Clermont-Ferrand, France

Why I chose to go to France: I wanted to improve my French language skills and immerse myself in French culture in a place that is not completely saturated with foreign students or tourists.

What I identified as the greatest challenges facing me as I began my study abroad program: Feeling linguistically inferior to native speakers, and thus not having the interpersonal connections that I would like to have.

My ICRP: Volunteer for the Red Cross of Clermont-Ferrand

My main occupation was to provide help and companionship for terminally ill people in Clermont-Ferrand. We chatted, played cards, danced, talked about each other's problems, etc. Over the course of my association with the Red Cross, I spent approximately three hours per week with these clients. In addition, I carried out several interviews with the directors of the organization in the region in order to learn the history and purpose of the Red Cross, to learn more about the workings of the organization, and to understand the difficulties of the populations it serves. I occasionally translated documents into English, when the need arose.

I grew especially close to a few individuals with whom I worked. One evening we all went to a cabaret together. Near the end of my service there, one volunteer and one “patient” took me out to lunch to say goodbye. I had a wonderful time working with these incredibly strong people, and I am sure that I will keep in contact with several of them. This has been a very positive experience for me. I do not find myself as cynical or pessimistic as I did before spending time at the Red Cross.

See contact page to arrange a speaking engagement.

Read excerpts from my letters home.