La Douce France: Contacting Students
Information for Contacting Students Who Participated in
the France Study Abroad Program in Previous Years and Their Comments
Presented below are the names and E-mail addresses of students who participated in the France Study Abroad Program. Also listed is their major academic field of study and minor, if applicable. Each student has provided a paragraph that describes those experiences in France that were especially meaningful to them. You are encouraged to contact any of the students listed below for their additional thoughts and comments on the France Study Abroad Program.
Student: Irene Terry
Major: French
Major: Music
E-mail Address: W0213210@selu.edu
Personal Comments: “France is amazing. So many things will shock and amaze you, from the size of their coffee cups to turning the corner and seeing a huge monument and people walking by like it was your average fruit stand. Two people thought that I WAS French, at least for the first 20 seconds or so. I dreamed in French. I talked in my sleep in French. I thought in French. I woke up every day feeling French. By the end of the trip, I could run up 6 flights of stairs and not get winded. "Pardon" became my new favorite word. Sometimes, you CAN wear brown with black. I got lost and it wasn't all that scary. The wind currents throughout the Metro are heavenly. I ate food that I would never try at home, and I am still surprised at how my culinary preferences have broadened. I never thought I'd have enough money and I had to raise every penny. I even ran out of money while there but it all works out. If you are interested at all, don't let anything serve as an excuse not to go. Husbands, children and parents will not forget you. You WILL raise the money, somehow. If you don't know a single soul going, you will get to know them. PLEASE, contact me with ANY questions. Oh, and do ALL of your classwork BEFORE the trip. And bring your 3 most comfy shoes and plenty of band-aids.”
Student: Gail Mcwilliams
Major: Social Work
Major: French
E-mail Address: Gail.Mcwilliams@selu.edu
Personal Comments: “I learned how to play poker in French with French teenagers. I ate lunch until 4 in the afternoon with my host family. I marched in a parade dressed like an 18th Cajun. I memorized the Paris metro. I did much, much more than just see the Eiffel Tower, and I loved every minute of it.”
Student: Jennifer Chauvin
Major: Visual Arts
Major: Undecided
E-mail Address: Jennifer.Chauvin-2@selu.edu
Personal Comments: “La Douce France was the most exciting and interesting thing that has ever happened in my life. You learn a lot about yourself and your own culture and society by going to a country thousands of miles away and thousands of years older than your own. Their history is so extensive and one trip doesn't do your knowledge justice. You think you take in the whole shabang, but you've only gotten a taste. It's an opportunity I just figured I'd get lucky to get picked and I'm glad I took the chance because I have memories I'll never forget and people I'll love for the rest of my life because we all shared and learned on this trip together. I'm still broke 3 months after the trip, so save your little monies because every bit counts!”
Student: Jacob Keeling
Major: Biology
Minor: Undecided
E-mail Address: Jacob.Keeling@selu.edu
Personal Comments: My trip to France was eye opening. I really had a wonderful time and the people there were so friendly. I was really impressed with how hospitable everyone was. I had always heard how rude the French were and I now know that it is not true. Overall, I feel that studying abroad not only broadens your mind but enriches your soul. It shows that no matter where you go you can always expect people to be people, even when the culture is so vastly different. I really think that these kinds of trips are the trips that you really find out who you are. I would definitely recommend this program, which is similar to the one I went on.
Comments From Students Who
Participated in the 2005 France Study Abroad Program
• “The France Study Abroad Program was exciting, fun, and very educational. I could not have asked for a better educational experience. I would not change anything about this trip. Thanks for everything. This was an unforgettable experience!”
• “This trip forced me to broaden my horizons and to see the world through new eyes. The trip was well planned and I will go home a different and better person. I strongly recommend this program to all who are thinking about studying abroad.”
• “I loved this trip! I am really lucky to have gotten the chance to go overseas and experience a totally different culture. To see the differences and similarities between French and American cultures was a truly fun experience.”
• “I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I truly fell in love with France, first with Paris and then with the countryside. I would definitely recommend this program to everyone!”
