French School System Comparison

There are many similarities and differences between the French and American school systems. I will explain from early education to college. One major difference between the schooling in America and France is that all of France's schools are run by the state or government. Unlike France, some schools in America are ran by the state (University of Minnesota, Owatonna Public School District), while some schools are ran privately (St. Olaf College, St. Mary's School).

Early education through kindergarten are extremely different in France then it is at home. In America we have day care, pre-school, and kindergarten. In France they have "pré-élémentaire". This is schooling for "les enfants" (children) age 2-6. This is much different because in America kids don't start actual "school" tell at least age 4, but in France it can start as early as 2. Another difference between us and France is that all their education is free, while childcare in the states is extremely expensive. This weighs out because of France's high taxes.

After "Pré-élémentaire" students go to "l'enseignement élémentaire" (elementary education). This is very similar to our elementary schools. Same age group, same subjects being taught. One major difference to be aware of is that the French students are figuring out what kind of high school track they will pick, and by the end of "Collège" (junior high) they have to decide on a career. In America we all go to the same type of high school, and it's not tell college that we have a personal track. In France however its different, during high school they chose a type of degree path to work for, and during their senior year (terminale) they have to pass the "BAC" test. This is a very difficult test that each kid has to pass in order to receive their degree. If you don't pass the "BAC" you have to retake your terminale year. There are different "BAC's" that you take dependent on what career path you are going towards.

("Le bac" certificate)

During the senior year of high school American students apply and get accepted to a college of choice. This could be close to home or across the world. In France you generally go to the school closest to home. One of the biggest differences in secondary education is in France, there are schools called "Grandes Écoles". If you don't want to go to trade, community, or technical school you will most likely need to get into a "Grandes Écoles". This is still a public school ran by France, but it is extremely competitive and hard to get into. These hard universities are for "Les Personnes" (people) going into medicine, sciences, education etc.

A major theme about education and academics are very different in the two societies. In America, our schools are not only academic, but social and athletic as well. In France it is strictly academic. Education is more serious in France, and by the end of junior high they are excepted to pick a career. But in America we are more concerned about general knowledge, and all around skill, and not expected to pick a major till college or later.

Comparing things like school is very interesting to me. Stuff like this, normal things that every person has to go through, and figuring out whats different, and what's similar. It's important to understand different societies way of life, because that way we can be respectful and understand them better. This world and culture is becoming so universal and international, that we need to learn from each other and grow as a world. 

Leçon de Français 1 (French Lesson 1)

Hello!/ Bonjour!

It's me again, and today I wanted to share some French with you. I'm trying to incorporate as much French culture and language as I can. Why would you be interested in a bi-lingual blog if you don't know any French?

For the first lesson I would like to go over greetings. So as you've seen in order to say "hello" or "good morning" you say "Bonjour". This is a very formal and more traditional way to say hello. If you wanted to be less formal, maybe say "hey", you would say "salut". Make sure when you say "salut" that you aren't pronouncing the "T". Here's a pointer in French, generally you don't pronounce the last consonant of each word. This is just a trick though, it is definitely now the law.

After saying hello, or good morning you're going to want to ask them how they're doing. To go along with the formal "bonjour" I might say "How are you doing today?" This is translated to "Comment t'allez-vous?" meaning "How are you going?. There are two other basic ways to say that in a less formal matter. For example I could say "Comment ça va" The little tail on the "C"is called a cedilla, the makes the "C" sounds like an "S". "Comment ça va" literally means "how's it going"?  And finally, the most simple way to ask this question is simply "ça va"? This means "it's going"?. Generally you'd answer bacl with "Oui, ça va", or "yes, it's going".

Now you can start any simple conversation with a French speaking person. In French It's very important to understand the hierarchy of formal vs. non-formal speech. For example, you might say "sault" (informal) to your good friend or your younger sibling, but you wouldn't say this to your parents or teacher. If you are unsure about the age or their power over you, I would stick with the formal "Bonjour". Formal and informal speech is very common in French, so make sure you remember who receives what form, or they may get offended easily.

Thank you so much for letting me share a little bit of French with you. Just to warn you, I'm only a student so I wouldn't trust every single thing I saw. If you are interested in French find someone who's fluent or go ahead and take a class. Hopefully my blog will inspire you to want to learn French. And maybe you'll see why I love it so much. And the last part of today (as you've seen before) is to say "thank you". It is "merci". Please leave comments if you have any questions or opinions (good or bad). I'd love to hear from you guys.

