France: Elena McCosh (A New Experience)

One of the most memorable interactions that I had was during the first weekend that I spent in Tours. My host mom and host dad took me to an art festival inside troglodyte cells, which are subterranean caves carved into tufa stone that are typically and historically used as wine cellars. However, today people live in them and one weekend every year, there is an art gallery/sale where certain people open their homes so people can see their home and support local artists. So, during this tour of the different caves, I was able to learn about troglodyte cells since I had never heard of them and understand how these have changed over the years and the way they are used as wine cellars. They were very impressive from an architectural perspective, but the blend with the art show truly made it a memorable experience for me and it gave me a look into a traditional aspect of the Touraine region, mixed with something more modern that helps keep these traditions alive. There were local artisans that were displaying all kinds of visual art, from paintings and photography to sculptures and jewelry, and we were able to meet the artists and chat with them as well.

Elena McCosh

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Major: Journalism; French

Program: Institut de Touraine French Language

I chose this program because the duration worked with my graduation schedule and because I wanted to be in a smaller, French-speaking city but that is close to Paris. My goal for this program is to complete my double major! I have been learning the language for a few years but haven’t been able to be immersed in the culture and language.  I am looking forward to getting to know the city, the other students in the program, and finally feeling a step closer to fluent in French!