Language Specific Experiences

• Host Family to French Students: 1998 - present

  • Students from Lyon, St. Denis, and Pontoise, France first came to our house through different exchange organizations.  The experiences were extremely positive and have resulted in life-long friendships.  We continue to tour the United States and Europe together and these experiences have certainly had an incredible impact on me personally and academically.

   

• Experiences Abroad:  1999 - present

  • June 1999:  My first trip to France!  I spent the first two weeks of my trip in St. Denis with my friend Delphine and her five brothers and sisters.  I remember how overwhelming it was hearing everyone speak French - and how quickly they spoke!!  We did a lot of sightseeing in Paris and I remember thinking how "cool" it was to be spending my 16th birthday in Paris!  Then I took the TGV to Lyon to visit my friend Aurelie and her family.  We toured Lyon and the surrounding areas; one of my favorite museums was the Maison des Canuts, which allows visitors to explore the history and the dimensions of the silk industry.  I also remember spending July 14th in the center of Lyon. 

   

  • August 2000:  After Delphine visited my family in the U.S., we went to St. Denis/Paris together for a couple weeks.  Delphine, her older sister Lucile, and I then spent 10 days in Sardinia and Rome with a Parisian church group (as part of JMJ 2000). Sardinia was absolutely beautiful and all of our hosts were so incredibly patient and kind with us!  In Rome, we stayed with two Italian grandparents (neither of whom spoke English or French!) but who made us delicious homemade pizza.  My favorite place in Rome (aside from St. Peter's and the beautiful piazzas) was the Foutain of Trevi!  Shortly after we got back to Paris, we took the TGV to stay with Delphine's family in St. Tropez (Cote d'Azur) for a week!

   

  • April 2001:  I was able to spend a few days with Delphine's family in St. Denis/Paris, and spent Easter week in Pontoise/Paris with my friend Carine.  One of the highlights from this trip includes going to Van Gogh's house!  We also went to Jura (a very rural area of France, where I fell in love with cheese fondue) and then to Geneva, Switzerland with Carine's Aunt and Uncle. 

   

  • July 2002:  I visited Delphine's family in St. Denis/Paris and we toured many castles in the area; such as Vaux le Vicomte and Chantilly.  It is incredible to see the style and decor from this time period and to learn about the important historic events that happened in Paris.  I really enjoyed seeing these castles and learning more about the time period - it really gave me a greater appreciation for what I learned in my French courses here at Penn State.

   

  • May 2004:  I visited my friend, Delphine in Paris (we stayed in her apartment near Nation) -It still amazes me that even though I have been to Paris a few times now, there is still an incredible amount of monuments and museums that I have not seen yet!  Delphine had her last few days of school when I first arrived, so that gave me the opportunity to discover Paris on my own (and to buy some pains au chocolat!).  I spent a lot of time at the Arc de Triomphe (we went to the top for a great view of the Eiffel Tower, see below) and the Musee d'Orsay.  We also saw a comedy (theater show) and also I had the opportunity to attend several of Delphine's school functions - which allowed me to continue to learn about the French school system and culture.  I think my favorite thing we did was climb up to the top of the Bell Tower of Notre Dame (see picture below).  We had an absolutely amazing view of Paris and an incredible workout after climbing the 300+ stairs!!  Towards the end of this visit, Delphine, her sister, and I spent four days in Madrid, Spain.  We went to the Museo del Prado, Palacio Real, Puerto del Sol, Retiro Park, etc.  As it turned out, we were there the same weekend that the Prince was getting married!  We were able to learn a lot about the history and culture of Madrid and Spain and we had some incredible "photo-ops" since the city had beautiful decorations everywhere for the "Boda Real" (Royal Wedding)! 

   

  • May 2005:  When I came to visit Delphine's family this time, I had just recently completed my student teaching experience which gave me a new perspective for my travels.  I was really focusing on my grammar and pronunciation and was constantly looking for authentic materials that would be useful for my future students.  Delphine and I found a few things that we have not done yet in Paris, including the Tour Montparnasse.  We were truly impressed with the view from the top!  I still think Paris is absolutely beautiful.  While in France, Delphine and I also took a day trip to Lille which we really enjoyed.  It was a big change from the hustle and bustle of Paris!  We went to the art gallery and visited some of the cathedrals in town.  The following weekend, I accompanied Delphine and some of her college friends to Brittany (on the West coast of France).  It was a relaxing weekend with some time on the beaches by the Atlantic Ocean and some time in the country side.  After this nice weekend, two of my friends that I've known since Elementary School arrived in Paris to meet Delphine's family.  Then we spent a couple days in London (Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abby, and the Courtland Galleries), Venice (Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, the Campanile, and a gondola ride!), and Milan (Duomo and Pinacoteca Brera Galleries).  Each of these cities has a unique charm, but I was amazed with the beauty and hospitality we encountered in Venice.  After this little tour of Europe, we had a few days with Delphine's family back in Paris before flying back home.

• French courses at Pennsylvania State University: Fall 2001 - Fall 2004

• Middle-Level Teaching Experience at the Bennett Center Preschool:  Fall 2003, Fall 2004

• Pre-Service Teaching Experience at Moshannon Valley High School:  Fall 2004

• Student Teaching Experience at East Allegheny High School:  Spring 2005