Kaitlyn G.
Destination: University Grenoble-Alpes, ORA program, France
Duration: 2 semesters
Program: Drama and French
High School: Ecole Secondaire l’Essor
What was the best thing that happened to you while on exchange?
Meeting a lot of new people from so many different countries! Everyday I was hanging out with people from the UK, the US, Spain, just to name a few! By meeting all of these new people I was exposed to plenty of different cultures and points of view which was very refreshing for me.
What was the biggest cultural shock that you experienced?
Honestly, it was having to rely on public transportation and other forms of transportation (bike, walking) to get around instead of using a car like I was used to. Being from the county I had never used public transportation before my exchange. Therefore, it had taken me awhile to get used to the new system I had to use but after awhile I didn't miss my car at all! It was so organized and easy to use, which was a big stress relief for me
What languages do you speak?
English, French and a little Spanish.
What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you left for exchange?
To always say Yes! Even if it’s something you would not normally do, or a place you would not normally want to visit, it is important to put yourself out there and accept experiences as they come. It is important to focus on school, but it is also important to explore the new country that you LIVE in! There will always be something to do and something to see so get out there!
If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
Do it! Don’t think about it too much just go for it. This is the perfect time to do something like this, you’re young, fit and able to make a big life change and you will be thankful for it. There is no other experience like exchange and I cannot promote it enough.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
I am so thankful to have been able to take part in an exchange for an entire school year. I could have not have done it without Michelle’s help and of course my family. I was able to learn a new culture, practice my favourite language and meet some pretty amazing people along the way! I could not have asked for a better experience.
Received credit for classes such as:
- FREN 3280: Aspects of Translation I
- FREN 3320: The History of the French Language
- FREN 4340: The French Lexicon