Study Abroad Experience: Lisa Droege '09, Aix-en-Provence, France

Lisa Droege '09

Major: Globalization Studies, Environmental Studies
Minor: French
Hometown: Bennington, VT
Interests and activities: Admissions Intern and Gettysburg College Tour Guide, First-Year Resident Assistant, ERace, APO, Delta Gamma, the Center for Public Service

Aix-en-Provence proved to be the perfect choice for Lisa Droege's Globalization Studies major and French minor--but not at all what she was expecting.  The south of France--a dry, Mediterrean climate known for its distinctive olives and lavender--differed sharply from the north, and not just because they cook with olive oil instead of butter.  From studying a mix of courses that explored cultural differences within France and made comparisons to American culture, to scaling Provence's famous Mont Saint Victoire, to making crepes with her French host family, Lisa was able to take full advantage of her time in a unique country with influences ranging from the south of Spain to northern Africa. Living with a host family especially fostered her appreciation of "living French." back