Hello everyone!
Sorry I haven't posted in a while! As you may know from my facebook pictures, last weekend my friend and I went to Oktoberfest in Munich. It was a lot of fun! There were tons of people and it was crazy but I'm glad I can say I did it. We spent the whole day Sunday just walking around Munich which was really cool. It was also nice to be out of the hustle and bustle of Paris for a bit too.
This week I started my internship at a middle school very close to my program center. Tuesday morning I got to sit in and listen to a presentation on the differences between French and American school systems for a group of American teachers who are teaching here for a year. It was very interesting and definitely something I will be learning a lot about while I'm here. In general, the French system comes from the perspective that students are ignorant and need to be taught everything. The whole country has a standardized system with a lot of different levels that students are put into. In middle school, the administrators decide whether or not students go to high school. In high school, students take an exam that determines whether or not they go to university or trade school. The system is much more intense and rigorous than the U.S. As we discussed in one of my classes, this system is contradictory to the French ideals of "la republique" as it really filters people and is similar to the U.S. in that richer areas tend to have better schools. I also worked with a drama club after school Friday which was definitely challenging as most of the kids did not choose to be there.
On Friday I started working with some English classes. Both teachers I work with are very nice but seem a bit strict with the students. In general the students are well behaved but I did notice a lack of respect in many students in all six classes I worked in. I can see why the teachers seem a bit harsh because many students do not pay attention and talk back. I know it is middle school but the students behavior seems a bit abnormal as I have heard teachers say this year students are particularly disrespectful. I did work alone with a small group of students and they were not too bad to me. All the classes seem very structures so I just write things on the board, help lead with activities and will be working with students in smaller groups. Though I was very nervous, I think my first day was very successful!
Saturday we took a field trip to Giverny and saw Monet's house! It was so beautiful and a very amazing experience to really be there!
I am having a great time but can feel the time passing quickly! I am trying to take advantage of everything while I can and to not let myself get too stressed about school. Things are going well though and I a still enjoying spending time with all my friends!
Hope all is well!
Au revoir for now!
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