The students began their adventure in August, accompanied by on-site director Amy Loth ’94, with a four-day stay in Paris. They moved to dormitories at Montpellier’s Université Paul Valéry September 1 for Préstage, a monthlong program of intensive language and culture lessons. The next month, they settled into host families’ homes or furnished apartments in historic downtown Montpellier and began university courses alongside French students that will continue until early June. The program isn’t all work, however. It includes many social opportunities to explore French life, including a program-sponsored hiking trip in Saint Guilhem le Desert and weekly Cinema Club gatherings for new and classic French films.

“Besides the basics of good living I’ve really been enjoying the cultural atmosphere,” said Oona Gangler ’03, describing fresh produce and pastries at outdoor markets and corner bakeries, as well as cheap tickets to operas, orchestras, rock concerts, and international films.

“I can’t imagine that I’ll ever be afraid again to take initiative when I go back to the States,” said Leah Bernstein ’03, who has been surprised and delighted by her ability to tackle daily activities in French, such as signing up for Internet service, joining a gym, speaking to classmates and teachers, and watching French television. “I keep telling myself that I’m improving my French vocabulary all the while,” says Bernstein of her addiction to the weekly show PopStars, a “reality” show that is narrowing a cast of 4,000 musicians to a pop band of five women.

“Montpellier has definitely been one of the most interesting and fun challenges of my life,” said Aurora Greenberg ’03. “I am very, very glad that I have been able to be here, especially this year because of the euro coming into circulation.” Junior Julie Morris feels the same. The French and international relations double major concentrating on the European Union has been glad for the opportunity to travel during the weekends, deal with the French government, and generally see firsthand how the European Union works. “My experience thus far has been very rewarding,” she said, noting especially her visit to the Musée d’Orsay. “It was breathtaking to see all the paintings I had studied in French 230 with Madame Vaget up close and personal.” Morris grew up in Louisiana, where she often spoke French to her grandmothers and other French speakers.

Sophomores interested in participating in the 2002–2003 MHC junior year in Montpellier should contact Chris Rivers, professor of French, at crivers@mtholyoke.edu or Amy Loth at amyloth@yahoo.com. Applications are due by Friday, December 7, to Joanne Picard, dean of international affairs. The Office of International Affairs is located on the third floor of Mary Lyon Hall.