Things I Miss

While I am really enjoying being here, I do have my days where I think about things that I miss at home...both in the US and the UK. Today is one of those days. I was thinking about the things that I miss most today. Things that are not necessarily available in France.
1. My family
2. My friends
3. My neighbourhoods, both in England and in the States.
4. Sushi
5. Being able to take the T anywhere in Boston
6. Skippy's Peanut Butter (They have it here, but it is soooo expensive)
7. The waterfront in Rhode Island
8. My yoga studio
9. Not living in a closet sized room
10. English Tea

As you can see, I get pretty homesick sometimes. However, there are so many things I appreciate about living in France as well. Anyone have any coping skills for homesickness?

Thoughts on Stereotypes

So obviously we know 'our' stereotype of the Frenchman...a dark-haired man, wearing a beret and striped shirt, fresh out of the boulangerie, and riding his bicycle home. We also know 'our' stereotypes as Americans...gravy-guzzling icons of stupidity. However, as Americans, we know that this isn't at all true about us...so why does this idea of the 'typical Frenchman' persist?

One thought I had was that, to Americans, France can represent this romanticized country where things haven't changed for awhile. I can vouch that this isn't at all true. The French people I know are as different as all of the Americans I know...and all of the English people I know. With globalization occuring, perhaps none of us are all that different. I know berets are popular with woman this winter in the US...and I know there are French kids out there who sing along to the Glee soundtrack. Maybe we really are just the same with different languages.

This doesn't mean that the variations in culture do not exist, bien sur que oui! (of course they do!) I have a hard time, as an American, adjusting to the fact that 2 hour lunch breaks are still popular, and EVERYTHING shuts between 12 and 2. However I think a French person would have trouble adapting to bits of our culture as well.

My point is, while we emphasize the differences in culture, maybe the truth is that we are actually quite similar. But to be honest, I have seen French men with berets, carrying baguettes...So maybe our stereotypes are based in a tiny bit of fact :P

Un Petit Emploi

For those of you who don't speak French, the title means 'A Little Job'. You heard right, kids, I have managed to obtain employment in France...I have done the IMPOSSIBLE!! To be fair, I am not sure if I am paid or not, and it is only a few hours a week, but I am more excited about the experience.

France is notorious for being a difficult country to find employment as a non -EU foreigner. Most people resort to teaching English, on a TEFL or assistantship program. Even then, the stakes are really high, and getting a job is very competitive. Options for Americans seem to fall under 'au pair' or 'English assistant'

Luckily, because I am at university here, things are a little bit easier. Also, I am not blindly looking for a job that requires immigration status, which makes things A LOT easier. I volunteered when the DAI asked if anyone was interested in employment.

Let me explain. The DAI is the 'Direction des Affaires Internationales' at UPJV. This is basically the international office. What I am going to be doing is trying to entice people to go on a year abroad. I will be at a stand and will be able to answer any questions about ERASMUS or ISEP programs.

This could be a really big step for me. For one, I will be speaking in French to mostly French people. I have been here for seven months, but that does not mean that it is not nerve wracking to go out on a limb and speak to native speakers. Also, it is going to keep me occupied. While I go to classes almost daily (Wednesdays are free!) I find myself in my room (often blogging!) and trying to figure out something to do. This will get me out there, and might be a way to meet new people! Who knows what this has in store for me.

I am looking forward to gaining the experience, and practicing my French even more.

PS. Check my flickr account this week, I am headed to Paris for the day, and I want to take a lot of photos!