Cate Johnson ’17
Majors: French and Global Studies
Hamilton College, Paris
Full Year 2015/2016
As my yearlong stay in Paris draws to a close, I have been reflecting on what I will miss most about this incredible city. I can easily say that my wonderful host family has been one of the most positive and enriching aspects of my time here.
The Hamilton College Junior Year in France program is a language-intensive yearlong or semester program that emphasizes immersion in French culture. Therefore all students are placed in homestays with French families, with whom we speak only French.
I hit the jackpot with my host family. My host “parents” and my 15 year-old host “brother” have provided me with a real Parisian experience… something that’s hard to come by in such a large, touristy city. My host dad spends the evenings at the piano with a guitar in his lap and a harmonica around his neck, composing songs with lyrics written by my host mom. Meanwhile she is in the kitchen listening to French talk radio on full blast, throwing together what will be an impressive three course meal with ease. At dinner my host brother recounts his day as a freshman at Lycée Henri IV, one of the most prestigious high schools in France.
Living and conversing with them has been such an incredible learning experience, one that has been much easier than I anticipated. I do elicit a few laughs on occasion from my silly grammar mistakes or when I shamelessly create French words from English. They have introduced me to new food, music, movies, art and everything Parisian. In return, I have gotten them all hooked on Downton Abbey (with French subtitles of course).
Twice this year they have invited me to their home in Normandy, France. Just last week I went up there during school vacation week, which happened to fall on my birthday. In true French fashion they threw me an incredible birthday dinner with friends, amazing food, and a small concert from the musical members of the family. They have really embraced me as a member of their family, and I know I will stay in touch with them long after I return home.