Premier Jour d’Orientation à AUCP

Everyone was excited to get to know each other and even though most of us probably sounded horrible, everyone wanted talk in French, which is great. There are several full-year students with us, which is really helpful! I am one of the few students who have already studied Arabic, so I feel kinda special. I wasn’t shy, and I’m very proud of myself for that.  And I walked home without getting lost!

Here’s basically all we learned today:
Marseille is pretty safe, and there’s almost 0 chance of you getting murdered. But casual theft is huge. Some common-sense advice:

• only keep your ID, card, and a little cash in your wallet.
• keep your purse/bag small and on your person at all times, preferably strapped across your chest under your coat. 
• If you find yourself amidst a crowd of gypsies, your hand should immediately go to your wallet and if it’s not there, grab the nearest person and demand that they return it. Apparently, if you catch them, you win.
• If you look confident, dress like the locals, and avoid being be obnoxious, you won’t be targeted.
• DO NOT smile at strangers in the street. They may think you’re coming on to them.
• If you receive unwanted male attention, ignore him. Don’t even smile or say no.

Oh and we also took a 2.5 hour long French proficiency test. 

But after meeting people today, I’m even more excited to get to know my classmates and professors and the city and to meet my French partner!