Une Journée à Bruges avec nos correspondants!

After a two hour bus ride, we finally arrived in the beautiful city of Bruges. Then we all crammed into two small boats for a tour of the city. As we rode through canals and under bridges, we could see the amazing architecture and the 400 foot cathedral! After our boat tour we were given three hours to walk through the city in small groups. I explored the city with my correspondent, Tom, Rory, and Rory's correspondent, Celestine. After eating lunch in a park near the cathedral, we went on a search for chocolate! But it wasn't too hard to find. Practically every street had three or four chocolate shops! Our next destination, after chocolate, was the waffles. We found a store which was like a frozen yogurt store, but for waffles, and you could pick as many toppings as you wanted! I covered my waffle in whipped cream and rich Belgian chocolate. By the end of the day, we were so full that we barely made it back to the bus! -Gilly

Photo de tout le groupe ensemble grace à Mme. Leroy!

Getting to Belgium was accompanied by hearing a lot of 'parlez en francais!'  When we got there, we given free time to shop and eat all the Belgian waffles we could.  Bérénice(my corres) and I had packed lunches for ourselves, so we ate on some benches with some other pairs. After eating our lunch, we went into a shop called Jazzy Jam or something like that, which was so cool.  Despite the many cool things in that store, I reached an all time low and purchased my very first 'fidget spinner'. After, we got waffles (which were unbeatable), walked around a bit more, then met up with Mme. D, S, and L and walked back to the bus.  Overall, 10/10 for Belgium!-Maggie 

Regardant le plan de Bruges!

Dans le bateau!

Heureux avec nos correspondants

!
Our trip to Belgium 

Yesterday, I went to Belgium along with everyone else and their French correspondant. We started the exciting day off with a canal tour, where we were able to see the beautiful city. We weaved under bridges and spotted ducks and swans along the way. Once we finished the tour, we broke off into smaller groups and wandered around the city for three hours. My group and I went into many stores and ate lunch at a park. We then all bought Belgian waffles topped with strawberries and chocolate (it was the best waffle I've had). After all the chocolate eating and exploring, we headed back to the buses and returned to Marquise. -Vee

We visited Bruges, Belgium on Wednesday. Once we arrived in Bruges, we went on a sightseeing trip by boat along one of the canals in Bruges. We saw the landscape and architecture of Bruges. A highlight of the canal trip is the towering cathedrals and spires we saw that were built in the 16^th century. After traveling along the canal, we split up into groups and we walked down the streets of Bruges so we could find a meal to eat. We ate sandwiches and later had ice cream, which was much better than the ice cream in America. After buying lunch, we toured some of the older streets, cathedrals, and towers. At 3 pm, we departed back to Calais and we arrived at 5 pm.  --Matthew

La belle Place Markt

First day teaching!

It was a little rough for the first period, but our kids are really starting to acclimate to (and sympathize with) life as teachers. The Rassias Method ® drilling techniques help bring English lessons to life and connect our Poly Assistants d'Anglais with the students at Saint Martin.  --Mme. Leroy

Overall, I came into this teaching experience with an okay attitude but little preparation. Unlike some of the other students, I wasn't free for most of the L periods prior to this trip, and I needed to change groups because of unexpected changes. The only preparation that I was able to do was make flashcards with drawings for the students in the primary classes. The first two classes that I taught were 7th graders, and they were really attentive, so I was able to have a boost of confidence while I was teaching. As for the next 3 classes that I taught, the attentiveness of the students went downhill. The eigth graders intimidated me, and the whole time while I was teaching, I felt like they were judging me. The 6th graders were way too wild, and they wouldn't stop speaking in French even when we told them to more than 5 times. Overall, I feel like the teaching experience can only get better from here, and I will continue to learn from my mistakes. -Chanel

After hours of prepping for our classes, the time had finally come for us to actually start teaching. Upon arriving at the school, I thought we were over prepared, as we dedicated most community times and lots of L periods to work on our lesson plans; however, once we began teaching, it became obvious to my group (and I'm sure to the other groups) that we had only prepared just enough. It was hardest to teach the morning classes because we were just getting into the swing of things, but as the day went on, things went a little bit better. Because we had almost no idea what level of English each grade was at, it was hard to stick to each lesson plan exactly as it was written. This made it difficult to stay confident as teachers, but we were eventually able to figure out worked and what didn't, and I would have to say that the final classes went the smoothest! I can't wait for what the rest of the trip will bring!-Sophie

 

The teaching experience thus far has been very flattering but also very humbling. The French kids, especially the younger ones, have not hesitated to show their excitement for having us at their school. During one of the breaks, a group of sixièmes (sixth graders) gathered around me and asked where I was from. When I told them I was from Los Angeles, they were all blown away. Then we started talking about soccer, and next thing I know, about twelve sixièmes were all telling me about their favorite players and teams. During lunch and throughout the entire day, they always said, "Hello!" or "Bonjour Monsieur!" whenever they saw me. I felt like a celebrity. In the classroom, the kids are very responsive. While they may not always understand what we're saying, they are quick to learn how the drills work. Doing the drills has also proven to be much more enjoyable than I thought they would be, mostly because the students are very enthusiastic and fun! -Matt K

