Greenheart Travel

Tag: Bellaire Senior High School

  • Reflecting on the Highlights and What I’ve Learned After Two Weeks in Quebec

    Reflecting on the Highlights and What I’ve Learned After Two Weeks in Quebec

    I can’t believe that I’ve been away from my French language camp in Canada for two weeks now! When I returned to the U.S., I was still in Quebecois mode, and I kept speaking French as an instinct to others like “desole” (sorry) or “merci” (thank you). I definitely do not say “excuse me” anymore but “s’excuse” instead when I pass by someone and accidentally bump into him or her. As the saying goes “you can take the girl out of Quebec, but you can’t take the Quebec out of the girl” remains evident in my experience back home.

    Life in the States was just so vastly different from the time that I spent in Quebec City. I have learned so many new words, dialogue, and slang in French, and grew more comfortable speaking French with my host mom and strangers throughout my language program.

    Whale watching in Canada was one of my favorite experiences during the language program.

    Highlights of My Language Camp Experience in Canada

    My favorite memories from my two weeks in Quebec include whale watching, rock climbing, and going to concerts late in the evening. Whale watching was especially fun, because we got to go to the coast where many of the beluga whales and seals lived. We took a small boat out and observed these animals in their natural habitat, and they would come up to the surface of the ocean to get oxygen from out of the water. They were very graceful creatures, and my entire group enjoyed watching them very much.

    I also had the opportunity to go rock climbing on a cliff near a real waterfall. This experience was especially great because it was thrilling yet very safe. All of the students really enjoyed it and it was special to students who live in areas without easy access to rocks or waterfalls.

    Just one of the many concerts I experienced during the festival in Quebec.

    Attending the concerts of over 8 different artists during the night time was another favorite memory. There was a large festival happening called the Festival d’Ete de Quebec. I saw popular artists like Kendrick Lamar, Metallica, Fetty Wap, Flume, P!NK, Migos, Nick Jonas, and Backstreet Boys live.

    Reflecting on All I’ve Learned in Quebec

    I have truly grown from my time abroad. Since my return, I’ve had a chance to reflect on what I have learned and I have become more independent and also open to learning about new cultures or ideas. I took the bus to school and back every day and became familiar with the bus schedule.

    Because the group of students who I was with were from different places around the world, I also learned about the cultural differences between mine and theirs. I also learned how to not stereotype people without actually knowing their history and background and to disregard what I hear or see on media.

    Spending time with new friends I have met at the language camp has helped me grow as a person.

    From this program, I now know how to adjust to a different country’s culture more quickly. I also learned from the Quebecois people the way that they portray their lifestyles. They are a lot more relaxed than Americans are and they also are a lot more healthy and family-oriented on many of their ideas.

    I want to keep pursuing French in the future and go on more exchange programs. I am so glad that I went, and now I have a home in a foreign land and friends from around the world.

    About the Author:

    Ruiwen (Rachel) Shen, is 18 years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Correspondent scholarship winner from Houston, Texas. Rachel is traveling abroad as a Teen Summer Language Camp student in Quebec, and one of her goals during her travels is to connect with new people and build new relationships even in a new language and culture. Follow her adventures here!

  • Know Before You Go: Packing Tips and French Phrases for a Successful Program in Quebec City

    Know Before You Go: Packing Tips and French Phrases for a Successful Program in Quebec City

    I am finished with the French language camp program in Quebec City! It has been a great and truly memorable two weeks for me living with a host family and going around Quebec City with the school. For future students who want to attend the program, I would highly recommend to make sure that they go in with an open mindset, because there is a large cultural difference even between cities. I came into the program thinking that it was just like the United States and that homesickness would be something that I would never experience.

    However, that was not the case at all. Before your trip, I would highly advise you to look into the resources that are provided by Greenheart Travel, because it was very insightful and prepared me even through my doubts.

    Rachel enjoys whale watching, one of the many activities outside of the French language class in Canada.

    Packing for Quebec

    For packing, I would recommend bringing:

    • At least a change of clothes for different activities that last at least a week.
    • There were many water activities that I participated in, so a swimsuit is a necessity to bring!
    • I brought 3 pairs of shoes on my trip for the beach, water sports and walking in the city.
    • A rain jacket that was often put to good use.
    • Variety of clothes for the large differences in the weather in Quebec City– shorts, nice shirts, pants, etc.
    • Host family gift.

