Week 1

We are well into our first week in France, and it is time to begin the weekly “Brest 2007” blog. Each week this blog will be updated with details of our activities and the progress of our students so that you can stay up to date with the activities of your children. Here is what we have been up to so far:

Due to bad weather in Indianapolis, there were two separate groups traveling to France. On Friday, the first group of thirty-two students braved airplanes to Amsterdam and Paris, as well as a long bus ride to Brest. They arrived late at night, but were met promptly by their host families, who were delighted to take them home and put them to bed! Saturday, after being bumped from yet another flight to Detroit, a lovely fourteen hour layover, two trains, the five students and four teachers ended their fifty-four hour journey with a "crepe"dinner. Although both trips were exhausting, the students did a great job of staying together, getting through customs, and not a single bag or passport was lost. They are truly accomplished world travelers!

After a restful weekend with the host families and some delicious home-cooked French meals, our students were put to work on Monday. They arrived downtown at the University of Brest to take preliminary exams, go to support groups to discuss culture shock and homesickness, and to go through the program and city orientation. After some discussion and a thorough explanation of how to take the city bus, the students and teachers took their first trip into town. The students got to see the city’s central square and town hall, the bookstore where they’ll buy their books for the literature class, and one of the main shopping areas of the city. Many also indulged in tasty French pastries!

The real work started on Tuesday, when the students attended their first day of classes in literature, conversation, grammar, culture, and phonetics. In the afternoon, we went to a sports center where the students played soccer, volleyball, tennis, and frisbee. On Wednesday, the students will be placed into their activity groups (either theater or choir) so that they can begin preparing for our “Fete des Familles”—the end of the summer talent show for the host families.

We have a lot planned for the summer and will be EXTREMELY busy! This Friday, there is a reception with the mayor of Brest to recognize the arrival of the 14^th Honors Program in Brest! Each year we go to the city hall for this reception where the families and students have the chance to mingle and be recognized by the city of Brest. Two students will also give a short speech to thank the city. (I'm not sure who they are yet, but I will let you know next week!)

And that is all in the first week! With a schedule like this, the seven weeks will fly by for both you and your children! As you can see, everything here is going smoothly, and we’ll have more updates for you next week. I hope that everyone is enjoying the summer in the US as well! If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me (Lizzie, the assistant) at ewhobrey@gmail.com.