Life in Montpellier, France has been amazing these past two and a half months! I can’t believe I only have 2 months left! I think in coming here I thought things were going to be vastly different than they are. I absolutely love it here though.
Université Montpellier-Paul Valery is much different than any other school I have ever been too. There is not a lot of help like we are used to in America, but I have learned that that is just the French way. You definitely have to be much more independent to study in another country where their academic system is set up completely different. Finding classes was one of the hardest things I have done in France so far. Though one really cool thing is you are allowed to spend two weeks trying out classes before actually registering for classes and having to take them. Though a much less cool part is not getting your schedule for finals until 6 weeks before finals. So as of now I still do not know the exact dates for my finals that I will be taking the end of May. The classes are also harder than I thought they would be but it’s really good for my french, seeing as outside of class I almost only speak in English because I have made a lot of friends that are American and Australian. I do however still see an amazing improvement in my level of French and how much I understand more culturally the French in general.
The beautiful La Comedie in Montpellier 🙂
Another thing I have come to love here is the coffee. You definitely cannot get a latte anywhere but the Cafe Crème is just as wonderful! There are coffee shops on every corner, as well as bakeries to buy amazing baguettes! Finding a gym was harder than I thought it would be, I think working out might not be as big a deal in France. I have also discovered through observance and asking my professors, that the French do not dress for the weather, they dress for the seasons. Some of my profs will wear jackets when it’s 70 degrees out! But it’s because it was still technically winter. Overall though I think this experience has really opened my eyes to how amazing France and the people here are!
Traveling is probably the best part about being in France though! I have so far been able to visit Paris, Barcelona, Nimes, Split Croatia, Orange, Loire Valley, Dublin Ireland, Avignon, Sete, and Couliour! I wish I could upload pictures but for some reason my blog isn’t allowing me to add anymore.
Next on my list is Colmar, Freidburg Germany, Strasburg, Rome Italy, Venice Italy, Florence Italy, and Greece!
Hopefully soon my blog will let me add more photos and I can share with you more evidence of this amazing experience!