Last week classes started full force. I was really nervous because Gregoire, my methodologie prof, said there would be a battle to pick exposés and indeed there was. I walked into my first class, Comportements, attitudes, et forces politiques en Europe et en France, went over the syllabus, and then it was time. Prof. went through every week and every exposé and fiche de lecture. For almost every presentation 2 or 3 people at the least raised their hands and the prof. told us that we needed to decide amongst ourselves who would do the presentation or fiche. For some that was easy but definitely had to fight for my presentation with a girl from Hopkins.
All of my classes started this way although the picking in this class was much more intense. Overall classes are looking good. Conference discussions are interesting when I can follow them. My one lecture class I understood for the first hour and then was completely lost. It's a bit rough but I recorded the lecture so I can go back listen again. It's also VERY hard to listen and take notes. Can't do it. At all. But it'll get better I hope. I understand a bit more every day.
Now that I've started classes, it's time to organize myself. I only have classes on Monday, Wednesday, and my 7:15pm on Friday, which means I have a lot of time to work and travel.
Aside from school, I went to see Saint-Chapelle with David K. which was beautiful and tiny. The stained glass windows are like non-other. There are 12 windows each of which tells a book of the bible. The first one tells Genesis, the second Exodus, etc. It was marvelous. Did you know that stained glass only comes in 5 colors?
I also met Arielle over the weekend. So glad she's finally in Paris after her fun time in Barcelona! We had wonderful pastries and caught up on her life here and school. It's nice to see AU people around. I've been hanging out with a bunch of he MICEFA people too which is cool. Stacy and I even went to an American Diner by Notre Dame! It was actually really good and we were craving pancakes!
This semester is so exciting but I can't believe it just started. I feel like I've been here for years! Time is going by so slowly. It's very strange.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Today celebrates the end of my first week in Paris
So, I've realized that I don't blog very often. I'm attempting to fix this this problem starting today.
My first week at Sciences Po was really great. I met a ton of international students during the Welcome Programme for all over the world but mostly the US and Australia. There are 88 Australians on this program! This week was full of exploration, parties, and methodology.
When I wasn't in class I would just roam around St. Germain des Pres or other parts of Paris. There were also several activities that Sciences Po planned. On Wednesday I went the Louvre with bunch of people and took a tour. So fun, but the Mona Lisa is very small and not the most spectacular piece in there. The tour was a bit short because we were going to be late for out boat ride on the Seine River. So, I definitely plan on going back to see the rest of the exhibits - probably on a Friday night when it's free for students. If you want to come, let me know! The boat ride was great and the view of Paris at night is spectacular!
Sciences Po also organized a bunch of parties for us this week. My WP group went out for crepes and then to the 'Melting Potes' event at a local bar. It was a way of meeting the international students. It was ok, not as integrative as it could have been because everyone was still pairing up with people from their home universities. We also had a party on Thursday night at the Wagg Club called "It's better when it's French." I did enjoy that party even though I was exhausted the next morning at my 9am methodology class. Parties here start so late. This didn't start until 11pm and lasted until 5am. I got home around 4 and crashed, but it was a great way to meet people. We played a pairs game where you got the name of a "couple" (ex. Ken and Barbie, Bill Clinton and Monica L., Belle Gross and Beaux Gross) and you had to find your pair.
Then there's methodology-- AH! I'm so happy that I'm participating in the Welcome Programme because I hadn't I would be in serious trouble. They have been teaching us how to write dissertations, exposes, fiche techniqies, fiches de lectures, and commentaires de text. These are the 5 types of assignments we will get. Their system is a bit more critical than ours, but what gets me is their way of thinking. They come from a very different thought process than we do, which is great and I'm learning a lot, but it means that I'm going to have to work at structuring essays and giving presentations the French way. In some cases, their way does make a lot more sense than the American way. For example, in an essay, they give an intro, pros and cons to the topic and then write the thesis. It makes so much more sense than writing a thesis and then supporting it, I think.
It's crazy and I'm not looking forward to the first class because as I told some people, it's pretty much required that I look up every single one of my classes and the general topics of everything I'm learning so that I can choose my exposes and fiche techniques during the first class. Gregoire my WP prof. said that the first class is a very cut throat because people just shout out which exercises they want and half the battle is knowing which topics are good one. The other half is planning so that they are not all on the same week, or else we'll fail. But I'm sure everything will be fine and I will spend all of Monday and Tuesday doing that for my lectures on Wednesday!
Today though is a pretty calm day. I am going on a scavenger hunt with around Paris starting at La Tour Eiffel and catching up with some friends. My cell phone also came in the mail last evening so I'm happy to say that I can now communicate with friends in Paris and my host family. Anyway, I should probably get started with my day because it's 11:30am and all I have only watched Criminal Minds online and written this blog. Time for a Scavenger Hunt!!!
