Submitted by Alexandra Bennett on the 2018 fall semester study abroad program in Paris, France…
Last night, I visited the Louvre with my new friend, Jean-Baptiste. Through the Academic Year Abroad program, students have the choice to be paired with a language exchange partner. The partners are selected through a brief questionnaire and aim to be a mutually beneficial relationship. Jean-Baptiste and I converse in both English and French.
For our first partner meet-up, I suggested we visit the Louvre because I had not done so yet. This was the perfect choice as he was able to be my tour guide and explain to me various pieces of artwork. I was able to comprehend his explanations in French and offered back my own in English. While he said his English was not fluent, I was surprised at his vast vocabulary. Many students in France have English lessons in school starting around age six or seven years old. I am constantly jealous and in awe of those who have begun studying foreign languages at a young age.
We also were able to laugh and joke in both of our respective languages. When analyzing the amazing Winged Victory of Samothrace, Jean-Baptiste mentioned that recently one of her hands was discovered. I joked that the museum should hang the hand with wires to complete her pose. He replied back stating they should just glue it onto the top, the space where her head once was!
Straying from the topic of art, we also discussed the differences in university life in France and in the United States. At Jean-Baptiste’s university he does not attend regular weekly classes but instead must complete projects weekly and attend lectures occasionally. This type of schedule allows students to commit themselves to other ventures, such as internships or full-time jobs. I compared that to the rising popularity of online courses, which students prefer for similar reasons.
Overall, Jean-Baptiste and I had a nice time exploring the Louvre together. We are trying to decide what our next cultural experience will be.