Jenn

My experience in France was extremely enriching. The culture, the language, and the country have inspired me to continue my studies in learning and mastering the language. It has also helped me in understanding and accepting the different cultures and appreciate their uniqueness. This trip has helped strengthen me in the ways I feel about my own native tongue and culture, and I have grown to love them more than I ever thought I would. The history I learned on this trip has helped me get a sense of how France has developed as a country and all of the beauties it has within itself. The values the country carries shows me what they care most about. The people reminded me of the pride the country has. The school taught me of the emphasis France puts on education. The French students showed me what they care about most and their daily lives as teenagers in Europe. If anything, this exchange has pushed me to continue to indulge myself in trips such as these and to make myself uncomfortable because those are the true moments in which we learn the most. 

Rishabh

Looking back, the week and a half I spent in France was an amazing time. The food, people, atmosphere, and location all added up to be an astonishing experience. However, this would not have been able to be achieved without the amazing family of my host, Loïc. Whether it was his mother's food, his father's stories, or going for a bike ride, Loïc and his family were able to make my time in France extremely memorable. The vies in and around Pfaffenheim were amazing, and the view of the Rhine Valley from the Vosges Mountains will be one I never forget. I can't wait until the French students come to America!

Home Sweet Home

We all made it back safely last night after a long plane ride back from Paris. Stay tuned for more reflection posts from students!

Des photos de Paris (Partie 2)

Le petit-déjeuner!

Notre-Dame 

Climbing to Montmartre!

La Basilique du Sacré Coeur

La Tour Eiffel!

L'Arc de Triomphe, before some shopping on the Champs-Élysées!

Courtney

Bonjour de Paris!

The trip is finally coming to a close, but it feels like yesterday that we were boarding the plane at Logan airport. Paris was incredible, but I think the lasting memory of France I will have is how different the culture is regarding daily life in Colmar. Looking back on my stay, I am so glad I got to experience living in Colmar, rather than staying in a hotel as a tourist. While I was staying with my French family, I noticed that more time is spent relaxing and talking about the day's events. The French culture I experienced was much less focused on following a time schedule than we are. If my host family was ever late arriving somewhere, my exchange student would sigh and say: "we're late, just like the French." The students were given less homework, and more free time to relax. On school nights, my host family would often talk and eat dinner for hours. It was nice not having the pressure of work and school to be able to fully enjoy France and to be completely immersed in French culture. It was an experience I will never forget and I'm so glad to have had this opportunity. 

Ella

Saturday, the 21st, was our last full day with our host families in Colmar.

Thinking back, the week with the family was truly an amazing opportunity. I learned so much about life in France, and many things I did not expect - they actually eat a lot of food (mostly bread and other carbs) and really quickly too!  I was always the last one eating, and often was so full I could not finish the 4 course meals they served me. Also, my family actually eats cake with spoons, but knowingly always gave me the option to use a fork.  Aside from food, I just had a wonderful time getting to know the family well, improve my French, and learn about their culture and history.

Les pensées de Prashasti

France is easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Every day that I woke up in Colmar I was in awe. The colorful buildings and the cobblestone were gorgeous. Every moment was a picturesque one.

Yesterday was our final day with our hosts, so a group of ten of us (5 French and 5 Americans) decided to spend our last day together. We went to the downtown of Colmar and walked around the streets and shops. We went to have a small lunch of bagels. One of my friends ordered a bagel with peanut butter, and the server laughed and asked us if we were American. We took our lunch to a beautiful park. We then took the bus to go play laser tag. It was a great activity to do on our last day. Afterward, we went back to downtown Colmar and met with almost all of the rest the exchange partners. We enjoyed coffees and teas at a café. I then bought a fountain pen because I love to write. For dinner, I had a traditional Maroccan meal with my family. 

Now we have to say goodbye to our host families and friends, and are on a train through the French countryside. Saying goodbye was very sad, but I am excit d for what Paris will bring.