    Coming from Texas, I am used to very hot summers–wearing only shorts and a t-shirt. However, Quebec City was a lot cooler for me, and I am glad that I decided to check the weather before packing. The weather here is very off and on with the sun and the rain, so I brought a light rain jacket with me everywhere in my backpack.

    Having clothes for sporting activities is important during the language camp in Canada.

    It’s important to leave extra clothes at home as well and only bring what you need. It’s for a short time, and Canada has many great and cheap stores to buy clothes. I definitely had fun shopping in Canada because the exchange rate is great for Americans!

    Bringing a little bit of everything is very important so that you will always have something to wear for each day and activity.  Packing comfortable sneakers and shoes that can get wet (my Chacos) was very important. This came in handy so that I had sneakers when we went rock climbing, and I had chacos when I went to the beach so that I didn’t get sand in my sneakers.

    Rachel enjoys sampling fresh maple syrup in Quebec.

    Aside from clothes, bringing a gift for your host family is also very important in showing true appreciation. I am glad that I was able to bring my family some gifts, because they really took good care of me.

    French Phrases to Practice Before You Arrive

    Some French phrases that I learned included Quebecois phrases and differences between French in France and French in Quebec.

    In Quebec, they say:

    • “dejeuner” for breakfast
    • “diner” for lunch
    • “souper” for dinner

    In France, they say:

    • “petit-dejeuner” for breakfast
    • “dejeuner” for lunch
    • “diner” for dinner

    This was super confusing to me until I finally figured out the difference.

    Quebecois slang for a kiss on the cheek is “un bec”, girlfriend is “ma blonde”, and boyfriend is “mon chomp”. These slang terms are so much fun to learn and try to use in a sentence when communicating with others.

    Before you go on the trip, make sure to know French basics–even if you’re a beginner. “Bonne jouree” means have a good day and “bonne soiree” means to have a good night. “Salut” means hello and goodbye. “Merci” means thank you. Knowing these key basic terms help show appreciation and effort in learning the language around you.

    At first, it was hard for me to get used to the Quebecois accent, because it sounds a lot more “er” than the French that I learned at school. However, with practice and conversation, I was able to understand it a lot better and have greater appreciation for it over time. I really did learn a lot from this camp, and I hope that you do too!

  • My First Week in Quebec City: Immersed in the French Language and Daily Cultural Outings

    My First Week in Quebec City: Immersed in the French Language and Daily Cultural Outings

    Bonjour! I have been studying French in Quebec City for a week now, and it has so far been quite an experience. Coming as a Texan, I had no idea what to expect—the culture, the food, the weather, and the people here are so different from that at home. In my program at school, I am probably the oldest person as an 18-year-old, but it has been alright because most of the other students are in high school.

    Public transportation in Quebec City, Canada.
    A public bus in Quebec City, Canada.

    My Typical Day in Quebec City

    My typical day begins with me waking up around 5:30 am (the sunrise in Quebec is very early—almost at 4:30 am). I greet my host mom and go on a short run if the weather permits before eating breakfast. For breakfast, my host mom usually makes crepes or muffins, or I find something to eat in the pantry. After breakfast, I pack my lunch and go to the bus stop to go to school. I ride on the bus with my host mom everyday because her workplace is nearby.

    In Quebec, the bus system is very good and a lot of people take the bus for its efficiency. After about an hour, I arrive at the bus stop near my school, and walk to the campus before classes begin at 8:30 am.

    French writing on a whiteboard in a French class in Quebec City.
    French writing on a whiteboard in a French class in Quebec City.

    French Classes

    We are placed in our classes by our knowledge of French, and there are numerous classes for students of different levels. The other students at the school are from around the USA and other parts of the world. Many are from the Northeastern portion of the States, and there is a large population from Mexico and other countries in Latin America. There are also a few students from Canada and Kenya who attend the camp.

    When class begins, the teacher takes attendance. There is a French speaking only rule, so we are supposed to only talk in French to each other during class and lunchtime.

    In French class, we learn about different tenses of verbs and also expressions in Quebecois. We frequently do group activities on worksheets, and we all have a break around 10 am before continuing the rest of the class.

