I'm very exctied to get started with blogging about my summer trip in Tours. Yes, it's March, so I'm a bit ahead, but I'm very excited. I will be using this blog as a way to keep family and friends updated on all of my goings on while I'm in France this summer. I will be posing pictures and trying to keep up with what I'm doing with my time while I'm there. On all of the major trips that I have gone on previously, I've kept a journal of what I did daily (thanks Mom). Four weeks is a long time to write daily, so I thought a blog is an easier way to keep track of my trip (plus I'll be having so much fun I won't have time everyday!).
So what exactly will I be doing?
In short I will be finishing up my french minor abroad. I will be taking 6 credit hours of intensive french language, culture, and writing courses. I will be in class for about 4 hours a day, mostly in the morning (hard right?), and then exploring and speaking with french natives the rest of the time. I will be living in a house with a french host family. I will get my own room, breakfast and dinner each day, and my laundry done (merci ma future famille française)! There are 10 students from USC who will be in the program with me, as well as a USC professor, Dr. Persels, who will act as an intermediary with l'Institut de Touraine. He will also set up possible weekend activities and general events for us while we are in Tours. (Here's the link to the school http://www.institutdetouraine.com/en)
Where exactly will I be?
I will be flying in and out of Paris, where I will spend the first 3 days of my trip before traveling by train to Tours. Tours is about 240 km from Paris or about 55 min by train. It is located in the central-western part of the country. And if you're still curious, you can check out their official city website (yes, it's in french, but there are pretty pictures!) http://www.tours-tourisme.fr/index_us.html
This part of the country is famous for their chateaus, wine, and goat cheese. There is even a museum about wine, that's how serious they are about it. It's also a big pork and beef country.
When will I be gone?
I will be leaving the US on May 24th and returning on June 24th. My first three days will be spent in Paris and then I will be off to Tours for the remaining time. By a stroke of luck (or thanks to the French government) our classes don't actually start until Tuesday because Monday is a French holiday. This gives us a day to walk around and get aclimated with the city a little before starting class. Our final exams are also done a few days before I actually leave, so I will have a couple days at the end to get in my final tastes of France.
I will try to document what's going on as I get ready as well as while I'm there. I want to be able to share the experience with all of you. I'll keep you posted as I get ready to go!
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