Aero: Kayli Schocken – France 2014 – My Expectations
Aero: Kayli Schocken – France 2014 – My Expectations
Creative Commons Image via The LEAF Project
Aero: Kayli Schocken – France 2014 – My Expectations
Kayli Schocken
If you would have told me a year ago that I would be able to go on a trip of a lifetime to France, I wouldn’t have believed you. I am so excited and feel so privileged to be able to travel to France for my spring break, an opportunity many will never get to experience. This trip is a chance for me to discover more about myself and to most importantly discover and explore another country. I believe studying abroad is important in learning about other cultures in this beautiful world we live in. Going to France will allow me to become more open to new ideas and beliefs. As this will be my first time traveling to Europe, I can’t wait to see what France has to offer!
I was first told about this trip to France from my friend Claire, who I have known for practically my entire life. We grew up together, and were also in the same French class in middle school. When she told me about this once in a lifetime trip, I couldn’t pass up the experience. As the trip approaches, my expectations are high, but I know they will be fulfilled beyond my comprehension.
ML@FLCC France 2014 Flickr Gallery
Of course, traveling to a completely different continent, there are things I’m worried about. I am a little nervous about being in a country where English is not the primary language. I took French as a second language in middle school, but I wish I were more fluent in the language. Although, I do not have a strong background in speaking French, I feel confident that I will be fine communicating when need be. I am very excited to be living with a host family in which I will really be able to understand real French culture. I feel that at first it will be slightly uncomfortable to be living in someone else’s home however, I have already begun talking to Fanny, whose family is my host family, on Facebook. I have already informed her that my French isn’t the best, and she promised to help. I am hoping by the end of this trip that my French improves greatly.
I expect that France will be different from the United States. I am so excited to experience the history of Europe. As a fairly new country compared to the rest of the world, the United States doesn’t have 900-year-old buildings like France does. It’s exciting to finally be able to experience such great history for myself. I’m looking forward to the streets and the smells and embracing everything France has to offer. I expect to be constantly trying new cuisine. I also expect the coffee to not be the greatest, which may be hard since I am an avid coffee drinker. But I know I can’t complain, I’ll be in France! I am excited about being able to see the famous monuments and museums, but I’m also excited to see things that aren’t so famous because I can only imagine how beautiful everything is. I feel that this is not only an opportunity for college credits but, is also an opportunity for allowing me to expand my knowledge and step outside of my comfort zone. I am so blessed for such having such a wonderful opportunity, and I am ready to take on everything France has to offer.
Learn More: Study abroad with Modern Languages @ FLCC: France!
– Kayli Schocken
The LEAF Project
www.leaflanguages.org
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