    Traditional poutine in Quebec City.
    Traditional poutine in Quebec City.

    11:45 am to 12:30 pm is our lunchtime. As a homestay student, I eat outside in the front lawn with other students. We are only allowed and highly encouraged to speak French during lunch with everyone around us. If we speak well in French, we will receive a raffle ticket for the end of the week. If we speak in English and are caught, we will receive a “carton rouge” or a red card as a warning infraction. If a student collects more than a certain number of red cards, he or she might be expelled from the program.

    People attending a baseball game in Quebec City.
    Attending a baseball game in Quebec City.

    Daily Outings

    After lunch, we go on our daily outing. It is different everyday, and each day has new and interesting surprises. I have visited the citadel, the beach, the mall, a baseball game, and the movies. On Saturdays, we take longer outings and I have seen the waterfall and rock climbed.

    Rock climbing during a day excursion in Quebec.

    After we come back from our daily outing, I take the bus home with my host mom or I go out with my friends. This week and the next, there is a large summer festival in Quebec called “Festival d’Ete”. There are many world famous musical artists that come and perform. So far I have seen Kendrick Lamar and P!nk perform at the concert with my new friends.

    My friends and I at the concert.
    A beach in Quebec, Canada.
    A beach in Quebec, Canada.

    My Suggestions for Staying with a Host Family

    My suggestion for future students staying with a host family is to try to have conversations with them while you can in the language that you are learning. They are willing to help you improve in that language, and they truly want you to get better and improve. Good communication is also important, because it’s necessary to keep them updated while they are currently in charge of taking care of you. Try to do favors, but also don’t be afraid to ask for help.

    Rachel and a friend in Quebec City.
    Rachel and a friend in Quebec City.

    About the Author:

    Ruiwen (Rachel) Shen, is 18 years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Correspondent scholarship winner from Houston, Texas. Rachel is traveling abroad as a Teen Summer Language Camp student in Quebec, and one of her goals during her travels is to connect with new people and build new relationships even in a new language and culture. Follow her adventures here!

    Can you imagine what your typical day in Quebec City might look like?

  • Student Spotlight on Rachel Shen; Greenheart’s Newest Travel Correspondent in Canada

    Student Spotlight on Rachel Shen; Greenheart’s Newest Travel Correspondent in Canada

    Greenheart Travel is excited to send a group of amazing travelers to study and volunteer abroad as part of our 2017 Travel Correspondent and Global Explorer Scholarship awards. To help introduce our inspiring writers, we are doing a series of spotlight interviews to help you get to know a little more about who they are, where they will be headed and what inspired them to travel abroad.

    Read on to meet 18-year-old, Ruiwen (Rachel) Shen, our Greenheart Travel Correspondent from Houston, Texas, who’ll be traveling abroad to study French at our Teen Summer Language Camp in Canada!

    Favorite thing to do in your free time? 

    I enjoy photography, cooking, exercising, exploring, social events, and trying new things with my friends.

    Have you traveled abroad before?

    Yes! I have been to China and Costa Rica.

    What got you interested in learning a new language and traveling abroad?

    I have taken French throughout middle school and high school, and I wanted a first hand experience in the language.

    What are you most excited about experiencing or seeing during your language camp?

    I am most excited to meet new and diverse friends to improve my French and to also see the beautiful city of Quebec at my language camp. I want to explore the culture more firsthand.

    Why do you feel it’s important to travel to a new place and learn a new language?

    It’s important to travel to a new place and learn a new language to expand my view on the world. Different cultures allow people to understand each other better. There is direct translation between languages, and certain languages hold histories behind words. Learning a language can help me understand those who struggle with my native language.

    What are you nervous about?

    I am nervous about being in a completely new environment in a foreign country with a host family and speaking French with everyone around me.

    How well do you speak a second language at this point?

    I speak Chinese to a basic level since my parents spoke Chinese with me growing up. However, my French is very limited since I only learned about it through classes at school.

    How do you think you will change the most during your time abroad?

     I think that I will be able to gain a first hand insight into a new environment, and I will be able to expand my view of other cultures in the world. I think that my French will definitely improve and as will my understanding for the Quebecois culture.

