Eve: "Thanks to the generosity of Campus France UK (...), I spent one month this summer in the beautiful city of Lyon."
As part of Alumni Day 2024, Eve Hughes shares her experience of a memorable linguistic trip to Lyon, generously funded by Campus France UK, where she immersed herself in French language and culture.
As part of its Alumni Day 2024 programme, Campus France UK organised a competition, “My Favourite French Word,” for students who were due to undertake a study or internship in France in 2024/25. The candidates were required to submit a one-minute video in which they talked about their favourite French word. The first prize, won by Eve, was a one-month French language stay at the INLFEXYON school, with travel and accommodation included.
"Thanks to the generosity of Campus France UK, who organised a contest in celebration of Alumni Day 2024, I spent one month this summer in the beautiful city of Lyon.
The main purpose of this trip was to improve my French through attending language classes at Inflexyon. The staff there were really welcoming and supportive, and ensured that I felt settled into this new city straight away. As well as developing my core language skills during lessons, I found that the teachers also helped to improve my knowledge of French culture and customs. For example, the difference between ‘bonjour’ and ‘bonne journée’, and the great debate of ‘pain au chocolat’ vs ‘chocolatine’!
I particularly enjoyed chatting with other Inflexyon students (who quickly became my good friends) at lunchtime, as we would share and compare our diverse cultures and backgrounds. We would even bring in foods that were local to our homes, meaning I tried some cool Japanese and Danish delicacies!
Outside of school, I spent my time exploring Lyon and making more great friends. There was an event on called ‘Tout le monde dehors’ which meant that there was always an amazing selection of shows to go to. Of course, I embraced my tourist roots and also visited Lyon’s various monuments, including la Basilique de Fourvière and La Cathédrale Saint-Jean. I was lucky enough to be in France on Bastille Day, so my friends and I went to watch the firework display on the bridge.
Without a doubt, I had the best month ever in Lyon. In fact, I already have plans to go back and reunite with my friends once I’m back in France this September! I am extremely thankful to Campus France UK for offering this incredible prize, and I will always love the word ‘la bétonisation’!"
- Eve Hughes, august 2024
