The Australian student reports
I have learnt much more than just French vocabulary
By Caroline Macindoe (from Melbourne)
During my exchange in France I have learnt much more than just French vocabulary. I have been immersed in French life, culture, and language. I have discovered many differences between Australia and France, but also some similarities.
French school was certainly a new experience for me. The long day (finishing at 5pm instead of 3pm), and meeting so many new people guaranteed that the other Australians and I were exhausted by the end of our first few days.
We adjusted quickly though, and things such as eating lunch at the canteen, attending a co-ed school, and casual dress became normal for us.
Family life with the Harions was a change from my own family, but very enjoyable nonetheless. The whole family made an effort to speak comprehensible French to me and were patient when I spoke. The Harions showed me all the sights of Paris through a local’s eyes and made me feel very welcome in my new home.
I experienced my first “White Christmas”
For Christmas we travelled across Germany to Austria and the ski fields. I experienced my first “White Christmas”, with temperatures about 40°C lower than I am use to for December.
Celebrating Christmas with the extended Harion family, I found that although there is half a world between our two families the “Père Noël” came for Madeleine’s little cousins just as he comes for my cousins. Apart from a few different traditions our Christmas celebrations are essentially the same.
New Year’s Eve brought more celebrations, this time in Paris. Again, I found that New Year’s celebrations differ very little, whichever side of the planet you live on. Midnight and 2007 were greeted by fireworks and many cries of “Bonne Année” (or “Good Years” as some people wished me).
As I get ready to return to Australia I have a bit more French vocabulary in my head, and many more memories. I would like to thank the Harions for making my time in France so enjoyable - Merci beaucoup!
Dernière modification le 02-02-10 par
