What has been your favorite trip that you’ve been on since you’ve been here?
Hinson: By far, my best travel experience has been Hyères, a charming city on the French Riviera. All the buildings were beautiful shades of pink and orange. I spent the night attending the Hyères Fashion Festival, where I saw a show. Everyone in attendance was dressed well and as someone who loves to observe street style, I could have sat and watched everyone all day.
Is there anything about Lacoste that surprised you?
Lumbao: I was surprised by how taken care of we are here. Between driving us to the grocery and the great cafeteria food, I feel part of a close-knit, caring community often lacking at a big, open campus like Savannah.
Is the coursework manageable/how does it compare to Savannah?
Foster: I decided to treat this quarter as a mental reset from the stress of last quarter. I had an internship and had a rough spring quarter, so I needed a break. I only took two classes. They are already a lighter workload because professors know students want to travel, freeing my time immensely. I have time to do side projects, knit, and read.
Do you find yourself getting bored here?
Chapple: Yes and no. It’s so easy to be transfixed by the village, the atmosphere, and the new people at first. There is so much to explore: small trails within the village, the beautiful chateau, and the walk to the small town of Bonnieux. After getting into a routine and the newness wears off, homework will start, and everything will calm down. Take time to rest, journal, and sketch. It’s not boring if you reframe it into a chance for new exploration and experiences.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Lacoste?
Caroline Tetlow: I love sitting on my terrace and reading, journaling, or doing artwork. The view is amazing, especially when I can catch the sunrise in the morning or look at the stars at night. Sometimes my friends will hang out and chat or do homework.
What is the Treasures of Provence?
Byrd: Treasures of Provence is a class discussing the different artists and art that originated in the Provençal area. It is incredible, and our professor this quarter, Scott Budzynski, is the king of art history. It is my favorite art history class I’ve ever taken.
Do you have any packing regrets?
Kelleher: Yes! As a senior, packing for Lacoste reminded me of packing for freshman year — I clearly didn’t learn from my mistakes. I brought too many shoes and not enough sweaters. I thought it would stay warmer longer, which it did not!
Have you been artistically inspired since you’ve been here?
Richardson: Yes, more than ever. Provence is a region of pure imagination you won’t find anywhere else on the planet. There’s creativity around every tree and every building, and the architecture itself breathes centuries of history. Studying abroad, I have learned and seen things that have changed my life for the best it could possibly be!
Interview curated by Caroline Tetlow.
Responses courtesy of Abby Hinson, Sophia Lumbao, Maggie Foster, Callie Chapple, Ellie Byrd, Jordan Kelleher and Melissa Richardson.
Graphic by Emily Strycharz.