My first week at Sciences Po was really great. I met a ton of international students during the Welcome Programme for all over the world but mostly the US and Australia. There are 88 Australians on this program! This week was full of exploration, parties, and methodology.
When I wasn't in class I would just roam around St. Germain des Pres or other parts of Paris. There were also several activities that Sciences Po planned. On Wednesday I went the Louvre with bunch of people and took a tour. So fun, but the Mona Lisa is very small and not the most spectacular piece in there. The tour was a bit short because we were going to be late for out boat ride on the Seine River. So, I definitely plan on going back to see the rest of the exhibits - probably on a Friday night when it's free for students. If you want to come, let me know! The boat ride was great and the view of Paris at night is spectacular!
Sciences Po also organized a bunch of parties for us this week. My WP group went out for crepes and then to the 'Melting Potes' event at a local bar. It was a way of meeting the international students. It was ok, not as integrative as it could have been because everyone was still pairing up with people from their home universities. We also had a party on Thursday night at the Wagg Club called "It's better when it's French." I did enjoy that party even though I was exhausted the next morning at my 9am methodology class. Parties here start so late. This didn't start until 11pm and lasted until 5am. I got home around 4 and crashed, but it was a great way to meet people. We played a pairs game where you got the name of a "couple" (ex. Ken and Barbie, Bill Clinton and Monica L., Belle Gross and Beaux Gross) and you had to find your pair.
Then there's methodology-- AH! I'm so happy that I'm participating in the Welcome Programme because I hadn't I would be in serious trouble. They have been teaching us how to write dissertations, exposes, fiche techniqies, fiches de lectures, and commentaires de text. These are the 5 types of assignments we will get. Their system is a bit more critical than ours, but what gets me is their way of thinking. They come from a very different thought process than we do, which is great and I'm learning a lot, but it means that I'm going to have to work at structuring essays and giving presentations the French way. In some cases, their way does make a lot more sense than the American way. For example, in an essay, they give an intro, pros and cons to the topic and then write the thesis. It makes so much more sense than writing a thesis and then supporting it, I think.
It's crazy and I'm not looking forward to the first class because as I told some people, it's pretty much required that I look up every single one of my classes and the general topics of everything I'm learning so that I can choose my exposes and fiche techniques during the first class. Gregoire my WP prof. said that the first class is a very cut throat because people just shout out which exercises they want and half the battle is knowing which topics are good one. The other half is planning so that they are not all on the same week, or else we'll fail. But I'm sure everything will be fine and I will spend all of Monday and Tuesday doing that for my lectures on Wednesday!
Today though is a pretty calm day. I am going on a scavenger hunt with around Paris starting at La Tour Eiffel and catching up with some friends. My cell phone also came in the mail last evening so I'm happy to say that I can now communicate with friends in Paris and my host family. Anyway, I should probably get started with my day because it's 11:30am and all I have only watched Criminal Minds online and written this blog. Time for a Scavenger Hunt!!!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Day #2 &3
Monday-
I started my Welcome Programme at Sciences Po. I met Katie, Krista, and Adrien there. It was nice to see some familiar faces. Everyone else seemed to be paired with people from their home universities so it was hard to meet new people immediately.
The director of the program introduced herself and all of the of offices for international students introduced themselves. After the introduction, we signed up for all the fun events happening this week. I'm on a tour of the Louvre tomorrow as well as on a Cruise on the Seine. The on Thursday there is a dance run by the BDE ( Bureau D'Eleves Sciences Po) and on Friday I'm going on Baguettes and Berets, which is a tour run by 2 grad students of St. Germain des Pres. They are going to show us all the non-touristic sites.
After the madness of signing up for events we went to explore the cafeteria. Fun! Then Adrien and I went to Laduree (http://www.laduree.fr/public_en/produits/patisseries_accueil.htm), which is this famous pastry shop that makes really fancy cakes and is especially know for their macaroons. It was a little expensive but I felt that I needed to try it once while in Paris. Adrien and I also went to the Jardin du Luxembourg and walked around. A very fun day!!
Sunday- Jet lag is awful. I was so tired all of today and I slept 10 hours last night which never happens. Still, it was a wonderful day. I had breakfast with my host mom, Corinne, and with the dog, who is just as energetic as Gizmo. Afterward, we took a walk to Champs Mars right behind the Tour Eiffel. It was so nice out today! Corinne showed me how to use the metro and the buses and on the way we even stopped at an outdoors market that takes place every weekend just outside of the metro stop. We also went by St. Germain des Pres to see Sciences Po. I was afraid of getting lost tomorrow.
I started my Welcome Programme at Sciences Po. I met Katie, Krista, and Adrien there. It was nice to see some familiar faces. Everyone else seemed to be paired with people from their home universities so it was hard to meet new people immediately.
