To learn or not to learn – that is the question.

Day three in Aix was an eventful day for us. The first thing we did as a class was explore the open markets in the Provence. There was a variety of goodies for everyone, from olives to floral dresses, each stand had their own attractions that kept drawing our wallets closer. After our miniature shopping spree, we regrouped in the Leo Marchutz school for our first art class, the whole experience was very new to me. Although I am an active artist, I draw from my imagination and don’t do realism. So of course, the activity was to draw a copy of another artist’s work and my reference was semi realistic… I’m not particularly proud of my attempts at recreation, however, I’m not angry or unmotivated by it either. If anything, I’m looking forward to the following classes. Starting at nothing means the only thing your art can do is improve, and as an artist, the most satisfying feeling is when you are finally proud of something you’ve practiced over and over and over again. Knowing there’s more for me to learn and improve makes the whole experience genuinely rewarding, I’m exploring a beautiful city and buying everything my materialistic heart desires, all while I also refine my passion and skills.

Then, after a lunch break, the beginner french speakers participated in our first French lesson. It was very interactive and hands on, we repeated common phrases in unison and kissed hello like proper locals. It can be overwhelming to learn a whole new language, but the class was very slow and sweet. It didn’t bombard you with vocabulary, it simply held your hand through everyday sayings. Our day at Leo Marchutz ended around 3:30, I spent the rest of the day bonding with my roommate, talking to friends and family back home, and just letting myself relax until the next lively day. My tip for studying abroad would be to welcome failure in the beginning, you’re here to learn and improve, you won’t be able to “study” if you already know the material.

– TOCA in France Summer 2025 Fellow, Sabira Chowdhury