Ellis' Experience in Le Mans, France

In my third year here at TMU, I was introduced to the summer school program at Le Mans University in France. Prior to hearing about this, I had strongly considered studying abroad, but ultimately prioritized staying local.

In my French lecture on Conversation and Pronunciation (FRE 402) instructed by Dr. Zawada, she shared the brochure inviting students to consider the opportunity. As an LIR student, I’ve always had a strong interest in the intersection of language on community and global relations within this perspective. Going abroad could offer me the chance to engage pragmatically in a setting I wasn’t familiar with.

 I flew to Paris, took a train to the city of Le Mans where I then took a tram to the university campus. The following weeks flew by in a blink of an eye. I was constantly wide-eyed at the novel experiences that appeared before me, and continuously accepted new opportunities that appeared before me. 

This city was filled with kind, helpful people who became fast-friends. Speaking and engaging with people your age in a language other than your mother tongue evokes aspects of yourself you may not have known existed. Societal customs differ everywhere, and the dynamism keeps you awake and excited.

I learned in the classroom, I learned in grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries— sitting on a bench. The inescapable immersion of being in a completely different space left me with a rapacity for more. I wanted to learn as much as I possibly could, and I still do. 

If given the opportunity, I strongly recommend for students to go abroad or on an exchange program. What you learn when put in a setting of newness will teach you more about yourself and your potential than you can imagine. The immersion of language and cultural communities will show you that there is so much to the world!

This program provides you the tools of cultural competency along with communication skills in another language. Taking advantage of opportunities that come your way relies on each student.