My Semester Abroad

Local college students — from the Puget Sound area or studying at a Puget Sound university — are traveling the world as part of their studies; several are sending dispatches about discovering their corner of the globe. They welcome your comments and questions.

Editor's note: Thanks to all the students who shared their experiences on traveling and learning. "Semester Abroad" is being discontinued.

All blogs and discussions:

July 14, 2006

Coppet: "J'habite ici! Vraiment!"

Posted by Jennifer Henrichsen at 10:14 AM

I never thought intensive French class could be cathartic. Yet it is.

I'll admit it is difficult having French phrases drilled shrilly into my brain in the early morning — drilled so securely in fact, that I often find my teacher's voice screaming, "Où habitez-vous? Où??!!" piercing my idle thoughts during the train ride home.

Yet it is also satisfying to know I am finally, finally, learning the common language of Geneva. Rather than becoming tense when addressed in French, I am calm in response because I know that, although currently incapable of conversation, I am at least not totally lost. And I can prey on people's sympathy.

Jennifer Henrichsen
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