Why did you choose this program?
I chose this program because I wanted to go to a place that would really force me to use French. I felt like I would potentially end up speaking English if I was in Paris because of the high volume of English speakers there. I also wanted to be able to do something to give back to the community, which I was able to do via the teaching internship at IES Nantes.
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
I was responsible for booking my travel arrangements and for completing the required paperwork that the program needed. However, the program was definitely helpful if I had any questions!
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I would say that it's okay to be homesick. Think of the emotional roller coaster that college in the States can sometimes be, and then multiply that in order to factor in the geographic separation. Don't think there's anything wrong with you if you feel like you miss your family and friends back home. What will help, though, is really making an effort to make connections with the people and the place around you - it will help you feel like you're settling in to your new routine and will make it seem like time goes a lot faster!
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
There really never was an average day/week, per se, but I would usually get up between 6:30 and 7:30 or so. I would eat breakfast, shower, and then catch the bus or tram to school. I would be at school til 4:30 to 6:30 (approximately) at night, and then I would catch the bus/tram back home for dinner, family time, and finishing homework before bed to do it all over again the next day!
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?
I think my biggest fear was that I would not get along with my family. I figured that I would have at least one sibling of the five who wasn't too excited to have me there. However, my experience couldn't have been more different! My family reached out to me to include me in things, and I included them in things as well, and I think that our mutual reaching out to one another set the tone for a wonderful four months. There was always someone to hang out with, and my family made the experience as wonderful as it was!
What is the best way to integrate yourself into the place in which you are staying?
Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and interact with locals! Locals will be the best advice givers and will also (at least they were in my experience!) be very glad you asked and be happy to give advice on a place that means a lot to them. Plan adventures with friends to discover new cafés, hang-out places, or parks for picnic lunches. Ask your host family where they would recommend going, and maybe ask if they wanted to join you! It truly is the people all around you who will help to make your experience extraordinary.