It seems like I've had to confirm my intent to go abroad about 928342982374 times at this point. Haverford bureaucracy has me slightly worried about applying for my visa.
Also...another info sesh tomorrow!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Info Sesh-a-go-go
What: A pre-departure info session
When: Yesterday
Why: To educate us about the dangers of going abroad and particularly how to act appropriately in other countries
What I Learned About France (from a handout...and some light commentary)
GENERAL PROTOCOL: Natives are appalled by the way anyone else speaks French - including some other Frenchmen.
NAMES/GREETINGS: A light handshake is the usual form of greeting, but a visitor should not offer his hand to a person of superior authority. (And here I was teaching myself how to do three kisses on the cheek as opposed to two...dag.)
APPOINTMENTS/PUNCTUALITY: Prior appointments are the rule. Punctuality is a sign of courtesy. (But my French French Prof. said time is fluid in France...so much for that, I guess.)
HOSPITALITY/GIFT GIVING: An invitation to visit someone's home, even after long acquaintance, is rare. But for that occasion, a small gift of flowers (not roses or chrysanthemums) or chocolates for the hostess will be appreciated.
Cuisine, and therefore noon and evening meals, are an important and respected part of daily life.
Gifts that appeal to intellect or esthetics are especially appreciated.
(...but what if I want to bring roses?)
CONVERSATION: Avoid personal questions, politics, and money as topics of conversation.
Also, something I deduced on my own: they eat a lot of fish in Nantes. I'd better start practicing with some tuna sandwiches...
When: Yesterday
Why: To educate us about the dangers of going abroad and particularly how to act appropriately in other countries
What I Learned About France (from a handout...and some light commentary)
GENERAL PROTOCOL: Natives are appalled by the way anyone else speaks French - including some other Frenchmen.
NAMES/GREETINGS: A light handshake is the usual form of greeting, but a visitor should not offer his hand to a person of superior authority. (And here I was teaching myself how to do three kisses on the cheek as opposed to two...dag.)
APPOINTMENTS/PUNCTUALITY: Prior appointments are the rule. Punctuality is a sign of courtesy. (But my French French Prof. said time is fluid in France...so much for that, I guess.)
HOSPITALITY/GIFT GIVING: An invitation to visit someone's home, even after long acquaintance, is rare. But for that occasion, a small gift of flowers (not roses or chrysanthemums) or chocolates for the hostess will be appreciated.
Cuisine, and therefore noon and evening meals, are an important and respected part of daily life.
Gifts that appeal to intellect or esthetics are especially appreciated.
(...but what if I want to bring roses?)
CONVERSATION: Avoid personal questions, politics, and money as topics of conversation.
Also, something I deduced on my own: they eat a lot of fish in Nantes. I'd better start practicing with some tuna sandwiches...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
So, I read the info packet...
Bitch, that's a mistake.
There is so much (read: too much) stuff to do.
There is so much (read: too much) stuff to do.
Friday, March 20, 2009
It's OFFICIAL
Well, kiddies (and by "kiddies" I mean "me"), it's official now. I placed the necessary deposit about twenty minutes ago and now there's no turning back. I suppose it's about time I read the info packet I got in the mail.
Nantes, for reference:
Nantes, for reference:
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Exiting to Right
Well, I do love a good play on words. This will (eventually) be the blog I use to recount all my wild adventures while studying abroad in Nantes (the illustrious Sixth Largest City in All of France) next semester. Until next September, though, this blog will serve two main purposes:
(1) As an outlet for sporadic procrastination/bursting creative energy
(2) As an account of any of the adventures and misadventures I have in the states as I apply for a visa and generally learn to deal with French bureaucracy
Oh, and one more...
(3) As a place for me to record any and all first impressions of my host family and the 30 or so students on the program with me
Details to come, wordplay to follow. Salut!
(1) As an outlet for sporadic procrastination/bursting creative energy
(2) As an account of any of the adventures and misadventures I have in the states as I apply for a visa and generally learn to deal with French bureaucracy
Oh, and one more...
(3) As a place for me to record any and all first impressions of my host family and the 30 or so students on the program with me
Details to come, wordplay to follow. Salut!
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