Mathilde is a French exchange student at WOU this school year. She studies in Poitiers, France. She was asked the following questions last Thursday (November 10th) by the students in the conversation class (in French, I translated questions and answers). Say hello if you see her on campus!
How long have you been learning English?
13 years (she started in primary school)
Why did you choose Western Oregon University?
As a student in Poitiers, the only choice you have for an exchange with the USA is between 7 universities, all in Oregon. Western Oregon was smaller and good community.
What do you study?
Here, I study English (American studies), History, Linguistics and Communication
Are you worried about credit transfer?
It’s complicated, it does not work the same as the university in France, which has semester and not quarters. I have to figure it out with my university.
Do you like the weather here?
No
Where do you live in France?
In Niort, it’s on the West Coast of France, about one hour, one hour and a half from the ocean.
What kind of History do you study?
At my home university, I studied British History, and this year they are studying Canadian history, but I’m not there.
How many countries have you visited?
France, England, Italy, Spain, the USA. That’s it.
Are you going to visit Canada?
It’s complicated with immigration. I’m worried they would not let me back in. I’m not sure.
What’s your favorite country.
It was the US. I’m not sure now.
What is the biggest difference for you, and what is similar?
Everything is bigger, the food, the buildings, the streets, the ways people think. Everything is more extreme. But it’s also similar to France and it’s not the first time I’ve been here, so it’s not completely new.
Have you been to a football game at university?
Twice. But I did not go back because they were not very good.
Do you understand the game?
No.
Do you practice any sport here?
Not really
And in France?
Not really
Do you prefer films in English?
Yes, in their original version. I prefer American movies. They’re more popular.
Are you staying here for Christmas?
Yes, it’s too expensive to go back
Do you think that Christmas is different?
Yes, it’s more commercial
Do you like American Food?
Yes, I like everything
What other cities have you visited in the US?
Chicago
How old were you when you visited Chicago?
I was 16
Did you live with an American family?
When I was 16 I stayed with an American family for a month and a half in Indiana and we visited Chicago. And other towns in Indiana
Do you prefer Oregon or Indiana?
Oregon. Oregon is more liberal. The Indiana governor was Mike Pence and I really don’t like him.
Did you visit Multnomah Falls?
No (after a few descriptions) maybe… It looks familiar.
Do you prefer French coffee or American coffee?
I don’t drink a lot of coffee, and when I do it’s at Starbucks, so it’s the same.
What activities do you do?
Music. I play the guitar, I sing, I play drums, base guitar, piano…
Do you study music here?
No
Do you write songs?
Yes. My father is a musician. He has a studio at home.
What kind of music does your father play?
Rock, the Police, XTC, the Stray Cats.
What kind of music do you like?
I like everything. Especially 90’s music like Nirvana but also the Doors. But I like all types of music, rap, electro…
Any contemporary artists?
Demi Lovato, Kendrick Lamar, the Neighborhood, the Arctic Monkeys, Green Day, Anarbor…
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