Thank you!/ Merci!    

La Musique Français

My whole life I have loved music. I've been in band since fifth grade and choir since I can remember. While studying French the best way for me to put what I learned into context was through music. French music is something that I love to listen to it. From the classic Edith Piaf to the up and coming Stromae and Black M. The beats are so catchy and the words are so lyrical and beautiful. The beauty of French comes out so easily in their music. I don't always know one word the artist are saying, but I have great emotional connections to the music. Below you will be introduced to some famous musicians of today, as well as the old classics.

Stromae was one of the first French pop artists that I got familiarized with. My sister bought me his new album for Christmas last year. I listened to it constantly all year, by far my favorite gift. Stromae is from Belgium and his music is very percussive and tech-no. The video above is his music video for "formidable". This song is singing "Wonder, wonderful, you were wonderful, I was terrible, we were wonderful". Hes apologizing to his girlfriend or lover for all his mistakes. He is truly sorry, and knows he messed up. Stromae's music is almost a movement for the youth of France. He is beginning to be famous in America as well.

Black M is a very famous rapper/hip-hop artist in France. A foreign exchange student named Cindy (from France) showed him to me. His style is more fast moving words that are hard to understand, but it sounds fantastic. I only hope to be able to understand him some day, and sing along. His music is different from Stromae but they're in the same music genre and industry.

And saving the best for last, the great Edith Piaf. She is known around the world for her "classic French" sound. She is recognized as the "Judy Garland of France". Her music shows off how whimsical and optimistic French is. There is hope and hardship in her music. The emotion she shares to her audience can never be out done  by Black M or Stromae. Her music is the accompaniment to your dreams of walking through Paris late at night. The melody takes you somewhere wonderful and peaceful. Edith Piaf's music will never be forgotten, and the world will continue to listen.    

Je Mange (I Eat)

Hello!/ Bonjour!

Everyone loves to eat. And the best part, it's vital to survive. One of the best parts of France is their cuisine. The food is so different from what we know about food. The whole eating lifestyle of the French is way different from our own. While we are stuck eating lunch in a half an hour, they get a full hour. We get an "okay" meal, and the French get a professional seven course dinner. Another interesting fact is that their FDA is much more strict then ours. For example, our Chicken McNuggets at McDonald's are much more unhealthy then France's equivalent. For this post I will be sharing a picture of a classic French food or dish, and then explain a little bit about them.

Le Croissant is a very famous and basic pastry. You may have a misconception of these buttery delectables because of the "Americanized" Crescent Roll. A real French croissant takes days to make. I actually attempted to make a batch myself. They are extremely difficult to make. But if you're able to perfect them, or find a authentic bakery you'll be in for a real treat. Once you bite into these little rolls the flakinesses is automatically apparent. This flakiness is cause by the many layers of fat (butter, margarine) in the dough. One tip in making these guys is to keep the dough as cool as you can. It's vital for the butter to stay hard and formed together, thats how the flakiness happens during the baking process. Croissants pair perfectly with a latté or a cup of coffee.  

L'escargot is a very tradition French cuisine. Generally in France, l'escargot is an appetizer in French. L'escargot is made out of land snails. A lot of misconceptions about the French are created by dishes like this. It's easy to stereotype the French saying that they eat crazy food. Funny enough, Lyon, Fr. is the cuisine capitol of the world. It's important to look past what it is and see the beauty and art of the food. 

La Crème Brûlée is the most recognized "French dessert". In the movie Amélie crème brûlée is referenced. Amélie doesn't have many pleasures in life but her most favorite thing in the world is using a spoon, and cracking the hard shell on La crème bûlée. This crust that Amélie talks about is the carmel hard shell. This contrasts perfectly with the creamy custard filling. These complementary textures make a much beloved dessert in France, and around the world.


These are some of the most iconic French foods I could come up with from the top of my head. Of course there are thousands of more dishes and cuisines that I haven't touched. I will continue to wet your taste buds with more food posts later on.

Bon appétit mes amis! Merci pour lisez. ( Enjoy your meal my friends! Thank you for reading)

Paris, Je t'aime

Hello, Bonjour!

