Arriving in Toulouse, "La Ville Rose"!

“Qui ne risque rien, n’a rien.” I think this French proverb appropriately embodies the journey we have just begun in France. It translates as “Who risks nothing, has nothing.”

Even in the first travel days, this diverse group of students from every corner of the USA (and even two from Mexico) continues to impress me. They exchanged their comfort zones for culture shock, their homes for host families, and their towns and cities for  beautiful Toulouse. Their courage to risk leaving what’s comfortable over the next month will certainly enrich their lives. Thanks for following along on our journey!

After flying from Boston to Lisbon and Lisbon to Toulouse, Isabelle welcomed our group flight at the airport. Isabelle works as the director at the CIEE center. She distributed important information (schedules, transportation cards, etc.) before setting us free to meet our host families.

The host families were waiting eagerly to finally connect with their new son or daughter for the next few weeks. Some welcomed us with brightly colored signs, and they all welcomed us with big smiles.

After traveling as a group of 26, it felt a little strange for everyone to go their separate ways. The host families’ enthusiasm and warmth made it easier to say “À demain” to one another. That, and the fact that they would be the ones to finally provide our jet-lagged bodies with a bed!

Our entire group is comprised of 44 students and 4 program leaders. We look forward to meeting everyone at L’Institut Catholique tomorrow morning for orientation.