What led you to participate in this program?
Ivan: What led me to participate in Greenheart Travel's Paris summer program, was my interest in French history, language and culture. Also, I just wanted a new type of vacation.
During the summer I am usually never home, but I always end up visiting the same country and/or cities. I knew it was time to put my newly learned French and independence in action.
A lot of high school students will just fly through their French class and not even get to use their newly found tool at use. I knew within myself that if I was not going to use my French out of school, I was practically losing my time.
So fully immersing myself in a French speaking country was the answer. When I came back to the states, It took a while to realize that I was not back in Europe, and that the language here was English!
What did you find most challenging?
Ivan: The most challenging part for me from my trip was being independent and responsible for myself. There was nobody that would come and wake you up, that was up to yourself. If you slept through your alarm, maybe your roommate would wake you up. But there is a slight chance that he/she already left.
So you would have to find your way to class. Also, the time zone difference really got to me. I live in California which is a ten hour time difference from Paris. Make sure to get your rest the night before, because our days were filled with learning and amazing excursions around la ville.
Also make sure to pack appropriate clothing! I learned the hard way and packed like if it was winter. I had to buy shirts and other clothing inorder to be comfortable. It is a good idea to check local weather before leaving for the airport!
Another essential on a trip overseas, is money! Everyday items or even food I noticed is way more expensive in Paris, than any other city I have visited.
What was the best moment of the trip?
Ivan: The best moment from when I stepped out the door of my house was the flight to Charles de Gaulle. On the plane I was realizing and reminiscing about how Paris was a reality.
Flying over the Atlantic ocean and watching the day turn to night and the night turn to dark was amazing. Who knew that the flight attendants and fellow passengers would speak French and engage in conversation with me.
Also, I was the very first person to arrive at camp. I was the first one to pick a bed, and unpack. My other favorite part of my trip was just having a conversation with others. I was able to learn about their home country and what it was like. Its like I was there.
We would talk for hours, because our countries are different we would never run out of things to talk about. Spending time with my new friends from Germany, Austria, Cyprus, Turkey, Greenland, England, Spain, Italy and roaming the city was really fun too. We would take silly pictures or even run into gift shops and start trying on berets.
If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?
Ivan: Even though my friends and I would stay up late talking, or just roaming around the hallways of the residence.
If I could go back, I would have spent more time doing the camp-wide activities. It was a great time for bonding with everyone at camp and not just with your friends. Who knows, I could have probably made more friends.
Any tips for potential participants?
Ivan: For any of your who are considering doing this program... it's a must!! I cannot even express in text or in person how great my experience was. I know that if I could, I would do it all over again one million times.
If you have a passion for French culture, language, and the experience to meet new people, this program is perfect. It was fun, educational, surreal, and just amazing. I know that many people's parents first thought about sending their child out into the world is the concern about them being alone. Take it from my testimonial, I was never alone.
I always had a camp leader/advisor with me/group, and if we ever got to go our own direction we would use the buddy system. On our arrival you will receive a CCI information card with the companies main telephone phone number, and the camps headmaster incase of an emergency.