Abroad in Angers: Brittany Reyes

Writing about my experience abroad is, for lack of better words, strange. It’s strange to think that a week ago I was in France, living in the city of Angers and visiting popular places like Paris, Normandy, Mont Saint Michel, Saint Malo, along with many others. Looking back, I don’t know how it all worked out. I applied for the program the last day of the deadline and was convinced that I wouldn’t be accepted. On the first day of April, I received the acceptance email and everything from that point forward went by unbelievably fast.

Arriving in Paris was nerve-wracking. It was the first time I had flown alone. I knew almost no French and little about France, in general. I was about to spend six weeks in a new world and hoped I was ready.

Angers was the ideal city to live and learn my way through France. The small-town feel but city accommodations were perfect for immersing myself in the French culture, while still being reminded of home with the cities modern facilities.

            The residence Saint Serge was a good place for all of the SEU students to get to know one another. The dorm-style apartments allowed for each of us the “dorm experience” again. We were also in a good location, at the center of Angers, with many stores and foods for us to revel in.

As the first few days passed, it was time to prepare for classes, and the fact that I was in France for summer school completely slipped my mind (sorry!). Université Catholique de l’Ouest was a wonderful, small university that housed us during the time we took classes. As a part of the psychology course, we learned about human development, engaging in conversation regarding popular concern and learning from French professionals in related fieldwork. The two assignments I chose to participate in were observing a primary school and volunteering at the English Language Library for the “Summer in the States” program. With the assistance of Dr. Jennifer Kerzil, I was able to thoroughly observe a French primary school. I witnessed the daily activities each grade level participated in, spoke with and read to the students, and talked to the school’s teachers about their teaching methods. At “Summer in the States” I helped coordinate events geared toward activities or traditions that take place in America during summertime. Through this opportunity, I was able to teach the teens about the typical American lifestyle while they taught me about the average French lifestyle.

            Every excursion we traveled to was exciting and informative. As I knew very little about France, it was nice to learn about the history of some of the well-known tourist sites. My favorite excursion was our last, Château de Villandry. The overwhelming beauty of the castle gardens was astounding. This particular site is completely unique to French culture, and something I would never see in the U.S. It is truly amazing to think of the importance the castle continues to uphold in the family legacy. The preservation of the châteaux in the Loire Valley, shows the vivid beauty of French history.

            It’s strange to be back home in San Antonio and think that just a week ago, I was in France. It’s not very common for people to say they have visited another country. In general, many don’t have the chance to say they’ve lived in another country. Summing up my experience isn’t easy. The friendships I’ve gained and memories I’ve made from this summer are indescribable. Pictures don’t do justice for the fun and interesting life I lived these last 45 days. I know that one day I would love to have another strange and amazing opportunity, and if not for myself, I would encourage every student to attempt to study abroad.