The Student Experience
See what students have to say about being able to volunteer and connect with their local French community. From assisting at a bike repair shop, to spending time with French high schoolers, and teaching English courses, our students got up to almost everything!
Being in the SLS Program
I am very fortunate to have had the opportunities afforded to me by Georgia Tech Lorraine and the SLS program this semester. Through this, I was immersed in French culture and learned a lot about Metz. The dorm where I lived consisted of a mix of GTL, French, and international students. My roommate, from Senegal, spoke little English, so this was an excellent opportunity to practice my French regularly. Moreover, I found a nice community environment, sharing laughter and many meals with my hallmates. We even took a trip to Versailles together, and I plan to visit a few of these new friends in Morocco after graduation. Metz is a very quaint yet historic city, and I feel grateful that the SLS program allowed me to get to know this town so intimately and expand my love for French culture!
French Immersion At Your Own Pace
This program was everything that I needed and wanted it to be. I got to experience a brand new culture and to engage with people I never thought that I'd be able to engage with. I volunteered to speak with French high schoolers about the university system in the U.S.A. and spoke regularly with local people about everything from politics, to food, to entertainment. Participating in this program allowed me to get a deeper global understanding and become more confident in my ability to speak French. Two of my four classes were French classes, and being exposed to the language so frequently definitely helped my pronunciation and fluidity. I learned and utilized French in a number of different real world situations that can not be completely captured in a classroom setting. I also participated in a ton of cultural events that helped me gain a better perspective of French culture and all it has to offer.
Volunteering at Metz a Velo
"It has been about six weeks since I started volunteering with Metz à Vélo. At first, I had no idea what to expect from the association, but now looking back I am so grateful to have chosen this organization to work with. Whenever we walk into the room everyone greets us with warm smiles on their faces and grease on their hands. Despite not understanding a lot of the vocabulary at first, everyone has been working to help us learn more each and every week. Not only are we improving our French skills, but we are getting hands on experience taking apart bicycles. For me the work is very cathartic. Each week at GTL we have to focus on school and studying, but Metz à Vélo is my own little sanctuary from that where I can just mindlessly take apart a bike and help promote recycling in Metz. If you have the opportunity to volunteer here, you do not have to be any good at the work, I definitely am not, but the women in charge, Jennifer and Caroline ,are definitely worth the experience alone and I highly recommend it."
- Catherine Grey, GTL Spring '19
Volunteering at Carrefour
This semester, I am a volunteer at Carrefour. At Carrefour, I teach an English course to residents. Although there have not been many regular students attending the class, I hope I can better advertise the English class to Carrefour residents by preparing a poster with class details. In addition, I hope to get feedback from residents on the best time to schedule the course. Next week, I will also teach young Carrefour residents how to play American football. I am confident that these volunteer opportunities will help me improve my French and also make it possible for me to create true intercultural friendships.
Volunteering at Couleur Gaies
I am volunteering at Couleurs Gaies this semester. This organization interests me because I am a member of a similar organization at my university in the US. I like that I can meet the locals and learn their ways of life. It's a bit difficult because they speak very fast, but this is a very good experience to improve French. My main job at Couleurs Gaies is to attend the bar and talk with the people who enter the lounge. Many people come here, young people, families, and many others. Most of the people who work there are young too, so it's a lot of fun.
