Flexibility and Adaptability

Here we are, the last day of the internships! It's been a great week with so much going on for each of the students. I've been impressed with their focus, motivation, good humour, flexibility and adaptability. They've each had some challenges to overcome in their respective internships, and I've been struck by how willing they've been to adapt and find a solution to their particular issue. I've encouraged them each to look for a way to make their situation better for them because this is how the real world works! Honing these life skills - problem solving, taking risks, analytical thinking, creative thinking - are at the heart of the GCIP program. I can see that they've each been grown and been empowered while they've been here both from their hands-on work experience and their cultural immersion. Their language skills have all improved tremendously and that in itself has increased their confidence. They have a much better sense of the city and feel comfortable going to and from work on their own - I can truly say that they are becoming "city-savvy"! Next week they'll have plenty of time to really explore the city on their own terms, as citizens of Paris, and broaden their horizons beyond their internship routes. I'm looking forward to seeing what they choose to discover and their reports back to me and the blog.

In the spirit of flexibility and adaptability, last night, before beginning the blogging party I had planned for the evening, they were researching a concert that Mack had seen a poster for during our "grève" outing yesterday afternoon. In the process, at 7:35, they saw that Jack Johnson had a concert starting at 8:00 not far from our apartment. In almost perfect unison, they all said "Let's go!" After our discussion about safety, ground rules, etc., off they went, out the door in 5 minutes! They called when they got there to say they had no problem getting tickets. They had a fantastic time and quite honestly, I regret that I didn't tag along with them!

Today I'll be headed to the Hôtel de Banville to take some photos of Sophie at work. She'll be at the reception area, front and center! Now that the strike is over, I'll also go to Mack's office and get some photos of him in action, too. Stay tuned for some blogging from each of them regarding their experiences at their respective internships!