Going to France for a student exchange?
I'm going to France for 11 months during my junior year for a student exchange, and I'll be going to a French school, staying with a host family, etc. For people who have been to France, or done something like this before, what sort of attitudes will the people have? I will know some French because I'll have taken French 1 & 2 and a bunch of classes through the student exchange organization. I'm worried about things like not having anyone to sit with at lunch, not understanding a word the teacher's saying, etc.
Other - France - 2 Answers
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1 :
Most likely there will be other exchange students also. If you know french well enough you may even be able to catch on to it better, if you just find other students that are also exchanging, you will have something in common. Good luck on your trip, Bon Voyage
2 :
Sitting next to ppl at lunch is very much like finding ppl to sit next to lunch in the US. Ppl will invite you. If you sit next to someone in class, don't be afraid to ask to see the notes of the other student (pick a native speaker of French). Read the textbook ahead of time (night before) so the teacher's lecture will be reasonably familiar to you. If you need to make copies of someone else's notes, be very respectful and return the notes right away (not the next day). You can save money on xeroxing if you buy a copy card (many self service copy shops sell these-- the cards are usually good only in that store/that franchise). Remember that French students study hard so put in the necessary time in the evenings and weekends. Before you go, see if you can get extra practice in French by taking Alliance Francaise classes (most major US cities have an AF). Be prepared for differences in culture-- don't get too frustrated, just solve problems as they come up. Be grateful that you are living with a host family and that you don't have to pay your own rent, utility bills and that you don't have to go grocery shopping on your own. Bon voyage!
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