Return to France

le chateau d'Angers

Well, I'm back in France! Once again, I'm sitting in class all day, however, this time, I'm not the student. I get to be the teacher. I get to be the one who teaches French lycéens about American culture. I get to be the one who makes learning fun. I get to be the one who makes an impact on these impressionable students.

My return to France has been amazing thus far. I feel so lucky to call this country home again. This time, I'm in a city called Angers-- located about 2 hours (by train) southwest of Paris. Like Aix, it's a small university town with charm and so much personality. The weather isn't as great, but I love this place. There's a castle in the middle of the city, several fountains, beautiful churches, gardens, cobblestone streets. What more could a girl ask for?

Back when I studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, I had a blog entry entitled 21 days. I stated that these first 21 days are the most challenging pivotal part of time spent abroad. I have been here for 22 days now, and I feel like I am way more comfortable at this point than I was after 21 days in Aix. I've had to be independent and explore. I've had to be confident and spend time alone. I've had to be brave and put myself out there to meet new people. Nobody is here to baby me. I'm here for a job working with the national government... I've filled out paperwork, found a place to live, opened up a bank account, made friends, created lesson plans-- all in French might I add.

Just to break these last 3 weeks up--

Work: I feel so lucky with my assignment. The teachers have been so welcoming, and (most of) the students have been excited to have this opportunity with "the American." The first week was spent in the classroom with the teacher leading a Q & A session with me. The next week, I was on my own. I have anywhere from 10-15 students for an hour every other week. That makes roughly 185 students total, all at varying levels. I've started with name games, scattegories, two truths and one lie, Halloween crosswords, and scary stories.

some of the other assistants at une soirée formidable

Social life: In Angers, there are 30 or so assistants. Even better, we come from all over the place! Of course, there are other Americans, but I have also had the privilege of meeting people from England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Germany, Chile, etc. Needless to say, when we're all together, the different accents are music to my ears. We generally speak in English, but there has been a good effort to speak French as well. Also, I've brought it upon myself to find some native French friends. I've met several through the Anglophone library, and my current roommate is a good language partner too. I'm excited to see what will happen in the next 6 months!

oh, and now, after 2 and a half solid weeks of work, I have 2 weeks of paid vacation!

le cathédral Saint-Maurice d'Angers

le jardin des plantes