  • Meet 7 Students Embarking on Life-Changing Travels to Volunteer, Learn a Language and Study Abroad

    Meet 7 Students Embarking on Life-Changing Travels to Volunteer, Learn a Language and Study Abroad

    Seven high school and university students are about to embark on life changing travel experiences as this year’s Global Explorer and Travel Correspondent scholarship recipients. To help inspire you to go after your own overseas adventure, you’ll be able to follow along on their travels as they post articles, photos and videos throughout their Greenheart Travel programs. Read on to learn more about our newest scholarship recipients and team of travel writers!

    Meet our 2017 Greenheart Travel Scholarship Winners:

    Angelique Ayoade, Teen Summer Language Camp in France

    “I am excited to travel to France, not only because I will have the opportunity to see beautiful and famous aspects of France (like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in the flesh) but because I believe interacting with people of a different culture and learning is a step towards raising up unity, empathy and love for people globally.”

    A goal I have for my time abroad is to be able to have a fairly complex conversation in French with a native speaker.

    Bethany Carideo, High School Abroad in Italy

    “There are so many reasons why I am excited to go to Italy. For one, it feels like my second home; I have been before. I am also Italian, so the thought of living there is exciting! Another reason is the language. It may be a challenge at first, but I think I’ll have fun with it. And last but not least, my host family! Living with siblings! Being an only child, I’m not used to so many people in one house. I can’t wait to be apart of a big family. In all, I am stoked for the personal growth that comes along with it all. Thank you, Greenheart, for this opportunity!”

    One goal I have during my time abroad is to become proficient in Italian. When I know the language, I will be able to connect with the people even more.

    Emily Evans, Volunteer at Thailand’s Stray Dog Rescue Center

    “Thailand is different than any country I have traveled to before and I am excited to experience their culture through the food and the Buddhist temples. Walking the rescue dogs on the beach is going to be exciting too!”

    One goal I have is to make a short documentary about Rescue Paws and its location in Khao Tao.  My major in college is Communication Arts, with a focus in video production, so my professors are very eager to see my experiences when I come back in the fall!

    Citlalli Gonzalez, Volunteer at Costa Rica’s Animal Rescue Center

    “What I am most excited about going to Costa Rica is being able to stand in the greenest place on earth, being able to get out my comfort zone, and experience a new culture.”

    One of my goals is to learn how to take care of the animals at the project, when it comes to feeding them or just cleaning after them. Another goal of mine is to learn about the culture of Costa Rica, their family values, their food and their daily activities.

    Emmy Scott, Teen Summer Language Camp in Spain

    “I am over the moon excited to travel to Spain because I know it will have lifelong effects on how I look at the big world around me. It’s so awesome to see everything I’ve been learning about come to life right in front of me.”
    One goal I have during my time traveling to Spain is to venture outside of my sometimes introverted tendencies and create relationships and memories that last me a long while.

     Rachel Shen, Teen Summer Language Camp in Canada

    “I am excited to travel to Quebec City, because I have never been to a French area before. Growing up in the United States in Houston, Texas, there is a large number of Spanish speakers and Chinese speakers in my community but lacks a great number of French speakers. I have always been interested in the French language and culture, and I am so excited to be able to experience this language and practice my French in a real life setting. Quebec City is an amazing, beautiful city that is vastly different from any that I have visited. It holds so much culture and history behind its citizens and architecture. I can’t wait to see what the city has to offer and the new things that I will take in from it.”

    One goal that I have during my time abroad is to connect with new people and build new relationships even in a new language and culture. I want to improve my French and to feel more comfortable practicing it. I want to really immerse myself and to teach a bit about my life to the people that I meet and learn as much as I can.

    Martin Tomlinson, High School Abroad in Spain

    I am very excited about traveling to Spain, a country with a culture I love. The people are kind, the culture rich, the art beautiful and the food delicious. With Greenheart Travel I will be able to deepen my understanding and appreciation of this great culture in the way only an extended stay in a country can.

    A goal during my trip is to make life-long Spanish friends. I want to be much more culturally sensitive person with a more educated global worldview.

    We are excited to have a chance to live vicariously through this year’s scholarship winners! Follow along this summer and fall as they embark on their adventures abroad.

    Do you have any travel advice to share? Comment below!