A busy beginning to the term.

I feel like I haven’t posted a blog up for quite some time (the workload is quickly piling up), and I’ve been up too quite a bit too. So I’m thinking of condensing it all into this blog. 

The weather here has been absolutely gorgeous, I mean yeah, upon my arrival I did have my stereotypical view of Canada, it being the land of snow as we are all aware- however I did expect some warm summer weather of course, needless to say, I am genuinely stunned by this perpetual beautiful weather which will hopefully prolong itself even further. The sun makes everybody happy!

On the 5^th of September, the first American football match took place at the Stade Telus, which belongs to the university. Now, I of course envisaged the whole thing before hand, the ambiance, the smell of hot dogs, the enthusiastic and in sync cheerleaders, the somewhat crazy supporters, and I’ll have you know I was spot-on. I felt like I was in an American movie! Except with a lot more beer, beer everywhere. Canadians and their deep attachment to it I guess. The game itself was quite confusing, in fact, very confusing. If I told you I understood what was happening, I’d be lying. All I know is the game goes on for a very long time (over three hours), and they pause continuously. It was a fantastic evening though.

        

 

          

Believe it or not, I went apple picking! (The following Friday) I definitely unanticipated how much fun this would be, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. It was so different to what I am usually exposed too, and something I never thought I’d try. Yet there I was, picking those delicious apples. This took place at l’île d’Orléans, a beautiful vast area of land, about 5km east of downtown Quebec City. The owner had told us that their sole production was wine, (which explained the scattered vineyards) and that they also used apples. However, they were left with a bunch of left over apples and so decided to give the open public a chance to go apple picking. Indeed, a thoughtful idea. I arrived home with about three kilos of apples, so in the days to follow, my flatmate had made apple and oat muffins, and I made apple and cinnamon cake. Delicious, if I say so myself.

           

 

          

An exhausting day as we can see

Finally, to finish off, the university has a Ligue Universitaire d’Impro (improvisational league), which takes place each year. There are four teams, and each Friday evening two teams battle it out, both struck with unexpected scenarios. This was simply fantastic! I couldn’t believe how talented these players were. The entire set up was quite hilarious too- they even got us involved. (By throwing flip-flops at the referees if we were discontent with a decision of course!) The room was really packed, roughly 450 spectators turned up- the first match of the year is always important obviously.

I tried keeping the blog assez brief, as I don't want this to become a boring read. A bientôt. :)

Trekking and wildlife concert at the Forêt Montmorency

What a unique and memorable experience this was, something I thought I'd never have the opportunity to do. Honestly. 

The Bureau de la vie étudiante organises multiple activities for exchange students, a great way to grasp the idea of life as a Québécois whilst sharing these new experiences with the many other alienated students. 

On Friday, a trip to the Forêt Montmorency was organised; this entire territory was given to Université Laval and in exchange the forestry faculty were to continue with its profound research as well as the teaching of natural sciences. Boring stuff over! So, we all met up outside a pavillon at 11am ready to embark on a yellow school bus, (so cool) there were quite a few of us, around 45, and an impressive mixture of students from various countries. It took roughly one hour to get to the forest, so not the closest or the furthest! Once we arrived, we set foot in the campus. A campus literally in the middle of nowhere, we were then sent downstairs to a room whereby an expert was present to hand out maps and vigorously explained the instructions to avoid getting lost. I didn't understand anything he had said; so let's just say I was slightly worried. We were then finally freed.

This wasn't my first time trekking, so I thought I was mentally prepared for this. Well, let me tell you, it was perhaps one of the hardest things I've done in my entire life. The funny thing is, everyone seemed fine. In fact, more than fine, whilst I was slowly dying. However, it was definitely worth it when you arrived to the chute de la riviere noir, I sat right next to the waterfall. Amazing! The pictures aren't even capable of illustrating the beauty of it all; so let your imagination run wild. We also passed the lac Piché, the scenery was beyond what words can describe.  

