Mes amis

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of having two of my best friends, Allie and Megan come visit me! It was really great to see them again especially since we were all here together the first time I went to Europe for the choir tour after my sophomore year. It was so great to see the sights and reminisce. We walked around the Seine, went to the Eiffel Tower, saw Notre Dame, went to the Palais Garnier, shopped on the Champs Elysees and visited the Musee d'Orsay. It was a packed weekend but I think we saw and did a lot! Unfortunately it was freezing out but we still managed to have fun! It was so great to have friends here because I had been having a somewhat difficult time during midterms week. It was very stressful and I was a little homesick so seeing them was a nice way to have a piece of home with me for a few days! I also know from talking to other people in my program that not everyone is always having an easy time but we are trying to profiter with the limited time we have left. My love and thoughts to all those affected by the storm!

Au revoir for now!

Avant tout, pour moi, est l'opéra!

I just had the most incredible experience probably so far in Paris. I got to see Les Noces de Figaro (based off the libretto for Marriage of Figaro, name changed because that was banned for a number of years. But, it's the same). It was the Opera Nationale de Paris and was performed at l'Opera Bastille (not to be confused with l'Opera Garnier which I visited last weekend). The performance was amazing! The opera house itself though very modern had a beautiful interior. This was the last night of the opera so I wasn't sure what to think, but it blew me away. The set and costumes were beautiful and the singers were phenomenal. My favorite was Susanna, closely followed by the Countess. The songs were amazing and all the singers sang with such ease. I was amazed at how powerful music is. The opera was in Italian and though there were French super-titles (subtitles projected above the stage), it was cool to watch and realize how most people don't speak Italian but were still able to understand. That is so cool to me. I loved this opera and since I sang Sull'aria last year, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I never would've thought I would enjoy opera this much but I do. I cannot wait for Opera Workshop next quarter! I also was fortunate enough to be able see the conductor (thanks Mom and Dad). He was the happiest conductor I have ever seen! He was smiling so much and laughing at the scenes. It was so great to see someone so passionate. I really loved this experience and it will surely be one of the highlights of my time abroad!

L'Opera Garnier

I found my favorite place in Paris, the Opera Garnier. It honestly may be the most beautiful building I have ever been in. It was really a dream come true to be there. I also will be seeing The Marriage of Figaro at the Opera Bastille (the other opera house) on Thursday. I am very excited because I sang a piece from it for my opera class last year! I have posted my favorite pictures from Opera Garnier below:

Le temps passe vite

We have passed the one month mark and I can feel the time flying by. In the stress of upcoming midterms next week and the ever so frequent Paris rain, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. Life has in some ways become metro-boulot-dodo. My classes and internship are definitely wearing me out. But I always try to stop at some point each day and think about how lucky I am to be here. This is something I have wanted to do for such a long time. I may not always love the Parisian rudeness or the cold or the rain or the 5 cent, 2 cent and 1 cent euro pieces, but I get to live in a foreign city and speak another language. I started reading an Agatha Christie novel in French. I had complete conversations with my friends at the conversation group earlier this evening. That really helped me feel like my French is improving. I was even told that by my internship coordinator last week. Though it is challenging to work with middle schoolers, I am really enjoying teacher. I get to work with them in small groups and I am the only teacher. I have realized in these groups that teaching is definitely something I want to do. I am also really enjoying learning the differences between the US and French education systems and it makes me even more passionate about reform. I am so fortunate to have this experience and though time is running out, I know I have made friends and had experiences that will truly last a lifetime. Sorry to be cliche but I am just trying to appreciate everything. I know that there is no way I can see and do absolutely everything I planned before December 20th but I will do as much as I can and I will just have to come back. I am really pleased with how I am capable to live in a big city on my own, I am improving my teaching skills and my French. I know I may be a bit behind in units when I get back to Santa Clara, but for now I am trying to enjoy where I am and the opportunities I've been given. Thank you again to all of you for supporting me so much!

Merci et au revoir for now!

Photos de Giverny

Education et Impressionisme

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!