The director of the program introduced herself and all of the of offices for international students introduced themselves. After the introduction, we signed up for all the fun events happening this week. I'm on a tour of the Louvre tomorrow as well as on a Cruise on the Seine. The on Thursday there is a dance run by the BDE ( Bureau D'Eleves Sciences Po) and on Friday I'm going on Baguettes and Berets, which is a tour run by 2 grad students of St. Germain des Pres. They are going to show us all the non-touristic sites.
After the madness of signing up for events we went to explore the cafeteria. Fun! Then Adrien and I went to Laduree (http://www.laduree.fr/public_en/produits/patisseries_accueil.htm), which is this famous pastry shop that makes really fancy cakes and is especially know for their macaroons. It was a little expensive but I felt that I needed to try it once while in Paris. Adrien and I also went to the Jardin du Luxembourg and walked around. A very fun day!!
Sunday- Jet lag is awful. I was so tired all of today and I slept 10 hours last night which never happens. Still, it was a wonderful day. I had breakfast with my host mom, Corinne, and with the dog, who is just as energetic as Gizmo. Afterward, we took a walk to Champs Mars right behind the Tour Eiffel. It was so nice out today! Corinne showed me how to use the metro and the buses and on the way we even stopped at an outdoors market that takes place every weekend just outside of the metro stop. We also went by St. Germain des Pres to see Sciences Po. I was afraid of getting lost tomorrow.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The plane ride
I have arrived in Paris! It's been a long few days but I'm finally here!!
Friday I spent most of my day packing and finalizing some paperwork for school. It went by so quickly, mostly because of the emotional roller-coaster I was on. It finally hit me on Friday morning that I was leaving and it was tough. Mostly because I fear not knowing enough French, doing well in school, and meeting my host family. My parents were really supportive and kept reassuring me that everything was going to be fine and talking to some friends helped too. It was also nice to spend an entire day with my brother who had off from school.
At around 5pm my parents came home and the mad rush to finish closing suitcases began. We left at 5:45pm for the airport and once we got there I checked in and went through security. Funny story, the security man let my laptop fall on the floor because he wasn't paying attention to the bins he had already scanned. So my mac fell flat on the floor, but it's fine. Then I waited at the gate for 3 hours. I think that has been the most nerve-racking part of the last few days - sitting at the gate knowing that I'm getting on a plane, seeing the plane, but not having gotten on or left yet. Eventually though they did start boarding and I left. Surprisingly, one of the dads in my brother's cub scout troop was on the plane with me and a girl from high school.
I arrived in London, took a connection flight to Paris where I waited for my cab which never arrived. But thank goodness there was a sign that said taxis and a cop was just outside helping people get taxis. I was really grateful.
My host family is wonderful. My host mom is so sweet and is helping me with my french. she has two daughters and a son. The eldest daughter lives in Amsterdam (I did not meet her), the son at home, and the youngest daughter in St. Germain des Prés where I go to school. The youngest met me on Saturday when I arrived. She is my age and in medical school. They are all so sweet and I'm so happy because I was really scared to be in Paris. Not anymore!
I did also get to skype with my family which made me feel better. My mom was totally panicked! I do miss everyone though. Email and comment! Love you!
Friday I spent most of my day packing and finalizing some paperwork for school. It went by so quickly, mostly because of the emotional roller-coaster I was on. It finally hit me on Friday morning that I was leaving and it was tough. Mostly because I fear not knowing enough French, doing well in school, and meeting my host family. My parents were really supportive and kept reassuring me that everything was going to be fine and talking to some friends helped too. It was also nice to spend an entire day with my brother who had off from school.
At around 5pm my parents came home and the mad rush to finish closing suitcases began. We left at 5:45pm for the airport and once we got there I checked in and went through security. Funny story, the security man let my laptop fall on the floor because he wasn't paying attention to the bins he had already scanned. So my mac fell flat on the floor, but it's fine. Then I waited at the gate for 3 hours. I think that has been the most nerve-racking part of the last few days - sitting at the gate knowing that I'm getting on a plane, seeing the plane, but not having gotten on or left yet. Eventually though they did start boarding and I left. Surprisingly, one of the dads in my brother's cub scout troop was on the plane with me and a girl from high school.
I arrived in London, took a connection flight to Paris where I waited for my cab which never arrived. But thank goodness there was a sign that said taxis and a cop was just outside helping people get taxis. I was really grateful.
My host family is wonderful. My host mom is so sweet and is helping me with my french. she has two daughters and a son. The eldest daughter lives in Amsterdam (I did not meet her), the son at home, and the youngest daughter in St. Germain des Prés where I go to school. The youngest met me on Saturday when I arrived. She is my age and in medical school. They are all so sweet and I'm so happy because I was really scared to be in Paris. Not anymore!
I did also get to skype with my family which made me feel better. My mom was totally panicked! I do miss everyone though. Email and comment! Love you!
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