Once we had finished the 5-hour trek, we returned to the campus to await the next part of the trip. Four musicians first introduced themselves to us indoors, and explained what was to happen. We were then handed blankets, and dropped off by a large lake in the complete dark and in complete silence and led ourselves to benches. Once seated, we were to enjoy the next hour or so listening to the musicians play their instruments on their canoes in the lake. Accompanied only by the light deriving from the moon and stars along with the echoing silence, it was simply beautiful to feel reconnected with ones inner peace. The evening ended at around 11pm, safe to say, we were all terribly exhausted. I know I definitely was.

I really hope the pictures give you all just a slight idea of the scenery I came across. 

Université Laval

I'll just get straight to the point and tell you guys how much I adore this university, the campus is one I've never seen before. And no, I am not exaggerating. I am genuinely blown away by how much they have to offer to their students.

I'll try not to bore you all with too much background information but needless to say, some is malheureusement required! Université Laval is one of the biggest universities found in Canada, as well as the 'oldest centre of education in Canada, (4th oldest in North America) as Wikipedia informs us so well. It remains one of the top ten Canadian universities in terms of research and funding - which is never a bad thing. The university is found on the outskirts of Vieux Quebec, making it undoubtedly a pretty good location for us exchange students who want to explore. Right that was pretty much all the boring stuff, now time for my declaration of love to this university...

Where do I begin?

I'm currently doing five modules, four of which are in the French literature field, and an Arabic one. All my lectures are therefore in the same buildings, just two out of the various pavillons (buildings) that are scattered across the campus. (This makes my life so much easier!) The number of students varies for each of my classes, depending on the popularity of the subject I assume. Littérature pour la jeunesse for example is in a lecture hall with roughly sixty students, whereas Communication oral I is pretty much the equivalent of a seminar with 15 students.  

Something I find really different to our British system, and quite strange even, is the range of people in your lectures, the lectures are not divided in terms of year groups but rather degree programmes. Confusing right! As long as a student has taken the required modules for their degree programme (for their year), they are free to choose other modules in their field that anyone can take. I have classes with students who are in their first year, and some of who are in their final year. Something I am still trying to get my head around. 

In terms of lectures, I would've thought they would be rather similar to the ones I have back in London, sitting in a lecture room whilst listening to a professor recite their notes- which by the way, are full of words I am still clueless of- in a robot like fashion. (Not all the professors of course) However, I was quite surprised to see the difference in the style of teaching. The professors here are much more engaging, and very passionate about their speciality. I guess you could say this perhaps comes from the patriotism they have concerning their culture and history. As I had briefly mentioned in my previous post, it is something that is truly engraved within them. Not only does their enthusiasm make you feel at ease, but it also pushes you to want to share their passion. I am especially eager to start Littérature pour la jeunesse, a combination of contemporary literature, with the analysis of young people and the multiple characteristics belonging to their literature. Who would have ever thought that I would one-day share interest regarding literature? Canada is truly changing me. 

However, back to reality, each and every one of my classes lasts a total of THREE hours. Yes, that is three hours. As a matter of fact, I don't know if it’s possible for the brain to focus for that amount of time. Apparently we do receive breaks, but that is not a good enough reason! I think I'll be that student who dozes off after an hour. 

One last thing; and something I find incredibly cool! The entire university is connected through tunnels, meaning during winter, there is no need to be up on the surface facing the terrifying weather. Something I am definitely not looking forward to whatsoever.

Thanks again guys! I honestly hope you enjoy these, don't hesitate to give me your opinions. :)

These are the underground tunnels, they are full of art by various students

This shop has pretty much all the essentials you need as a student

From little grocery shops 

To hairdressers!

The first week is always difficult

One of the buildings where my classes take place

I love this pavillon, so pretty!

The Canadian flag, the flag of the province (Quebec), and Lavals flag!
Three very important flags.

The other building with more classes!

A lot of construction is taking place at the university, hopefully by the end of the
year, I'll be able to see the new Laval!