Concluding Orientation

As September comes to an end, it's hard to believe that we've been here in France for almost a month.  We've all finally settled into our apartments, learned our way around Versailles, and started thinking about schoolwork again.  So many things have happened -- sketching projects, field trips, weekend excursions -- so it feels like we've been here in France much longer than four weeks.  Now that we've recovered from our long orientation program, it's time to let everyone back at home know what we've been up to!

The first two weeks were filled with introductory courses and orientation lectures.  We met the awesome program director, Alejandro, and his wife Magali, the program administrator.  By now, we all consider them our pseudo-parents: they have an answer for everything and they're always looking out for us!  They spent a lot of time giving us information about life in Versailles and how to survive in France.  We learned about everything from banking and cell phones to doing laundry and cooking... it was overwhelming, but very useful!  During our introductory school courses, we met the rest of the staff: Jean-Brice and Eugenia (the two other studio professors, along with Alex), Tricia (history), and Jeff (structures).  We also got split into three different levels for a short-term French class to help us adjust.  At the end of the week, we had our first sketching session, the first of many to come throughout the rest of the year.

The most interesting -- and certainly challenging -- aspect of those first few weeks was adjusting to the French culture.  We couldn't help but be shocked and embarrassed from time to time... one quickly realizes just how American we look amongst all the Europeans.  We realized that several stereotypes are too true: compared to French people, we are loud, obnoxious, and don't dress well!  It was fun meeting friendly French people from time to time, but more often than not, we made fools of ourselves with our poor French language skills.  Fortunately, by now we're getting better -- I might even venture to say that they believe we're actually French sometimes!

It was exciting to learn about French customs and habits, too.  People truly do dress like supermodels; the food is amazingly delicious; and (of course) the beautiful architecture can't be beat.  Then again, some less exciting stereotypes are also true: everyone smokes like a chimney, no one smiles on the street, and things aren't very convenient or organized.  But, as Magali tells us, we have to learn to adapt to the "French way" -- just go with the flow, and things will work themselves out!

Back on the first day, when we arrived in Versailles via coach bus, we were all immediately awestruck by the enormity and beauty of the Château de Versailles.  After all, it's the heart of the city -- in fact, the only reason that the city even exists.  It looms over Versailles like a giant symbol of royal power, its golden facade shining brightly in the sunlight every day.  It seemed ridiculous to not visit it at the first opportunity, especially since our school is part of the grounds.  So when we finally had some free time, several of us ventured inside (for free with our student cards).  What we found inside was mind-blowing, almost ridiculous -- there's so much to see that even now, three weeks later, I still have more areas to explore.  We'll send more updates about the actual Château once we've explored the grounds a bit more thoroughly.

Everyone was also very excited to go explore Paris for the first time.  Having been itching to go there for several days, I finally led about half of the group all over the city for several hours.  I think that was when we truly realized how lucky we are to be here.  Paris is teeming with indescribable beauties in every neighborhood... it is truly breathtaking.  There's just too much to tell about the wonders of the City of Lights in one post -- so more on that later!

-Kim