The institute that I attend is for all international students, however the professors are hardly forgiving. In my first class, the professor had us go up to the front of the room one by one as he grilled us with questions about anything from where we come from to what our favorite novel is. Another difference is that personal exam grades are read aloud to the entire class. Grades are all on a scale from 1-20 and getting a 10/20 is considered very good. Getting a 16/20 is nearly unheard of and a 20/20 is non-existant. While professors are encouraging, when announcing grades they often only state their criticisms of your work in an attempt to maximize your improvement. Needless to say, classes are going to be much more challenging than I initially anticipated...I'm required to take the mandatory 12 hours a week of straight French language and grammar courses and then my chosen electives are short stories and France in the news.
The issue of maintaining a good work our regime is still one I'm struggling with. The French do not like anyone to see them sweat and thus they prefer to workout in the comfort of their own homes. As my apartment is a small loft this does not quite work for me so I have been actively exploring my other options. My first attempt was to go jogging in a local park. As the streets are quite crowded I had to walk to the park until I could begin running and even then, I received many stares from the people in the park who were trying to sit and enjoy their cigarettes. Needless to say, it was very evident that I was American...I walk probably at least two miles every day due to my classes and errands and such so I might just have to count of that for exercise but I'm determined to find other outlets. Stay tuned...
Next week we're being paired with French students at the local university and even though I feel like all I do is practice French, I am very excited to have someone to teach me the slang and idioms that you often don't learn in class. Learning mannerisms like to faire les bises (one kiss on each cheek) is something that I'm still trying to remember. The other night, I met someone who I thought was American so I immediately went to shake his hand but he came to faire les bises. Luckily I caught what was going on, but I nearly insulted him...You always shake hands upon meeting someone who is your superior but faire les bises with people your own age. Hugging is almost non-existant here and while it would seem strange in America, even men faire les bises when they see someone they know on the street. French men are very comfortable with their sexualities and when you go out to clubs, men often constitute 80% of the people on the dance floor. French women are very subdued and prefer to ignorez-vous people for as long as possible by flicking their hair and walking away when approached.
While I'm trying really hard not to look like a tourist I managed to snap a few photos of Aix...more to come when the weather improves.
Le Grand Marche, the biggest market in Aix every Tues, Thus and Sat. It stretches through several streets and is a very social event for locals, especially on Saturdays.
My street!
A fountain on the street perpendicular to mine.
A courtyard I pass daily on my walk to school.
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