Students at Embassy

2) * Make voyages! Attempt them... there's nothing else.* (Tennessee Williams)

I undertook this trip to the United States with the objective of soaking up American culture and experiencing the American way of life. Therefore, I definitely had to attend a sports event given the importance of sports in American people’s lives !

Baseball

First, I attended the last baseball game of the season, which took place at Fenway Park, where the Boston Red Sox played against the New York Yankees. Even though I still need to perfect my knowledge of baseball rules, I really had a great time and especially enjoyed the atmosphere in the stadium.

 

 

The Red Sox/Yankees rivalry is very strong, and moreover the championship title was at stake for the Yankees, therefore all the Bostonian spectators in the stands were wearing a Red Sox cap or t-shirt, were booing at the players and singing supporting songs. (The few Yankees supporters were being very discreet ! )

 

 
A guy proposed to his girlfriend during the game !

American Football game

I also attended two of my host brother’s American football games; in some way it is similar to European “rugby”. It was spectacular, and so “American”. At each touchdown, the spectators would stand up, shout, and hug each other. The mothers would cheer their sons on, and at the end of the game go down on the field to distribute hugs and homemade cookies.

 

 

 

Hockey game

Finally, I experienced two hockey games at Merrimack College and loved it! It was so pleasant to support our team and share this college spirit with other students. However, I didn’t expect hockey to be as violent; the players skated very quickly and often pushed each other onto the picture windows lining the ice rink. They got hit in the face with sticks and almost fought with the opposing players!

 

 

 

At each of these sporting events, I was pleasantly surprised by the patriotic fervor; when it was time for the American national anthem, most of the people would stand up, hand on heart, and sing it, whereas in France the “Marseillaise” is sometimes booed during football games.

In order to carry on with my discovery of American sports, I am planning to attend a Celtics basketball game, in Boston !

Cécilia studies English at Embassy Boston Merrimack - read more about the school and its courses on the website.

1) * The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page.* (Saint Augustine)

Bonjour à tous!

My name is Cécilia, I’m an 18 year old French girl. I live in Lille, in Northern France, with my parents and Mathilde, my 21 year old sister.

But currently, I'm lucky to live in Andover Massachusetts in the United States, and attend classes at the Embassy language school in Merrimack College. I'm hosted by the Rayner family, composed of Cindy (my host mother), Felicia (one of Cindy's friend), Talia (my 15 year old American sister), Gabi (my Columbian sister) and Stéfani (my Brazilian sister).

Stéfani (on the right) and I

Three main reasons compelled me to become involved in the exchange student program.  My wish to reach a fluent level in English constitutes the first of these reasons. As English is spoken by many people throughout the world, being bilingual would enable me to exchange with many people of various nationalities. Furthermore, when I return to France my long-term goal is to try to enroll in journalism school and being at least bilingual is essential in this field of study.

The second reason which motivated my decision to come to the United States is that I was reluctant to undertake serious studies before having taken the opportunity to travel. I am convinced that this is the best way to divest oneself with common thoughts and other beliefs. Studying here in an international language school enables me to meet students from all around the world and get to learn plenty of things about South American, Arab, or Asian countries which I hope I will have the pleasure to visit one day.

The third and last reason is a more personal one. In a certain way, I took the initiative for leaving my warm reassuring family cocoon and came here to try to “find myself.” By spending several months abroad on my own, I hope to gain strength of character, overcome my personal doubts and return to France being more self-assured.

Cindy, my host mother and I

It's been almost two months since I got off the plane, and started my American adventure, and no doubt these have been the most pleasant and enriching months I’ve yet experienced. The main reason for this is the wonderful host family with which I am lucky to live. Cindy, Felicia and Talia  immediately made me feel part of the family.

Unfortunately, I only have 6 weeks left in the United States but I hope that through my posts, I’ll be able to  share some of my American discoveries with you, and make you feel as if you were travelling by my side.

So ... A bientôt !