Chances are, in between classes and group meetings, you’re going to have a lot of free time in Besançon. Take advantage of this opportunity to buy souvenirs from the petite shops on the Grande Rue and Rue des Granges, or visit Arc et Senans and learn about the salt mines (about an hour’s drive from Besancon, so try and find a willing host parent to take you!), or swim in one of the two public pools Besançon offers (only 2-3 Euro for students per visit). Make sure you have a swimming cap, though- that’s something they won’t let you in without at the piscines in France. (You can buy one upon entering for a couple Euro as well). I spent many a day just walking around the city, by myself or with a few friends I met while there, taking pictures of the scenery and historical buildings (especially the Citadelle). The more photographs you end up with when you come back to America, the easier you’ll be able to remember those precious moments you spent at Bar de L’u with a demi-fraises, or in Place Granvelle sipping a petit cafe with your host sister, or even of the CLA. Because as much as you don’t want to wake up at 8 a.m. every two days to take that Littérature class, you’d do well to have some semblance of what it looked like to show everyone back home that round, silver building where you had your fondest moments of French education!

Some students used their time to get involved with community activities, like Sunday mass. The picture above is the church located right in the heart of Place de la Revolution, right next to the Ginko office, Galéries Lafayette, Madigan’s pub, and Brioche Doree, among others. There are countless other churches throughout the city, like St. Jean (remember the church you passed on the way up to the Citadel that first week)? They have masses there, too! If church isn’t your thing, check out the University du Franche Comté’s music programs. I joined a choir while there, and it was not only fun but rewarding- I got to rehearse with 90% French university students, the other 10% American students from another University who chose to sing for their cultural activity. We sang songs not just in French, but in all sorts of languages, including english. This part was fun, as the other American students and I got to help with pronunciation as we sang Simon and Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair”. One of the other American students joined the theatre group, which performed with the choir at a final concert at the end of the school year. Not a performer? Talk to some other international students studying at the CLA and see what they’re up to- you can find out about Erasmus parties, night outings, and shopping trips as long as you ask around!