Épinal

I spent my year abroad as an English Assistant in Épinal, Lorraine. I had an amazing year abroad, I've alwayswanted to teach and the year abroad has made me want to do it more. I found the French to be very like their stereotype, there was lots of cheese eaten and although I don't like cheese I joined in with the wine drinking side of it. I got to visit loads of different places, in the region and in the regions next to me. I drank water from the Vittel source, I ate the local dish 'quiche lorraine', tried mustard from Dijon, and sampled the wines from the Alsace region. It is a pretty impressive sight, seeing fields and fields of grapevines. I enjoyed the local culture, joined in with the celebrations of Saint-Nicolas, and went to Christmas markets in different towns.

Strasbourg transforms itself into the spirit of Christmas, all the houses are decorated, and there are quaint little huts with local foods and crafts - a perfect chance for presents. I visited Paris a few times, even went to Disneyland, something I have wanted to do since I was a child. I met new people and made good friends, great opportunities for future holidays.

I thoroughly enjoyed the year abroad; it was strange coming back and hearing English again!
Lizzie Doyle