Totally Frenched Out

From the blogger formerly known as Samdebretagne

Thursday, October 4, 2012

24hrs left of freedom

This morning, I woke up with a start, realizing that tomorrow is October 5th. I'm sure most of you are saying "Yeah, so what?", but that just so happens to be the first day of my masters program.  As in my classes are starting TOMORROW. 

*cue minor freak-out*

This time around, I'm not so much worried about whether or not my classmates will like me, nor what to wear for my first day of school, but whether or not I will be able to cut it.  Can I really handle 12 hours straight of classes in French, on subjects like Business strategy or Financial Diagnostics?  These topics aren't exactly the things I am most passionate about in the world, so how will I stay focused?  Especially since now my whole company knows I am doing this thanks to the monthly newsletter, so they will be expecting to see some results of my studies in the near future.

And then there is the practical side of things - what exactly does one bring to class?  I have gone to a French university before, but I can't exactly see my 50 yr old classmates showing up with graph paper notebooks, rulers, and tiny pencil cases filled with multicolored pens and highlighters.  Though I guess this is France, so you never know....

For now, my plan as usual is to "Fake it until you make it", but that doesn't mean I won't be shaking in my boots come this time tomorrow. And crossing my fingers that my classmates won't look down and notice!

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18 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Damn, outed as a student by the company newsletter? It all sounds like a hard road you've chosen but from what I've read through the past several years I expect you'll be up for the challenge.

At last resort, if they grade on a curve, whack one of these 50-year-old classmates in the knee and leave them crying in the bushes outside school.

October 4, 2012 at 9:10 AM  
Blogger deedee said...

You'll be great!

October 4, 2012 at 9:17 AM  
Blogger Wendy said...

Knowing my Ex and his 50 year old cronies, I'd bet those 'mature' French students will indeed turn up with all the necessary paraphernalia - maybe not coloured pens and pencils - but deffo all efficient, with books and writing stuff. Good luck - rather you than me. :)

October 4, 2012 at 11:02 AM  
Blogger The Paris Chronicles said...

Here's my one piece of advice: bring your own toilet paper or tissue. Because not only do the toilets at Dauphine lack toilet seats, but you'll never have any toilet paper available.

Better yet, avoid the toilets altogether.

Good luck! I'm anxious to read your thoughts on the experience.

October 4, 2012 at 11:10 AM  
Blogger Gwan said...

Bon courage ! You should be super proud for taking this on & I'm sure you'll rock it

October 4, 2012 at 1:03 PM  
Blogger wonky73 said...

That's so exciting. Good luck. Way to challenge yourself. If you don't keep moving forward you just stagnate.

October 4, 2012 at 4:26 PM  
Blogger MilkJam said...

1. You will rock it!!!

2. I would bet money that those old farts WILL be the ones with rulers, white out & pens / highlighters of all colors. :-)

October 4, 2012 at 5:29 PM  
Blogger Canedolia said...

I'm with everyone who said you need to take the stationery. Especially one of those pens with the swirls on the side that you can rub out. And make sure you underline all your headings with a ruler!

Good luck - it will be fine once you get into the swing of things.

October 4, 2012 at 6:36 PM  
Blogger shannon said...

OMG. I am currently struggling through subjects such as financial analysis and business law in French, so I wish you the best of luck!

A lot of people here have been using either tiny netbooks to take notes or paper/notebook. I just throw notebooks and folders with paper in an oversized purse and pull out what I need for that class. It seems to be what most people are doing.

October 4, 2012 at 6:39 PM  
Blogger Mallory said...

I'm so proud of you Sam! You'll do great!

I too am starting school, in 10 days. Booo

October 4, 2012 at 9:07 PM  
Blogger L said...

Most of the students in the programme I work for bring their laptops. The couple times I've popped my head in class to see a professor or something, almost all of them have had their computers.

That said, when they have to turn in a short homework assignment, the majority hand write it.

October 4, 2012 at 9:39 PM  
Blogger Megan said...

Hey, if I can do it, then you can too. Besides, you know French a lot better than I did (and do). Knock 'em dead!

October 4, 2012 at 9:48 PM  
Blogger Emily in Exile said...

It will be worth it when you finish! Although I am shaking in my boots just thinking about you doing it. You go grrrl.

October 4, 2012 at 10:02 PM  
Blogger kristen said...

good luck!! i so admire you taking this on... you have no idea. i can't wait to hear all about it :) x

October 4, 2012 at 10:40 PM  
Blogger MISS YURI said...

You're gonna be rad. Seriously. Every time you've challenged yourself so far, you've always come out on top.

October 5, 2012 at 12:06 AM  
Blogger Sara Louise said...

You are going to be amazing! Best of luck :)

October 5, 2012 at 7:50 AM  
Blogger Megan said...

so, how was it?!

October 6, 2012 at 10:32 AM  
Blogger Leah said...

Don't forget to start writing 5 carraux from the marge and underline in red! ;) You've so got this that I'm not even going to wish you luck because you don't need it!

October 6, 2012 at 3:49 PM  

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