suivez-moi, les animaux domestiques!

We had placement testing all morning to determine which class level we’ll attend throughout the first semester. I’ve seen my fair share of crowds, but I can safely say that I have never felt as much like a herded animal as I did this morning. There were hundreds of foreign students, the gross majority of them coming from the United States or Asia. There also seemed to be many students from Arab-speaking countries and lots who spoke some dialect of Russian. The French professors led us in groups of about one hundred to huge amphitheatres, where we were given our tests (in French, épreuves, or “trials”). I was glad to see that most were more lost than I. First we had to read an essay (it was about pets) and then answer a series of questions about the essay without repeating any of the text from the essay itself or the question word-for-word. The second trial was a listening exercise where the professor read a sentence and we had to choose the sentence we heard out of the group of three. There were other similar dictation exercises that followed. Next we had a writing exercise, which involved writing speech bubbles for pictures and then writing a one-hundred-word essay using about 12 expressions. Finally we were sent off to our interviews, where we were given a sort of oral exam. The professor who tested me was very beautiful with Middle Eastern features. She was also incredibly easy to talk to and asked me about my interests, my education, what I planned to do after this year abroad, etc. Then she gave me a short essay to read to her. I think I did quite well. She told me that I spoke at a very high level and that I shouldn’t have any problem testing high as well. She told me that I would profit from my studies here, but that a student at my level really should try to benefit as much as possible out of the classroom. It is by living, she said, that a student learns most. I thought that was very wonderful and welcome advice.

After the placement tests I went into the city by myself for the first time. I bought a few school supplies and then walked around, trying to orient myself. I didn’t get lost, which is a plus, and a I bought a book of that funny penmanship grid paper they use here. I absolutely can’t wait to use it.

I’ll have the results of my tests on Wednesday morning when I meet with an advisor. In the meantime, here are a few pictures of my modest dorm room. Excuse the underwear; I hung a clothesline.




I have my own sink, at least.