French Buddies!

Classes at the Ecole de Management have been interesting and easy to get accustomed to. Although, I am taking six classes, the schedules are spaced out enough that I, not only, have plenty of time to study for each one thoroughly, but also time to travel on the weekends. Recently though, as more and more of my class schedules collide, I find that I have less and less free time at the Chateau. Unfortunately, I have chosen not to take any French courses in school but have been able to practice my French around town and with other students. I have also signed up for a language exchange program where I will be partnered with a French student that wants to improve their English while helping me improve my French at the same time. Making friends here has been a challenge but I can only express hope at this new program that will open the doors to meeting many students. Now that classes are in full swing, teams, projects and papers are now being demanded and set deadlines are being established. I am currently working with both other international and French students in a group project where they have been able to answer any question I have from, 'where the coolest club is in town' to 'when do we plan study sessions for the final'. My academic as well as social life have been interweaving smoothly only recently and I have been changing my personal habits in order to prevent this flow from being obstructed. Living here now for six weeks and finally referring to Strasbourg as home for the time being rather than Atlanta, it has been easier to feel at home and feel like I belong. With these new attitudes resulting from meeting new friends or becoming familiar with the city, I am able to enjoy my classes and create a stress free study zone as well as plan weekend trips to desired destinations. I hope the weeks to come are just as interesting and peaceful as this transition to this new university has been.