It's hard to believe it is my last week in France. I have been so lucky to have this experience, and I have learned so much. The biggest change in myself I have noticed is that I have a lot more confidence talking to others and people I do not know. At first, my host family would always introduce me to others, but at this point I feel comfortable introducing myself. Of course, I learned a lot of new French vocabulary, but I think what changed most is my fluency and confidence in speaking. Before, it felt that my brain always had to think in English and then try to translate that into French, but now I have to think less to understand and speak to others.

While I've been in France, I have not had regular access to internet (usually only a few hours a week). At first it was extremely difficult for me, but I am so glad it happened. This really forced me to become completely immersed in the culture, language, and family life. I think that one reason I have become so close with my host family and have been able to improve my French so much is because I lived nonstop in French. I feel that if I had internet, I would live the majority of my day in French, but at night or during breaks I would be in English again. Although I miss my family a lot, I still value the importance of being more independent and immersed while I am here. I am so glad I have had the opportunity to stay with a family in France and truly experience French life.