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.

Patrick Townend -- Brittany Discovery (FRHB)

I really don't know where to start my description of The Experiment France program in Brittay…but I guess I can begin with about week before I actually left for Paris. It was at that time when the excitement really hit me that I was going to have the best summer of my life. When I arrived in New York and met up with my group I could tell it was going to be an amazing experience. Once we all arrived in Paris and we walked over to the baggage claim we were nicely greeted with a "Bonjour" and a French candy. On the bus ride to our hotel I was glued looking out the window taking in all the sites that were new to me; the cars, the buildings and just the way things looked.

From the first moment we arrived in Paris for orientation, we began to learn about the city and the French culture. One of my favorite aspects of The Experiment was being able to interact with the French people…to speak with them and get to know their culture. My group and I were extremely excited to be exploring a new culture and way of life. While in Paris I saw so much amazing architecture that was so beautiful. The city was filled with so much art and beauty. And since a lot of the time we had to explore the city in small groups, I think it helped us mature in a sense of being independent, and not having to rely on others to do everything for us.

After Paris we went to our homestay This was by far my most enjoyable part of the program because we became fully immersed in French culture. My family was always very generous of my needs; they treated me as if I was their very own son. They didn't allow a day to go by without me going out and seeing some of the history of Brettagne. I also spent time with some of my brother's friends to learn about what teenagers do in France. During these unforgettable seventeen days my family helped me dramatically improve my French language skills, they taught me of traditional foods they would eat, they took me out for traditional events they would attend, and they even threw me a party for my birthday when it sadly came time for me to leave. I always got along with everyone in my family and we always asked each other questions, in French and in English. I could not have asked for a better family to stay with in the world than the one I was given. They really made my made my summer experience in France an unforgettable one.

After my very sad departure from my new family, we moved on to explore even more of this beautiful country. I got the chance to see some things that I could never see in the United States and that is why this trip was so priceless for me. Town after town we experienced beautiful scenery and incredible people. I swam in the clearest water of the Atlantic Ocean I have ever seen at a beautiful island. All the while I was experiencing these things with a group of peers from which I had grown a particular bond.

When the trip finally came to an end the group had a final overnight in Paris. We shared stories and memories that we will never forget. And now that I am back in the states I have to get used to this life once again, for I miss the challenge of speaking another language and living in a culture that is not the same. Now I keep in touch with the new friends I made while I was staying with my family with letters and exchanging photos. I am thankful for everything that happened on this program and will now always strive to continue traveling and exploring new cultures.