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Ever since I was enrolled into the Extended French program in middle school and began learning French, I've dreamed of being able to speak French fluently to discover and connect with this culture. I've studied the language in Ontario schools ever since I was 10 and continue to study it in university; I am entering my 4th year of studies, pursuing a bilingual BA in Psychology and French Studies at Glendon Collège, York University. By the time I was in high school, I was taking more advanced courses in French studies and beginner classes in Spanish studies. My teachers always swore up and down that immersing oneself into the culture is the most wholesome and enriching way to experience that culture and learn the way they speak. I used to let that piece of advice fly right over my head thinking, "who has the money for that?" or, "I'll never be able to do something like that."
I finally decided to give this opportunity a shot years later, and applied for a study abroad program to Saint-Étienne in France to study 2 courses at CILEC (le centre international de langue et civilisation: https://cilec.univ-st-etienne.fr/en/) and I was accepted!
My close friends and family already know this but for me to study for a month in Europe this summer would be nothing but lifechanging. They say you discover new things about yourself when you discover new things about the world. This alone excites me to no end. Apart from studying in a french school, I will be given opportunities to explore the town (situated just south of Lyon, France) and hopefully find the most affordable means possible to experience as much of the continent - and speak as little English - as possible, too!
I am excited because this will be an educating experience in a multitude of ways. Apart from the credits I will be earning towards my bilingual degree at Glendon/York, this experience will be culturally enriching as I will be wholly exposed to the day-to-day, raw experience of living in this town in France. I hope that living and studying in this atmosphere will lend itself to more opportunities to observe and learn from the country's social and political values in a very authentic and personal way. I hope to broaden my horizons by seeing more of the world; especially in a country which speaks the language I have been speaking and learning for half of my life, hone my reading and oral/speaking skills; develop more wholesome and diverse CV for future career opportunities; and simply to network and make lifelong connections and experiences that will forever shape the rest of my life.
I know one day all of the unique experiences in my life will culminate to allow me to connect with individuals and allow me to better lead, understand, teach, and empower future generations in whichever field I may find my career. And I thank you, all of my friends and family, for being important parts of my journey in life; those closest to you make all the difference.
I'm working like a horse this summer before July is over to make this dream of mine become a reality and to attain my goal. Any help makes a world of a difference! Thank you.
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