Oh là là! Paris, where do I even begin? La vie de Paris est très belle. The history, the culture,  and just about everything is perfect. In this post I would like to discover different styles of writing. One major styles of writing is descriptions. In a description piece I wouldn't say "Paris, I love you". I would use many adjectives and explain why. I will now give you a sample of a description writing on everyones favorite tower, La Tour Eiffle.


The Eiffle Tower is known all around the world. At its beginning the structure was an embarrassment to the French, but now it's their icon. From the sheer height, to the detailed lattice metal pattern. It's simplicity gives it the edge in the competition. A simple pyramid structure made out of metal.

If you want to be a daredevil feel free to climb your way up to the top, giving you a birds eye view of the city of lights. There are elevators as well as a treacherous amount of stairs. Your hamstrings will be screaming at you, but your eyes will be mesmerized.

From the top of the tower you can almost see the break of the clouds you're so high up! In order to get that birds eye view of the city you should go to the first or second observation decks. This way the little dots will turn into little stick people, and those blobs will turn into magnificent monuments and buildings. The Eiffel Tower is a brilliantly executed structure. Nothing says Paris, even France, like it.


Well there you have it, my attempt at a description piece. Of course I have much work until I'm writing really good stories. This blog is a way for me to practice these different writing styles, and to see if anything comes of it.

How can I get better at writing? This will not happen alone. I think It would be such a blessing if you guys could comment on my posts. Tell me how I'm doing. What can I change, add, fix, to enhance my writing. Thanks you again for reading, as always.

Thank you!/ Merci!

Essay #1- Stereotypes

A stereotype is a thought or image. It is particularly on a group of people. I know that they can be false and true.

There are many French stereotypes. For example, the French eat very bizarre food. They wear stripes and scarves all the time. Also, the French only wear elegant clothing. Finally, the French are ruder then the Americans.

There are a lot of American stereotypes. For example, we are very lazy. Also, we are all fat. We don't care about our appearance. Americans are very touristy. Finally, they are very disrespectful.

Stereotypes comes from film and tourism. The stereotypes are what the tourists think the French are. They are not who the French are truly. For example France is way different then Paris.

There are a lot of advantages of stereotypes. First, they help you understand the history and context of a group of people. It is a easy way to classify people, for example, the French and Americans.

There are lot of disadvantages of stereotypes. For example, if you know what this idea is about, you can judge them. It is not right to judge people only on stereotypes. It is important to understand people before you judge them.

It is important for you to understand how stereotypes can influence tourists while you travel for many reasons. For example, you can have a bad experience in France because they're mean.  The French and the Americans butt-heads with each other while they travel.

Radaction #1- Les Stéréotypes

Un stérérotype est un penser ou image. C'est particulièremt au groupe des personnes. Je sais ils peuvent être faux et vrai.

Il y a beaucoup des stéréotypes en les Français. Par example, les Français mangent très bizarre nourriture. Ils mettent des rayures et des foulards toujours. Alors, les Français mettent seulement les vêtements de élégant. Finalement, les Français sont grossier au les Américains.

Il y a beacoup des stéréotypes en les Américains. Par example, nous sommes très paresseux. Alors, nous somes tous gros. Nous ne nous soignons pas. Les Américains sont très touristique. Finalement, Ils sont très irrespectueux.

Les stéréotypes viennent de films des Américains et les touristes. Les stéréotypes sont que les touristes croient les Français être. Ils ne sont pas quoi les Français sont vraiment. Par example, le France est très différent puis à Paris.

Il y a beacoup des advantages de les stéréotypes. Première, ils t'aident comprender l'histoire et le contexte de un groupe des personnes. Il est une facile façon à classer des personnes, par example, les Français ou les Américains.

Il y a beacoup des désavantages des stérérotypes. Par example, si vous savez cette idé est au sujet vous vous purriez que les juger. Il n'est pas juste juger des personnes seulement des stéréotypes. C'est important comprendre les personnes avant de vous les jugez.

C'est important pour on comprend les stéréotypes peuvent influence des touristes pendant que vous voyagez pour beacoup des raisons. Par example, vous pouvez avoir un mal experiance à France parce qu'ils sont méchant. Les Français et les Américains enfoncent les têtes avec l'un l'autre pendant ils voyagent.