Aug. 14, 2007

Name: Samantha Bentley
Hometown: Woolwich, NJ
Graduation Year: 2008
Major(s): Business
Minor(s): Sociology
Country of Study: France
Institution or Program: Institute of American University

Q: Everyone walks into a new situation with some preconceived notions about what's to come. Which of your preconceptions was the most accurate? Which was entirely inaccurate?

SB: I thought the transition into a new culture would be much more difficult. I did not know a lot about the French culture before I arrived, and so I was not sure what to expect. Although the culture is different from American culture, I have grown to really like the culture. I even think when I come home that I will miss the French culture and will try to instill parts of their culture into my daily life at home.

Q: Describe the defining moment of your experience thus far.

SB: Sometimes during ordinary times, like when I am walking to class, I see the French cafes and stores, and I hear the musicians on the streets playing music and the people on the street talking, I realize how lucky I am to be studying in Aix.

Q: What difficulties have you encountered in your day-to-day life abroad? What strategies have you developed to overcome them?

SB: Before coming to France I had not studied the language in a few years, and I knew I would have trouble communicating. Now that I am here I study French a lot and am always listening trying to pick up more French because that is the only way I can communicate here. When my French does not work then I start with the hand signals. With my French and some hand signals, I can often communicate what I am trying to say.

Q: What one aspect of life in your country of study would you most like to bring back to the United States? Why?

SB: I really enjoy the meal times here a lot. I like that people here do not just eat their food quickly and leave the table. Instead the mealtime is very slow. There is a lot of conversation at the table, in addition to eating. I hope when I return that I can continue similar mealtime habits.

Q: What was the best and the worst of the local cuisine you have had so far?

SB: The best dish I have had so far is salmon coated in olives and sesame seed. The worst dish I tired was octopus. It was my second night with my host- family and I tried a little because I was not sure how I would like it. It was very different from any type of food that I had tried before. I learned though it's not really a favorite food.

Q: What one place have you been in your country that others must see?

SB: The Luberon Region. It is a mountainous region and as you drive up the mountains you can see all these little towns built within and up the mountainside. The mountains are also very different looking too, they range in colors from brown to yellow to orange. It was really pretty. I have never seen anything like it before.

Q: How have you been received by the local population?

SB: My host family here treats me like a member of their family. They are really kind and go out of their way to make me feel at home. Outside from the members of my host family, I think the people here really appreciate when you speak French. I have not encountered many unfriendly people since being here.

Q: What do you miss most about life back on campus?

SB: The people at F&M!

Q: Be honest, how much time do you spend a week instant messaging?

SB: I have not spent too much time instant messaging, but I spend a lot of time emailing my family and friends - probably three hours a week at least.

Q: Have you played or have you seen any field hockey played over there? If so, what differences do you see in the local approach to the game?

SB: Unfortunately, I have not, but I hope to try and find a game to see soon.

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