It's odd knowing everything you need for 11 weeks has to fit into one large suitcase, a backpack and a purse. I wanted to answer the questions I get regularly about everything so, here yeah go : Q1. Where are you staying in France? and for how long? I'm going to Montivilliers, (Which is in upper Normandy). A little farm house, in the countryside, about 2 hours from Paris. I'll be going to Claude-Monet Lycée (Highschool) Total of 11 weeks. Q2. What are you looking to get out of your trip? Really, I'm looking for cultural enlightenment. To live, eat, see, speak, and experience everything the incomplete french cultural immersion. Also, to use the french language skills I've been learning for 11 years, outside of the classroom. Also, to build a connection with my host family! ... read more

6 Days Before Leaving Presently, studying for Chem 12 and Pre Calculus 11 finals ( worth 20%) are my first priority over worrying about leaving. I couldn't help but think about the immense shift of perspective I will be facing, after my final exam is handed in. In short, by brain is being crammed with countless calculations and memorization techniques which are deemed "more important" or, hold more value than the 3 months I will be away. After My exam, none of it will matter. From one side of my brain, I'm trying to ignore this huge of uncertainty lying just ahead of me, and the other just wants to explore it. I want to wake up and Google Street View my future home. I want to look up "Texto" French shorthand, Like LOL or Omg ... read more