First impressions

The minute we arrived at our correspondant's homes I felt welcomed with an open heart. Every conversation I shared with my correspondant and their family was meaningful, both stretching the boundaries of our linguistic potential and satisfying our desire to know each other. Although I was unfortunate enough to experience jet lag the first couple days of the trip, my family has been very understanding by sharing their plans with me and giving me a chance to opt out if need be. While I wish I had done most of these activities ranging from helping out at my family food stand or just simply helping them with the animals around the house, I am also glad that they do not fit the repertoire of an average exchange family. In fact, they surpass it in every way by surprising me everyday with what they have in store for my stay with them. It seems like everyday we go to the beach and enjoy ourselves, meeting up with my other classmates and getting to know their correspondants. I admire French culture in every way combined with the much calmer lifestyle in the country. What I initially thought would be the death of me (the language barrier) allowed me to become more familiar with French culture and language. I look forward to the days of teaching and I will value every minute of Hermelinghem (my correspondant's city) that I can get before my next trip to Paris.
-Diego

 When we got to Calais around 5pm, everyone was completely exhausted.  The flight felt long, and the train ride even longer; I'm sure the correspondents were shocked to see how insane we all looked when we got off the train. After unpacking my bag, I was about ready to go to sleep right then and there, but I ate dinner before knocking out on my bed.  If we didn't have the day off I really don't know what I would've done!  Instead of going to school, we went to the aquarium and then to the beach, which was really fun.  My host family was extremely welcoming, but that didn't stop the bit of fear that I had regarding coming out of my room and hanging out with the family.  They were super friendly and talked to me a lot, which made it easier to adjust to my new home for the week.  The meals are really different from what I'm used to in LA, but I think it's cool that I'm getting the full French countryside experience.  My family doesn't speak English, so my French is definitely getting a lot better.  The teaching was exhausting but ended up being really rewarding at the end of the day.  Right now we are on our way to Belgium! I can't wait to go on the boat ride and see everything Brugge has to offer! 

I am fortunate enough to be with Clara, her sweet mother and stepfather, and her quietly fun brother.  On Sunday night, We first went to the fair and I bought a crepe.  Not my first ever but an fyi: any crepe in America is no where near comparable to the ones in France.  After that we came home, and due to jet lag I passed out immediately.  For breakfast on Monday morning we ate cereal with hot chocolate, and then my corres asked me if I was up for a walk to get bread for her mother.  Excitedly, I said yes, but boy was I unprepared for what was to come. In Pasadena, I take for granted the desire and requests such as "mom, can you run out and get some milk? I can't eat my cereal." There: 10 minutes later milk is in the fridge and consequently, cereal is in my mouth.  Needless to say, here: the walk to purchase bread was a tad longer than I had thought it would be.  Gratefully, I was able to have a quality conversation about french customs with my corres so all was okay.  By the time we got back it was lunch time, and we ate a chicken stew that was absolutely delicious.  Next we went to the aquarium and apparently all of the correspondents had coordinated because almost all of them seemed to have been there. So fun!! Now we are back home, and I cannot wait for tomorrow and the rest of our journey dans la campagne!-Cayla

I slept in until about 10:30 and then had a small but delicious breakfast with my family. After breakfast we went to Cap Blanc Nez. It is a point on the coast where the Germans built bunkers in World War 2 because one can see the white coast of Dover clearly from the point. After, we went to lunch and to go bowling at a very large mall. In the evening we went to a beach where I saw other correspondants and the kids walked and talked with each other. I had dinner with my family and Mathew and his family at a restaurant on the beach. It was a great day for my jet-lagged self. 

-Miles 

Enfin arrivés!

We successfully made it through all train travel (minus the loss of Ms. Lyons's luggage! 😭), and the kids should be settling in with their first home stays.... Tomorrow is a French holiday, but look for our first longer blog posts from the students after their first full day with their families. Grosses bises from France!

Fatigués!

