Eleonora Mancuso Studies in Avignon
Eleonora Mancuso, one of our French Language and Literature doctoral students, participated this summer in the Institut d’Avignon program, which was made possible by funding from GRS and the Ernest A. Jackson fund. Eleonora tells us about her experience:
“Being a part of the Institut d’Avignon summer program was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am thankful for our department and my professors for making this happen. My time in Avignon led not only to personal growth – one must get used to a new city, new spaces, and a new routine as quickly as possible – but also to professional growth. I took two classes, one on the theatre of the Caribbean (and got to meet the great Maryse Condé!) and another one on nineteenth-century fantastic literature. Both had a meaningful impact on me, and the latter, in particular, will be useful in my dissertation. Being surrounded by different students and professors from the United States, France, and other countries was a challenge, but a rewarding one! I have come back from Avignon with a better understanding of France, from a cultural and linguistic point of view, which I am sure will be useful in my career. Finally, I highly recommend the Avignon program to anyone who can take part in it. You create long-lasting relationships with other students and professors.”