Yavin Alwis: France

The five weeks that I spent in France have been a truly remarkable experience. Nothing quite compares to being immersed in a foreign country with a language you have only studied for two years. During the five weeks in France, my group spent one week in Paris, where we had orientation and were able to see many of the sights that Paris is famous for. The next week we spent in Montignac to study the French language and explore the region of Dordogne. Then, we spent two weeks in Montélimar for the home stay, one week in Lyon at the Paul Bocuse Cooking Institute, and finally one last day in Paris to say our goodbyes to friends, family, and France.

Orientation in Paris

Starting on day one, we begin our France adventure by exploring the city of Paris for a week. Rather than going everywhere as one big group, we split up into three to four smaller groups and set out on small “missions” every morning. Typically, each mission consisted of going to a café, monument, or park, exploring the area, and getting lunch on our own. In addition to getting around Paris by ourselves without the help of our leaders, we also had to communicate with the French people in the area, forcing us to use and improve our language skills. In the afternoon, we gather as a group again to explore more of the city. One afternoon we went on a chocolate tour, going to four small boutiques and trying each of their specialties. Another day, we went to the Hôtel de Ville to watch the France-Nigeria world cup game in the courtyard. There, I learned that the French are VERY passionate about soccer. I remember coming out of the crowd ears ringing from the victory cheers. Paris was a very interesting city experience, and it set the pace for all the excitement to come.

Arc de Triomphe

Language Study in Montignac

After getting off the train from Paris, we took a bus to a manor-like hotel out in the country. Here we spent a week learning about the French language and exploring the tourist sights in the region of Dordogne. Each day, we started our morning with a three hour language class in which we learned vocabulary about body parts, buying things, and food. Although what we were learning seemed random at the time, it certainly helped with getting around France in the time to come. In the afternoon, we had our group activities, such as canoeing down a river, exploring the market, and visiting a goat farm. One thing, however, that was particularly interesting was the castles, or chateaus, that were in the region. Each one had a specific family history and historical significance, which made the chateaus even more interesting. The region around Montignac contrasted with the city-like business of Paris, but it was still exciting to see a different side of France.

A view of one of the chateaus

Home stay in Montélimar

The following two weeks were a bit different in the fact that we didn’t have the group with which we were already basically a family. Instead, we had to make a new family and live with them for two weeks. Although I was a bit nervous at first, it became easier since my family was very welcoming and helpful with getting used to the family. I feel that these two weeks were the two where I learned the most French, since that was the only language I could speak with my family. At first it was a bit difficult to express my thoughts in a foreign language, but eventually, I found myself communicating with my family almost naturally. From jumping on the trampoline with my host brother to watching French quiz shows on the television, I will always remember the home stay experience and the family I stayed with while I was there.

My homestay family

Cooking Institute in Lyon

The following week in Lyon was one of the most exciting although very tiring weeks. Each day, we went to the Paul Bocuse Cooking Institute and learned (or attempted to learn) how to cook French dishes. We learned how to make things from apple tarts to French macarons to small cakes called Financiers. Surprisingly, most of the recipes were rather simple, but making them as a group was quite an experience. While in Lyon, and in all of France really, we had the opportunity to eat great food. Each dinner we had consisted of three courses (entrée, plat, dessert). It is hard to describe the typical French dinner, but believe me when I say that each dinner was amazing. In Lyon, when we weren’t cooking, we explored the city going to music festivals and art museums. The city in general was quite interesting with one half looking a bit like Paris and the other half looking very modern. The many street performers and vendors also gave life to the city, making it a very enjoyable city to be in.

Some financiers we made in cooking school

Last day in Paris

Wrapping up our adventure, we returned to Paris for one last day. I chose to use the time to visit the Louvre, one of the biggest art museums in the world, and the Eiffel Tower one last time. We headed to the airport and said our goodbyes to the friends we made. I will never forget the experience I had in France because it was indeed a very incredible one.

Last day of France at the Eiffel Tower

Thank You

I would like to thank The Wilson Family, Sr. Paolicchi, and M. West for making it possible for me to go on this trip. It has been a truly wonderful experience and allowed me to learn more about French language and culture. I am very grateful for this and will always remember the experiences and friends I made in France.