MSU Study Abroad in Tours, France
In the summer of 2012, I had the opportunity to study abroad and stay with a host family in Tours, France, a city in the Loire Valley approximately 236 km (147 miles) outside of Paris, for eight weeks; the experience was incredible, to say the least. As a student at the Institute de Touraine, otherwise known as l’Institut de Touraine en français, I was challenged to complete an intensive French curriculum that was hugely beneficial to me in a number of different ways. For instance, I can sincerely say that I feel as though my speaking improved tenfold by virtue of this program, which is largely focused on improving students’ oral abilities and cultural awareness. Moreover, during this time, I was able to expand upon my knowledge of Francophone culture through the close relationships I developed with my professors and host mother, all of whom I still keep in touch with today, as well as through my travels to nearby castles such as Amboise, Villandry, and Chenonceau, and cities such as Mont. St. Michel, Cassis, and of course, Paris. This international, life-changing experience has without question impacted my views of the world and the kinds of pedagogical practices I hope to enact in my future classrooms, and will be something that I share with students whether I teach in an English or French classroom, or as is my dream, both.
Furthermore, prior to my departure to the Hexagon (as France is often referred to), I was also chosen from a pool of applicants to receive a study abroad scholarship. As a part of this honor, I was asked to write a short essay encompassing and synthesizing what I gained from my time overseas upon my return. I have provided the link to this writing below, and hope that you will enjoy the way in which I reflect upon my growth following this amazing experience.
Furthermore, prior to my departure to the Hexagon (as France is often referred to), I was also chosen from a pool of applicants to receive a study abroad scholarship. As a part of this honor, I was asked to write a short essay encompassing and synthesizing what I gained from my time overseas upon my return. I have provided the link to this writing below, and hope that you will enjoy the way in which I reflect upon my growth following this amazing experience.
study_abroad_essay._step_by_step._word_doc.doc | |
File Size: | 265 kb |
File Type: | doc |