French up your life
I was shocked to know when an
Indian who became a French citizen told me that he doesn't speak French after
living here for 8 years and adding to that he doesn't eat Cheese and know
nothing about wine. Though it is his
freedom of choice , how can anyone enjoy the life without common things around ?
France is a dream country for
so many filmmakers , aspiring Chefs ,art lovers. I was warned by almost
everyone when I told them that I am moving to France and can’t understand a
thing in French except world known ‘Bonjour’. It took me 6 months to understand
the basics of the French language, culture, policies in the government for
people and so on. Knowing a culture is more than knowledge. I am proud to know
little bit of their culture and language and it makes more and more closer to
know this country that I live. I found few economical, practical ,friendly ways
to mix with the French culture and evolve as you want in Nantes, one of my
favorite cities.
· Co-location : Sharing an apartment is the easiest
, one of the cheaper ways to mingle with the French. My professor says this is
the best way to learn French :D Best websites are www.leboncoin.fr , www.appartager.com
·
Join French course in Université de Nantes: Why
in the Université ? The courses are structured not only to learn french
language but also the culture with choice of workshops ranging from Gastronomy ,
Literature, Movies etc., My course in Université de Nantes has History and
Geography which helps me to plan my vacation in France. The Gastronomy course
helps me to choose the Cheese to buy and so many food expressions in French
that are necessary to smoothen up and take your french to next level. Its a
French experience package when you study in the Université. You also get to
know about the French strikes in the Universities that are pretty famous for :p
Last week, we had a wine tasting session as I chose Gastronomy workshop. It was
more than an eye-opener and can you believe that I found a perfect wine when
you eat Indian curry ? Will write in details soon :)
· Share your cuisine : There are websites where you
can host a dinner at your place with a theme and invite locals and they pay for
your food. This could be an ice-breaker and an experience to know the French
better . https://www.voulezvousdiner.com/fr
· Volunteer : If this interests you, I am sure you
would learn the language, culture faster than others as the world needs lots
and lots of people to volunteer. I found an Interpreter volunteering job in
Ordre de Malte,France a reputed NGO that helps foreigners to see their way
forward in France when they are in an irregular situation. When I registered
with them, they sent me forms to fill up and enclosed the envelopes, stamps to
return my documents. They even sent me notepads and pen to use for the
assignments.
· Work with at least 1 french family : This is my
favorite way of frenching up the life in France. You not only learn their ways,
but also share thoughts, discuss events, recipes, games and so on. I work with
4 french families and every day is rewarding with experiences, fun,
negotiations, smiles and so on.
· 20minutes : Everyday near Commerce, the daily
newspapers are distributed for the public and its very informative with local
events. This could help in learning vocabulary, sentence structure, french
expressions and these are free !
·
Are these mandatory to do in France
when you live here ? Not at all. But will these make a difference in the
way you look at France ? Definitely ! It did that to me and keeps
doing it. All said and done, when you are away from home, the activities
mentioned above makes you feel better and push you more towards your reason for
travelling and staying in France. Bonne Chance for frenching up your life !
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