A Day in the Life of an ACA Student

TIMOAIUS

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The day of the average Adventist College Abroad (ACA) student and Union College student are much more alike than one might suspect. This is not quite in the traditional sense because academically, language is the only thing being learned which excludes almost any other course of study. The highs and lows of an ACA day can easily be compared to a Union day. The following will be a brief synopsis of an ACA day and the reactions to events that may be relatable:

7:00: It’s morning. Lovely, I’ve always wanted to be awake. Time to get ready for the day. Grab all your needed books and go to breakfast.

7:30: Welcome to breakfast! There is a wide array of options consisting of cereal and toast. Grab food and eat. 

7:58: Check the time. Realize what time it is. Grab your bag and run.

8:00: The first class starts. In ACA, only one unexcused absence is allowed. Excused absences are highly discouraged and three tardies count as an absence. Students have a one minute grace period before they are counted tardy. The grace period wasn't needed today!

9:00-12:00: Classes continue on throughout the morning. Covering everything from grammar to vocabulary they will leave students either in awe at how much they have learned or in awe at how much they need to learn... 

12:30: Lunchtime! It is by far one of the best parts of the day. Lunch lasts all of thirty minutes. If one misses it, the town is only five minutes away.

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13:00: Now it is time for electives. Our choices include several options: Rock Climbing (professional certification is optional), French Medicine (paired with an internship in a French hospital), Art (which is French art) and many more options.

14:00-18:00: Next is free time. During this time you could get a job, get an internship or simply use it for studying. Studying is always suggested.

18:30: Supper. Just like lunch, supper only lasts 30 minutes. Unlike lunch, the food is consistently a hit or miss matter. It's always a surprise. One day the traditional french dish ratatouille will be served. The next day an abomination of leftovers may be shaped into a quiche. With the right know-how, it usually pans out.

19:00: Onwards- free time! One can use this time to study, interact with the french students, join sports, walk to town, hike or anything else.


Alexander Nesmith is a sophomore studying communication.