Studying in France as Americans: Full Schedules and Holiday Festivities

December was a month full of classes, work, and holiday events. As American master’s degree students at the Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, Jalen and I simultaneously enjoyed and were worn out by the past few weeks. Read on to learn more about our month in Reims as I work toward my degree in Public Law and Jalen works toward his in Logistics.

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The month started off busy! Because of an administrative error, the second week of December was absolutely jam-packed with classes for me – 49 hours to be exact! To be honest, it was a draining week that didn’t make for optimal learning conditions. I conjured up as much tenacity as I could muster and attended every class. If I’ve learned anything over the course of my master’s degree in France, it’s that studying in French public school takes flexibility and determination. Thankfully, my three-week winter break began just after the 49-hour week. Even though I’ve spent the majority of my break studying for final exams in January, I’ve tried to relax a bit as well.

Early December was pretty hectic for Jalen as well. This month’s schedule differed a bit from his usual one week at school, one week at work arrangement. Students in France completing their degrees en alternance are required to work during their breaks from classes. To compensate for having to work throughout his two-week winter break, he spent the beginning of the month going to class for two weeks straight, giving presentations, and completing written exams. It’s not easy balancing work and school, but Jalen is as perseverant as ever.

We did find the time between classes and work to check out a spot in Reims that we had never been to before – the Cimetière du Nord. Nicknamed the Père-Lachaise rémois, it opened in 1787 and represents a hauntingly beautiful and solemn corner of the city. We enjoyed a long walk inside on a typical cool, drizzly winter day in our city.

We were also able to make it back to the Reims Christmas Market for another evening visit. We had a great time shopping for trinkets for our families, drinking mulled wine, and eating snacks. We love that Christmas Markets are such a big part of the holiday season here in France and are sad to see it go!

As for the health situation, we are relieved to have had the opportunity to get our third COVID-19 vaccine this month. As was the case with the previous two shots, we experienced no noticeable side effects. How fortunate we are to live in a place where medical care is accessible and the government prioritizes our health! We are keeping our fingers crossed that no new restrictive measures are on the horizon.

@the_francofile Grateful to live in France where healthcare is accessible to all! 🇫🇷💉😷 #americaninfrance #lifeinfrance #france #expat #expatlife ♬ gorgeous girls get their booster shots – mary skinner

Though spending the holidays with our families wasn’t possible this year, we are lucky to have some loved ones here with us in France. On Christmas Day, Jalen and I were invited over by my host family from my high school French exchange program to have a holiday lunch. The following week, we spent New Year’s Eve at my host-sister-turned-close-friend’s place. Keeping in touch with my French friend and her family after meeting them almost a decade ago has been a pleasure, and I will treasure the relationship we share forever.

What did you do last month? How did you spend the holidays? Let us know in a comment!

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Check out this month’s update video!

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Check out our other monthly updates!

• September 2020
• October 2020
• November 2020
• December 2020
• January 2021
• February 2021
• March 2021
• April 2021
• May 2021
• June 2021
• July 2021
• August 2021
• September 2021
• October 2021
• November 2021
• January 2022
• February 2022
• March 2022
• April 2022
• May 2022
• June 2022
• July 2022
• August 2022
• September & October 2022

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Check out our visit to the Christmas Market!

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