My weekend at the Colmar Christmas Markets

Author: HarLeigh Smith | Major: International and Global Studies | Semester: Fall 2023
I am now coming into my final part of my semester in Grenoble, and the preparation for finals is beginning. As I work toward the end of the semester, it is important for me to practice every aspect of learning a language as I have oral comprehension, oral presentation, reading comprehension, and writing exams for my grammar class. Along with these exams, I will also start preparing for my final exams in my three elective classes. This semester I have worked very hard to improve my French, and I can definitely see progress. I have really enjoyed my classes here, and it will be sad to leave them at the end of the semester. In my final three weeks, it is very important for me to ensure that I have a strong understanding of what I have learned. My professors this semester have been great, and it is very clear that they are passionate about helping others learn the language. I am also fortunate enough to share most of my classes with people in my program which makes it easier to find study partners. Classes at the University of Grenoble are typically longer than those at UARK, and they are also typically only once a week. I think this was the most difficult thing for me to adjust to as I am accustomed to having classes two to three times a week. This class schedule leaves a lot of room open where independent study is necessary. It is very important to find a study schedule that works best for you and to take charge of your academics. I look forward to coming back to UARK in the spring and continuing with French courses. I am so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to experience French culture in such a phenomenal way.

This last month, I have been so lucky to see so many amazing things. For my fall break, I decided to visit Copenhagen and Amsterdam. Both of these cities were amazing, and I think Copenhagen is definitely one of my favorite travel places so far. On this trip, I was able to visit several museums where I learned a lot about Danish and Dutch culture and history. I was also able to see many art museums during that week. This was my first entirely solo travel experience, and though it was a little nerve wracking, it went very well! My program recently took us on an excursion to Strasbourg which is a beautiful city near Germany. Here we were able to explore and learn more about the extensive history of the city. Recently, a friend and I took a train to Colmar for the weekend to enjoy the opening of the Christmas markets in the region. Christmas markets are one of my favorite parts of European culture, and being able to explore them was incredible. During my time in Colmar, I had a wonderful conversation with a woman working at a booth in one of the markets. Conversations like this really allow me to see the progress in my French speaking skills. The woman was so kind, and it was definitely one of my memorable experiences this semester. Upon returning from Colmar, the Christmas market in Grenoble is open which I am very excited to visit. Right before leaving for Colmar, our program celebrated Thanksgiving with us which was so much fun. Each of us prepared our favorite dish, and it was nice to have a piece of home away from home.

My next piece of advice for any student studying abroad is that it is okay to be homesick. It’s a normal part of any extended trip far away, but it is so important to find small pieces of home where you can. As I was on the train a few weeks ago, I looked out the window, and the scenery reminded me of my hometown in Arkansas. Little reminders like this are so helpful to get through the harder days! For me, it was also very helpful to talk about my favorite parts of home. I have had a great semester, and I am excited to end it on a strong note!