Et voilà, c'est fini. My time on the Leonardo da Vinci programme at an end, bags packed in anticipation of the flight home the next day, I really ought to have been casting a last nostalgic glance around the city. Except that in just three days' time I'd be back, ready to take up a new life as étudiante-cum-serveuse (or working student). It's an intermediary measure, with French classes booked and accommodation extended just until Christmas, but if anything my weekend back in London convinced me more than ever that the decision to stay in Bordeaux was the right one. After 10 weeks, my French appears to be on the brink of a breakthrough: my understanding sharper, inhibitions fewer and speech preceded less and less by a Google-translate-style internal monologue.
Not that my work placement itself went out with a bang of any particular linguistic success. The final few weeks left me frustrated that despite repeatedly requesting tasks more challenging than folding pamphlets, the nearest these came to fruition was a few hours translating synopses into English. What's more, my leaving drinks facilitated a swift demo in verbal lambasting, French-style: "Sarah, tu parles comme une vache espagnole," quipped my supervisor. Or, you speak like a Spanish cow. Très drôle. But tongue-tied Spanish cattle aside, the reality of my progress has frequently been noted by rather kinder French friends (to whom I feel that progress is owed) and the family I live with.
Returning to the classroom this week for writing and oral classes, it's patent how far I've come since those first lessons in September. Taking time to focus step-by-step on the language also tenders a refreshing respite from the 'muddling-through' approach of daily life.
In addition, just a few shifts as a barmaid have required me to speak more French than I probably ever did during my placement. Securing a job for the extra month proved surprisingly effortless after an acquaintance offered an introduction to my now manager. I won't lie, it's an English bar and conversation behind the counter-top is predominantly Anglophone, but, by contrast, the clientele is over 90% French. So, when I'm not straining to decipher obscure drinks orders (the English ones sometimes the most bewildering - "seggsonzebeesh", "longailandaisteee"…) there is always an opportunity to chat away to the locals.
On the subject of theatre – by way of a swift topic change – I've recently made a concerted effort to take in some French plays and films. Early plans to seek out mime, physical theatre and anything generally wordless meant that Michel Hazanavicius's 'The Artist' - a spirited reinvention of silent film noir – was the perfect entrée. However I've since grappled with a production of Philippe Claudel's dialogue-heavy Parle-moi d'amour and happily understood enough to provide A Younger Theatre (part of the Guardian Culture Professionals Network) with their first review from France.
Other challenges have included a visit to le coiffeur (astonishingly I emerged neither bald nor a poodle) and opening a French bank account, which commanded the curious ceremony of taping my name to the letterbox for a fortnight.
And so my final quest, as ever, remains plotting my next move. As I apply for various positions in London, Bordeaux and, my latest beguilement, Paris, I know that my recent experience will be an asset to my CV. While several participants found the work placements themselves less demanding or instructive than desired, certain gains are nonetheless indisputable: an increased understanding of French language and working culture, a proven ability to adapt to life in a new country and a large network of international contacts.
For me, the programme has been nothing so much as a convenient springboard for establishing a life in France, short-term or otherwise. The addictive thrill of mastering a language leads me to suspect I won't be leaving just yet and I'm confident I now occupy a more privileged position for procuring a French job.
Indeed, of the four participants arriving under Twin Group's September intake, only one has returned directly to the UK. In any case, life here in Bordeaux remains 'gavé bien'. And yes, I'm even speaking in Bordelais slang now.
Follow Sarah's writing and reviews at her blog, Play About Town. Sarah also tweets at @playabouttown.
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