I do have to give a special thanks to my host mother. She has been so patient and so understanding about my struggles of speaking French. I initially wanted to do this program not so much because I wanted to learn French but to be more confident in using the language I have enough grammar and vocabulary but to put those into thoughts and words has been a big issue for me. And she has done so much so I can overcome those fears. First of all, no English was allowed; I even refrained speaking with my classmates in English after class. I also forbid myself from reading in English other than occasional Facebook or reading the news. I knew it was a really strict regime but I knew that if I didn't do this to myself, my French would never improve.
The next step was a big one for and that is to step out of my box and talk to people. My host mother often told me to go to marchés, cafés, day trips.. anywhere that I had no choice but to talk to strangers and use my French. I'm a complete introvert so I was extremely uncomfortable doing this but I found that the more I do, the more I got used to it and more I am ease with it. The fact that I was alone and had no one to lean on to made it effective as well.
And most importantly she taught me the ways of being a French woman. French women are admired and loved by many but I never understood why. But my host mom is a perfect example. She's a staunch feminist and very strong in her will; but she is also caring and compassionate at the same time. She works hard but she plays hard as well. She always told me to stop studying and enjoy yourself a café or go to the movies. You can't just spend your life in books. She also taught me the importance of food and nutrition. With only a few fresh ingredients, you can make 3 star restaurant dishes. I noted all her fantastic recipes in my notebook and looking forward to recreating them once I get back.
My head is in a mess so I am just blabbering on but all in all, I have learned so much - not just French but of how to maneuver myself and gain the confidence that I need. I could not have asked for a more perfect summer and I am going to be "home sick"of Montpellier when I get back!
６週間の留学を終えて今はホッとした気持ちと疲れが入り混じっています。
正直かなり辛かったです、この６週間英語はもちろん日本語もほとんど喋らず、毎日４－５時間みっちりある上、そのあと数時間は復習と宿題、家に帰るとホストファミリーと食事とその後はホストマザーと朗読の勉強。ほとんど寝る時間も遊ぶ時間もなくかなり自分を追い込んでしまいました。でもこんなにフランス語にのめりこめるのも一生懸命勉強できるチャンスも今しかないから。来年卒業するまでにはもう少しフランス語が上達していないといけないのでそう思うとかなりの焦りもあったと思います。
そんな中、ホストマザーには本当にお世話になりました。 私のフランス語に習いたい熱意に答えてくれ、毎日のように宿題の手伝いや本の朗読、会話の相手をしてくれました。何よりもフランス人女性の強さと誇り高さを教えてくれました。「りか、勉強ばかりしたいのはわかるけど、時には楽しまないと人生を無駄にしてしまうわよ。時々カフェとかショッピングとかして人生を満喫しないと！」と常にいてました。私が人見知りなのを知り、いつも週末は日帰り旅やイベントに行くように進めていました。最初は強引だなぁ、と思っていましたが、今思ってみればそういう知らない場所に行くことによってフランス語が磨かれたような気がします。
ホストマザーは厳しい人でした。発音や言いかたを間違えると正しく言うまで繰り返されるし、途中で言葉に使えても辞書やホストファザーに頼ることは禁止されていました。それでもいつも人を気遣い、元気づけたくさんのパワーを頂きました。彼女の強さにはいつも圧倒されます。決して泣き言を言わず、常にポジティヴでいる彼女を見ているとなぜフランス人女性はいつも一目置かれているのかわかるような気がします。そんな気持ちを後にモンペリエを離れます。大変だったけれどそれに負けないぐらい思い出深い夏となりました。
 |
| The lovely kitchen...where many master pieces were born! |
 |
| Outdoor table where we always ate |
 |
| My view when I did yoga at the terrace every morning |
 |
| Modern art exhibition at an old church |
 |
| My loft room |
 |
| My study area where I spent countless hours |
 |
| :) |
No comments:
Post a Comment