Exonians Explore While Abroad in Grenoble
Hi, Exonians!
I’ve spent this term studying with six other students in Grenoble, France. The French often say that Grenoble is an ugly city in comparison to others, but from an American perspective, it is gorgeous. Between the size of Portsmouth and Boston, Grenoble is surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. It has plenty of cafés and shops to explore, and you’re bound to stumble upon cool street musicians and bands during your outings. There are plenty of pretty parks and squares to sit in and read or do homework. We have classes in the morning, then use the afternoons to walk around the city. On the weekends, my host family and I go on hikes in the mountains or the nearby countryside. Living here is both peaceful and lively at the same time, and it has been an amazing opportunity to improve my French and make new friends. I highly recommend studying abroad—I promise you will return home inspired, with plenty of stories to tell!
Bisous (kisses),
Audrey Hood
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Hi. My name is Fedja.
I am 18 years old and I am in France. I have been in France since Sept. 12. I will be in France until November 22. I am here because I have studied French since prep year and I wanted to become more fluent in the language and learn more about french culture. I have done this by making French friends. Every Monday and Tuesday, we go to l’ITEC in Grenoble, which is a high school. But we don’t go to high school classes. We go to classes called “prépa,” which is a two-year program for post-high school and then you go to get your Master’s Degree. But it isn’t an easy two years, it’s hard and for smart kids. University after high school is a lot easier but lasts four years. Don’t try to understand, you won’t. Unless you are French. Then you might.
Anyways, I made a lot of friends and hang out with them a lot. I have learned a lot about France and french culture by having these friends.
Love,
Fedja Celebic
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Bonjour!
It’s currently the middle of our seventh week here in Grenoble, and we’ve come such a long way in French since we moved in with our host families! I’m living with a host family who lives in Meylan, a small town just outside of Grenoble, which is about the size of Exeter. By being around my host mother, father and brother, I’ve learned so much about French culture. Each night, we begin dinner (comprised of about three courses) at around 8 p.m. Martin, my host brother, usually has to leave dinner right away to study (he’s in the “prépa” courses that Fedja described) since he is in the second year classes and his final exams are coming up, but I’ll typically stay in the kitchen for another hour to talk with Jacqueline and Pierre, my host parents, about their day or the news. Last night’s dinner probably improved my French the most; my actual family, none of whom speak any French, came to Grenoble for my birthday and came over to my host family’s house. Only Martin speaks English, so Martin and I had to translate the entire three-hour dinner.
My host family has also given me the opportunity to explore more parts of Europe than just Grenoble. I’ve met almost their entire extended family, who live just over one of the mountain ranges surrounding Grenoble; we went over to the extended family’s house and we stopped by a market so they could show me some “typically French” foods and clothes. My host parents also brought me to Switzerland when they went to play golf with their friends. More recently, we went to Saint Tropez and Sainte Maxime at the end of their two week vacation for Toussaint (All Saint’s Day). With my host family’s travels along with our weekly group excursions and our week in Paris, I’ve been fortunate enough to see much more of France than I was expecting. Although I’m having a great time in Grenoble, I’m definitely excited to come home to Exeter in a couple weeks!
xoxo
Megan Smith
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Hi, Exonians!
I always knew I wanted to do a term abroad—to immerse myself in a culture alien to me and learn as much as I can about the language and way of life. I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the world, but I’ve always felt as though I were on the outside looking in. Grenoble has changed that for me. By living with an incredibly kind and welcoming host family, interacting with French students at a local high school and exploring the city in an unorthodox, un-touristy way, I have gained a truly rich and inside perspective on French culture. From the ornate castles and well-renowned museum, to the delicious pastries sold at every corner of Place du Victor Hugo, Grenoble continues to amaze me. This experience has been one I am so grateful to have had, and one that I will certainly treasure.
Sincerely,
Tan Nazer
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Dear Exonians,
IT’S ALL TRUE. ALL OF IT. Frog legs are delicious (they really do taste like chicken), the French love to smoke cigarettes and I’ve heard that escargot is delicious (although that was from Megan, so... do with that what you will). Accordion players can be heard on cobblestone streets playing traditional French songs. Come to think of it, the only people I’ve seen wearing berets were Americans. We still have yet to see a mime. Each morning, I wake up and receive my daily ration of baguette and Nutella. As you may know, France is a socialist country—which has taken some getting used to as an American. For example, apparently they have “rules” that tell you how fast you can drive on the highway. I know, ridiculous. Just last week, the emergency room refused to take my money, telling me that it was “free,” that they had “universal health care.” And apparently, they’re not called “freedom fries” or even “French fries” here, but just “fries.”
In all seriousness: yes, we eat baguettes almost every day. Yes, we eat a multitude of artisinal cheeses. But in a lot of ways, France isn’t all that different from the United States. The vast majority of people here are kind and happy that you’re making an effort to speak their language. My host family has welcomed me in like one of their own.
We miss our friends from Exeter! But, truth be told, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a group of Exonians happier before.
Hon Hon Hon,
Hon Hon,
Sean Taylor
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Hi , all!
Arriving in Grenoble, I expected to find a city full of laid back people who had a culture completely different from mine in New Hampshire. I was completely wrong: there are more similarities than differences. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a loving family consisting of my host mom and dad, Veronique and Réné, and my host brothers, Ambroise who is sixteen, and Albon, who is ten. Ambroise loves a lot of the same American music that I do and is up-to-date on the latest Hollywood movies. Also, to my surprise, he is really into skateboarding. I told him about the students on campus who skateboard to classes. He told me his favorite places to skate around his city, Sainte-Nazaire Les Eymes. Saint-Nazaire is outside the city of Grenoble, in a valley under the Alpes. It is absolutely beautiful. Each morning, on my way to class, the snowy mountain tops twinkle in the distance. It’s a sight to see, and I will definitely miss the view, and my host family.
Best,
Peace Kabari