Annual ISEP Cocktail Party

Last week was the annual ISEP cocktail party where students going out on or returning from exchange gather together for an evening of free drink, food, and mingling. I got to chat with a number of people, including 2 students who just returned from ESC Rouen.

I was told I would have a great time, but given a few warnings. First, the weather was said to be like that in London. Rain every 2nd day or so. Very little snow, but when it does snow, the buses stop, so I should keep that in mind. They said to visit Paris, but to not plan on spending much time there because, A) it's very expensive, and B) the people are rather unfriendly. It was suggested that I take most - if not all - of my classes in English, as I'm likely to be in a class with many other international students, and as such, discussion in French-language courses is limited and boring. I was told that food would be a big expense, but alcohol was pretty cheap. I was further warned that the main club for hosting school parties has "sticky walls" and the atmosphere requires some getting used to.

Returning students had all traveled to numerous other European countries, by bus, train, or plane, at some point during their semester abroad. Many had been to 7 or 8 different countries. One girl said she took 6 classes, which I think is about the norm, but I still have to look into that a little more. I don't want to do less than the equivalent of 4 Concordia classes (not even sure I'm allowed to), so I'll have to have a discussion with Amanda about that when its course selection time in the Fall.

All in all it was a nice evening. The week was capped with my having laser eye surgery. The procedure seems successful so far, as my vision is greatly improved, and I no longer have a need for glasses.