Americans", and the feelings towards them was not the same...But, oh well.
Reflections about my time abroad are many--they go beyond the educational scene, and touch upon my personal growth, and my global awareness. I cannot stress enough how much I loved my classes there. My politics and society in Europe was phenomenal. What I would always tell my housemates/friends there was that I felt like a sponge--everything I was learning I was just soaking up, and I couldn't get enough! I would be sad when the class ended, but at the same time that made me look forward to the readings, and the next meeting. Now, I had never experienced this feeling before, so the fact that I got to experience it for the first time in a politics/society class about Europe while in Europe, just made my time there so much more exciting. A part of my final for that class was discussing politics with the professor at a café. We had had class in a café already, so that was really chill and a nice way to participate in the French lifestyle. I truly feel that the professor prepared all the students to achieve the class objective of being able to talk European politics at a cocktail party (or, for a more laid back environment, a café); any takers for talking politics with me?
My other class--French Modern Art--was also great. I am not an art major, but this class was an elective for my major, so nonetheless a requirement. I didn't know what to expect, but it was so insightful about art itself, but also about southern France's history. I mean, there must be something special about France's southern region that has attracted artists since the 19th century--and I feel so lucky to have been able to see it and experience this southern specialty for myself. Below is a picture I took with my phone of Mt. Saint Victoire from the exact spot where the French artist Cezanne made his own numerous renditions of Aix's famous mountain. The entire art class went there and had class there one day after visiting Cezanne's studio. All the art excursions were great, too!
My other class--French Modern Art--was also great. I am not an art major, but this class was an elective for my major, so nonetheless a requirement. I didn't know what to expect, but it was so insightful about art itself, but also about southern France's history. I mean, there must be something special about France's southern region that has attracted artists since the 19th century--and I feel so lucky to have been able to see it and experience this southern specialty for myself. Below is a picture I took with my phone of Mt. Saint Victoire from the exact spot where the French artist Cezanne made his own numerous renditions of Aix's famous mountain. The entire art class went there and had class there one day after visiting Cezanne's studio. All the art excursions were great, too!
Experiencing the French culture through the host family, the daily walk to school, nightlife and excursions was enlightening. I was able to practice my French thoroughly, eat delicious food, learn interesting customs, and live the experience of a lifetime. I met some amazing people that I know I will be keeping in touch with, and like good with the bad, others that I learned a lot from. Nightlife was pretty awesome. Ladies Nights, good beer, good music, and good people always meant a good time. Living on your own abroad is different from being on your own in the States in the fact that not only must you be able to communicate with the population of the area where you are, but you must also adapt to their customs. I definitely feel more humble upon my return. I got to see how people in a different geographical location live, and how their culture has transcended throughout numerous generation--how their political views are different, and how their societal views are different. There is so much history in Europe, so much culture... I can't begin to describe how it feels to be found in the middle of it all.
My first time buying groceries in the States, it was inevitable that I would be searching for produce that reminded me of France: cheeses, baguettes, and the like. To my great surprise (and delight), I stumbled upon the exact same apricot jam brand/case thing at my local store--Fresh & Easy. I kid you not, the exact same thing. The jam pictured at the left is exactly like the jam my host family had back in Aix, that provided me with the most delicious baguette-jam breakfasts every morning. It provided me such comfort to see that they had it there! I did not buy it because I have enough jam at home, but I will be definitely heading over to Fresh & Easy first thing after I finish my jam at home.
The transition back to my summer routine has been alright. I experienced jet lag for the first time ever. It is not so hot. I would crash by 4pm. And since I work a summer camp, the first week I was back consisted of me working, sleeping in the afternoon, and being a nocturnal creature until work the next day... I repeat: not so hot. This second week is much better, I am better adapted now. It is amazing to see how much humans are creatures of adaption.
The transition back to my summer routine has been alright. I experienced jet lag for the first time ever. It is not so hot. I would crash by 4pm. And since I work a summer camp, the first week I was back consisted of me working, sleeping in the afternoon, and being a nocturnal creature until work the next day... I repeat: not so hot. This second week is much better, I am better adapted now. It is amazing to see how much humans are creatures of adaption.
I loved this summer experience. It has opened the doors to many other thoughts, and plans to study abroad in the future. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone--whether this will be your first time studying abroad, or your last. Make the most of it. Make memories. Live.
-Laura V.
-Laura V.