Doing this allowed me to feel more confident in my ability to participate in French conversations.
Something else that helped me integrate into my community was when I found a local cafe. This cafe is owned by a couple whose wife is from Ohio and husband is from here in Aix. When I go to this cafe I can sit and do my homework. It is nice to have a place to study and work that isn’t at my house because I am not tempted to sleep or procrastinate (distract myself with other things that aren't school-related). If I don’t have homework, I can practice my French by talking with the owners. They are patient and love teaching me new phrases. Speaking another language can be stressful, so having a place that lets me practice without judgement makes it easy.
Living with a host family is probably the easiest way I have become part of my community. By living with local people, I have learned about the culture and customs. While sitting at dinner, my host mom always asks us what we did during our day. This helps me and my housemate talk about different parts of the city. It also gives us an opportunity to ask questions about the city or things we saw that day. My host mom is so kind and always willing to help with anything we need. This has definitely helped with my homesickness because it is like having my mom here. She makes sure I do my homework and that I eat enough and that her house feels like my home.
When I first arrived in Aix, I was worried that I would always feel like a tourist. Now when I walk around, I know where I am going and how to talk to people if I get lost. I feel at home and a part of this community but I still have so much to learn about this wonderful city.
