Sophie fulfilled a huge dream in September 2023. She took the chance and flew with us to Paris. She tells you how she liked it in this blog entry.
I can still remember the moment two years ago when I first told my parents about my desire to go on a language trip to Paris.
I have always been in love with France, with the French culture and with the language. I couldn’t wait to finally walk along the Seine, meet new people and cultures and improve my French with real native speakers. My EF adventure started in September 2023…
Directorate: Paris
After a one-hour flight, I was taken to the dormitory along with other EF students. On the way there we were all able to get to know each other. After our arrival, we were divided into our rooms and then explored the neighborhood together and ended the evening with “Mario Kart” in the lounge.
The next day was our first real day of school at EF. We all took the metro to campus together. We were warmly welcomed at school and given all the important information we needed for our stay. After a few presentations about the school, a short tour of the building and a language test, we picnicked at the Eiffel Tower in wonderful weather and took a boat tour on the Seine. We went by boat through Paris and saw many famous sights such as the Musée d’Orsay or Notre Dame.
From then on I knew that a very beautiful and, above all, adventurous five months awaited me.
The lessons: A mix of fashion and sport
During my time in Paris, in addition to the normal French lessons (français général), I was also able to choose some SPIN subjects (subjects with specific thematic focuses). In addition to grammar, communication and vocabulary SPINS, there were also subjects such as “Parlons du Mode”. In this course we did a lot of practical work and, for example, made our own bracelets, designed masks or restyled items of clothing.
There was also a sports course where we could try out French sports (such as “Pétanque”). With this course we also went to a Paris sports arena where we had a picnic and played football.
Before we could try out the sports, we learned the rules and game sequences in class in French.
Personally, I think the SPIN subjects are a great way to get a more specific vocabulary and to try out new things.
My trips: From the Atomium in Brussels to the desert of Marrakech
The highlight of my EF trip were the excursions and weekend trips. In addition to a weekend in Brussels and Bruges where I was able to visit a chocolate museum and the Atomium, I also had the opportunity to travel with EF to Normandy, Marseille and Marrakech.
In Marseille we lived with a total of eight students and one EF employee in our own “apartment” right by the harbor. We took a city tour together on a small tourist train and had a stunning view of the entire city from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, which is located on a hill – the perfect photo spot. On the last day we drove to Aix-en-Provence and were able to visit the first Christmas market.
In Marrakech we took a quad bike tour through the desert and visited the Yve Saint Laurent Museum. In sunny weather we strolled through the traditional Moroccan markets (the so-called souks) and tried typical Moroccan dishes.
Friends and memories for life
I have grown very fond of the other students with whom I have spent my entire time at EF. It was incredibly nice for me to get to know so many people from different countries. I am still in contact with a lot of people today. As a group you quickly grow together, especially if you live together, go to school together, spend your free time together and can share the same experiences.
You find friends for life. That’s one of the best things about EF!
