France

Each student has a unique and individual experience on their Experiment program. The following essay is a single glimpse into a program from one student's perspective.

Melissa Martinez -- Biking in Brittany (FRB)

The biking in Brittany program was the best experience I've ever had! So much happened on the program, and it's hard to remember it all. The homestay portion was incredibly rewarding. I saw how other teens from other parts of the world live. My French sister, Sophie, was really cool, and I figured out that we share similar interests. Not only was I learning more French from Sophie, but she was learning more English from me as well. I also met the other French brothers and sister, and I think they did a good job matching us up with the families. Speaking of matching up, they also did a good job with the group I was in. We were only a group of 8, but it helped to create stronger relationships amongst the members. They were just so awesome, and they had great personalities!

I was extremely fascinated by the French culture, especially by the foods we had to eat. Rabbits and lamb shoulder aren't things I'd usually eat. Nevertheless, I found them really tasty. The cafes were charming, and very different from what I'm used to seeing because there was a lot of outside seating. Exploring the streets and neighborhoods with my group was fascinating.

The biking portion was challenging, and none of us left without tired muscles. However, biking along the coast, we saw a good portion of the sea, cute towns and villages, and came across great seafood. Every excursion we went on included a great host or guide.

This Experiment was so much fun. I saw sites and experienced events I wouldn't normally get a chance to seee - from the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, working farms, to the Tour de France. My photos remind me of the experience, but nothing can compare to how I felt when I was in France. I felt so lucky to be there. It's been about a week since I got back, but I've still got the memories in my mind. Now everything I do, I relate to how I did it in France. Honestly, I just thought this was going to be a tour, vacation, etc. Now, I think differently about life, and my mom said she sees a difference in me. This past month has been more than I ever expected.