With her laid-back attitude and funny personality, French teacher Beren Sacra has a fascinating past. Sacra grew up in Antibes, France, and as a child she never dreamed of coming to the U.S. “For me the United States was like completely on the other side of the world. It was the adventure that nobody would dare take,” Sacra says. 

Growing up in France was a lot different than here in America, especially schooling. Students start thinking about a major in high school and begin to take classes geared towards it when they are 15. Because of the diverse cultures in Europe, students take up to four languages. Sacra majored in Culture and Philosophy, while some of her friends majored in engineering, meaning they had to take more math based courses. The school day is different as well, “If we didn’t have a teacher we didn’t have a sub. We could just leave and just go shopping,” Sacra said. Block scheduling is also enforced, so students have longer classes, with gaps throughout the day. 

How are us Americans viewed in France? The stereotype is busted! French people don’t think we are rude, in fact they think we have a gentle, nice, and friendly demeanor. “Americans are a bit crazy… we say oh well they are Americans, that explains it.” Sacra jokes. 

Later in life Sacra dreamed of living the American dream, and seeing the world. So, knowing no English, she moved to America. “When you hear people say you experience a culture shock, that’s an understatement. There’s not a single thing that’s the same,” Sacra says. 

Carnival is one thing that doesn’t happen over here in America, and it was something that Sacra really enjoyed in her childhood. 

“There’s no such thing as one Carnival, it’s multiple, and each has their own history.” Where Sacra grew up, in South France, they had carnivals where flowers are thrown, and carnivals where entire floats were made of lemons, limes, and oranges. They get time off from school, and everyone helps with the preparations. 

Of course there is one last thing Sacra truly misses about France: “The food of course, I miss the food,” Sacra said. Her favorite dish is Quiche Lorraine, and she emphasized her love for cheese.