Week Two: Trip to Toulouse!

It's hard to believe that week two is over! It's going by very quickly. My second week was quite interesting. I started my two History classes and Sociology class on Monday and I'm looking forward to each of them. French class on Tuesday was a bit stressful. On our first day of class the professor told us that after day one she would only speak to us in French during class. Day three on Thursday proved to be easier since I started to understand basic words.



As for Toulouse on Wednesday, I was blown away by the amazing atmosphere of the city! I've never seen anything like it! Everything from the buildings to shopping and food was absolutely out of this world! We left at about 8:30am and arrived at about 10am, then the non stop touring starting! We ventured from tight underground parking to museums and Cathedrals! There was hardly anytime to take pictures since we were moving so quickly. Lunch was our only down time and we had about an hour before we had picked ourselves up to continue on with the sight seeing! I was told that I would be seeing several Historic sites, but I'm absolutely amazed by how many sites I've seen in just two weeks!

Although its only been two weeks, I already I wish I had done this sooner! I implore students to take advantage of the program if they have the opportunity.

Week One: Can't believe I'm in France!

I arrived here in France four days ago, and it has been non stop excitement! My first plane ride was better than I thought, although I started to get a little nervous while we were landing. We arrived in the village of Ambialet after a 18.5 hour trip from St. Francis University in PA, to St. Francis University in Ambialet. My first sight of the monastery blew me away! We were given a tour of the monastery and given a little background history. One of the original rooms dates back to the 10th century! Not only was I blown away by the sight of the monastery but the food here is unbelievable! The customs of how you eat; however, are different and I'm trying to make the changes to become more involved with the countries customs.
As part of our study abroad, we are taking classes at the University of Albi on Thursdays. Our first day of class at the University of Albi was very exciting! We were paired up with local students for the semester to enhance our French lessons and help them to enhance their knowledge of English. Our French buddies took us on a tour of the campus. It was interesting to learn that most of the students live in apartments off campus rather than living on campus in dorms. When we finished our tour and class at the university, we explored downtown Albi to see local attractions like St. Cecilia Cathedral! The Gothic Cathedral was absolutely break taking and not even the best photographer could take enough pictures to capture its awe-inspiring designs, I highly suggest seeing it in person! After a day in Albi, we met with the Deputy Mayor of Albi and he welcomed us to France!
Although I have only been here four days, I am ecstatic for the other adventures to follow!