As I arrived at the Tom Bradley International, a few minutes behind schedule per usual, my nerves became evident. Three weeks is a fairly long time to be away from family and friends. That feeling, combined with other little fears of travel and new experiences left me with an expected pit in the bottom of my stomach. Nothing that a bit of Pinkberry couldn't cure though. Next thing we knew, we were buckled into the blue Air Tahiti seats and ready for takeoff. Four movies, an hour of attempted sleep, and a ton of snacks later, the wheels of our plane were just about ready to touch down on Parisian soil. We had arrived and quickly proceeded through customs and baggage claim. After rejuvenating both our minds and our bodies with some nourishment and rest, everyone was ready to hitch a ride on the TGV. Many eyelids dragged as the train made its way through beautiful countryside landscapes and finally into Lille, the only thing between us and our final destination. The forty-five minute layover gave the students an opportunity to do some exploring, which took some of us to a coffee shop. One last hour on the train and we had made it to Calais where we were greeted warmly by our host families. As excited as I was to be in a new place, starting a new adventure, I, for one, needed some sort of recuperation. As expected, the awkwardness of getting to know a new family with only my broken, level II French to rely on was apparent but the genuine kindness of my hosts made it all the more easy. A solid night of sleep was all it took to prepare me for the following day. France, thus far, has been a mixed bag of everything from exhaustion to pure joy but I can say with confidence that this experience will be one we'll hold onto for a lifetime.--Lucy

  RIP la valise rose de Mme. Lyons!

And we're off! 12 hours on a plane sounds terrible... right? Nope! Air Tahiti has the best service I have ever experienced.  Along with watching movies, one of which was "Viana" or more commonly known as "Moana," the seats were extremely comfortable (despite the chaperones' insistence otherwise). Once we landed and got off the plane, everything was "EN FRANÇAIS!"  We got through customs and got our luggage and then went to a restaurant to get sandwiches.  I ordered a simple ham and cheese sandwich, but it was absolutely perfect (though I believe my excitement to be in the country may have overpowered my tastebuds...).

The train ride to Lille was absolutely stunning.  We just sat in complete awe of the simple beauty of acres and acres of green land... and a few of us got to nap. Once we arrived, we got our first chance to venture out on our own in small groups and see the old and intricate architecture- before getting back on the train to Calais, where we met train our correspondents. 

-Cayla

Les deux Matthew!

Notre train de Lille-Calais

After a long flight, without much sleep, we officially arrived in Paris!! On our way to a three hour train now! 🚊

The 2017 Poly French exchange is officially boarded!! Hope to be able to upload photos soon- once we're settled in Calais. Missing everyone at home! 🥐🥐

Reflections on the French Exchange--The Homestay and Learning the Language

--Since the moment I first stepped on the plane, I knew that this trip would be highly transformative, but it ended up affecting me in ways I did not expect.  I knew that I would get along well with Gabi and her family, but I did not expect to have super long, hilarious conversation with Gabi in the afternoons and nights about our different lives, jokes and languages.  I did not know that I would end up telling my host family so many things about myself and learning about their ways as well during our dinners with the view of the sun setting over the Seine.  One moment that especially made its mark on my memory was when Gabi's mother presented me with two French novels (one of them was L'Etranger by Camus).  She told me that she thought that I spoke French very well and that she was proud of how far I've come.  She told me that she hopes that I will continue my studies of French and that once I feel read, I can enjoy these two books that had brought her such happiness once she got her own grasp of the French language (Albanian was her first language).  These memories with my host family were what made saying goodbye to Paris so hard. --Jadie

I've absolutely loved this trip to France; it has been an unforgettable experience.  Probablement,  the best individual occurrence was on the fifth day in Paris, vendredi.   I'd gone home with my corres and we were speaking in French, at which time while otherwise unremarkable, I realized that natural French thoughts were flowing to my head.  I was no longer articulating words in French based on ideas in English, but experiencing the world in French.  I'm far from fluent, but that moment and for days afterwards, I was able to experience the true beauty of fluency--thinking and simply existing en français.  Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that I would get a taste of fluency on this trip, but what a sweet taste it was.  I've had an amazing time with my host family, with my friends, and with les français, and this taste of fluency really is the icing on the proverbial cake. --Nick

 The most transformative experience I had on the Poly French trip was when I was driving to my host family's apartment on the night we arrived.  I knew some of what Paris was going to be like before, but when I started driving through the streets, my brain was able to register the beauty of Paris and the fact that it is a place where real people live.  Paris is unlike any city I've seen in the United States because of its combination of ancient architecture and modern and relaxed attitude on the streets.  I was truly struck by the beauty of the city, people, and language of Paris.  --Jesse

My biggest takeaway from this trip has been the difference between the French and American culture.  When I visited Paris 5 years ago, I did the things that tourists did (Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc), but at night I came home to a hotel room with a family that spoke English.  My favorite moments from this exchange have come from the time I spent with my correspondante and host family as I merged into their daily life in Paris.  I've that French teenagers are much less busy than those I'm around in America, mostly due to the small amount of team sports.  Where we live and especially at Poly, everyone is always so busy and rarely has much free time.  This is why Kelly and I were shocked at the slower moving French lifestyle and all the time they took to just sit and talk.  When we were together as a group, I often found the French chattering while the Americans (who were just as close friends) sat in silence.  I think that I will leave this trip with a better appreciation for downtime with the people I love--something that happened often at dinner.  Lila's parents are divorced and she switches houses every week, so I got to stay with bother her mom and her dad.  The two households were very different, but they shared long dinners while the family sat and talked.--Melissa