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After spending three months in Caen, France, the 11 students studying abroad have a lot to look back on. First and foremost was the entry tour in Paris. Five days of getting an up-close-and-personal experience in the country’s capital was a wonderful and educational way of starting off the semester’s journey.

After spending three months in Caen, France, the 11 students studying abroad have a lot to look back on. First and foremost was the entry tour in Paris. Five days of getting an up-close-and-personal experience in the country’s capital was a wonderful and educational way of starting off the semester’s journey. Marcia Parker’s expertise of the City of Lights proved to be excellent – something the girls could not have done without as she led them confidently through the streets of Paris to a number of restaurants and a cabaret show. She also provided much-needed advice and encouragement as the group tried out their language abilities.

Next, the students moved on to what would be their home for the next four months and faced new and exciting challenges. Living with a host family has provided many with a cultural understanding that could never be achieved living in the residence halls and has boosted their knowledge of the French language and society. In addition, becoming part of university life through campus events and courses helped the students to adjust to their new ways of life. Basketball, soccer, swimming and salsa dancing are just a few of the weekly activities that several of the students take part in, and there are many more to choose from!

The Université de Caen-Basse Normandie also provides numerous excursions for those who would like to see the surrounding area. Day trips to Mt. Saint Michel, D-Day Beaches, Honfleur, Giverny and Rouen are just a few of the sights offered and, for UW-SP students, are included in the semester’s tuition. By participating in these small voyages, the group got the chance to view vastly different landscapes of Normandy while traveling at a significantly reduced rate.

Professors at the university truly love their job and want to see the students succeed. This along with the motivation of the members of the Caen group has yielded numerous positive results. The students have witnessed their level of understanding of French rise in just a few short months and now feel confident within the Caen community.

While the semester has gone by in a heartbeat, the 11 students in France have many positive memories to share with family and friends.