My Paris 2012 Adventure! Voulez Vous French kiss avec moi?

In 2012 I went to Paris alone, it was a dream of mine and i just went for it.

I had very little money but alot of ambition. Centennial put my story in the Toronto Star!!!

Hi Karen,

Follow up to the voicemail I left you.

Centennial College would like to publish your testominioal for the french program, along with the picture you sent in the Toronto Star. Are you ok with this? Below is the picture you sent to us. Can we use this one are is there another one you would like us to use.

I look forward to hearing from you. 


Here's my article that was published!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Proficiency in French Language and Culture program at Centennial College was a memorable and amazing experience for me. An accomplishment for personal and professional reasons.
 
I remember being nervous at first to register but I had to do this. I am a full time working mother with two jobs, 2 sons and no time! But, it was something I wanted to complete for me. For my success. It was a goal that I set and it was achieved through the ongoing support of my classmates, my teachers Jean Paul Struyven and Mme Mona Boutros and the resources provided by the college.
 
Wow! I made so many friends along the way, my french improved dramatically and my teachers were amazing and supportive every step of the way. Although some days were gruelling to get out of bed on Saturday mornings or it was dark and cold on late evenings it was worth every moment.
 
I look back now and see how far I have come. This program has allowed me to communicate effectively in the workplace with my french colleagues and peers.
 

This program gave me the courage and confidence to do anything and everything in french. Now, when I call 1 800 numbers to make my bill payments or book an airline ticket whatever the case may be, I dial the option to speak to a French agent! I still make a few mistakes but I remember what my teacher Mme Mona said "It's ok to make mistakes, as long as you try".
 
Did I mention that I traveled to Paris alone for 5 days? I did it because this course gave me the confidence to do so. What a breath taking experience, there are no words to describe.
 
Thank you to centennial for all your support and guidance. I would recommend this course to anyone at any french level who would like to improve their conversational, written and grammatical french!
 
Merci et bonne chance!
 
Karen Carrington

 

I was completing my bilingual program at college and i wanted to go to Paris to feel the real deal.

aaaand guees what! I forced myself to complete a few challenges!!!!!! this wasn't a vacay it was "karen does survivor in Paris" i couldn't honestly kick myself off the island could I????

here's a few of of the challenges i gave myself:

Paris challenge Day 1: I found my way on le métro, walked up the eiffel tower & did my french homework up there..whew..no gym required!!

Paris Challenge Day 2: Went to the highest end shops Louis V, Chanel, Prada you name it. Challenge: spent NO money instead i chatted with the make up artists & fashion designers in french about the latest trends.

Paris challenge day 4: went to historical monuments & museums, My challenge: try to sound interested in the the artwork & chat with other tourists in french about how deep the meaning behind the paintings are! Whaaaat!!? i can barely do that in english! I squint my eyes, rub my chin, slowly observe the masterpieces & say oui, oui, ahhhh c'est magnifique! to be honest, i learned alot! Then suddenly, ...i see this huge crowd where the real action was! And yes!!! sure enough, i push my way to the front & i snag a pic of myself with the Mona Lisa!! Unfortuately, i didnt undo the mystery of her undercover secret smile but i finally saw this incredible painting i have heard about all my life!!!! just Beautiful!!! eh hem, i mean c'etait magnifique!!!

doing my french homework in the eiffel tower

Paris challenge Day 7 : get on the gondola looking boat, sail across the french riviera wearing a flowing dress, jackie-o glasses, eating expensive cheese & just "being french". EPIC FAIL!!! i ended up wearing cut off jeans, forgot my glasses & bought popcorn for the boat ride, chatted with ladies from philly in english for an hour! aw man! this sux! i lost an hr of french practice! however, there was something comforting in speaking english for that hour, knowing that my french can be be put on hold yet i will never ever lose this experience. After all, i am bilingual, i can flip back & forth and that's what it's all about, being able to adapt, that was my goal! and i did it!

You wanna follow your dreams? i suggest you do it......if i can, you can.

Tips:

1. get a cheap azz flight this isn't easy but possible, log onto expedia EVERYDAY
2. find someone to stay with through an exchange program through local colleges. I stayed with the super cool Dubois family
3. dont miss your flight like i almost did,  i swear i was gonna die, ran through customs, sweating
4. eat at cafes alone and people watch, only speak to others in french even if u suck

Bonne Chance!!!!