by Simon W. Bouie
Arts & Entertainment Editor
There is something to be admired about France and some of its beauty. Is it the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the cheese, the wine, the people?
Often in this nation French people are the butt of jokes and mockery. Perhaps the most offensive of all this mockery are the jokes that attach the French people to a certain unfunny American, “They all love Jerry Lewis over there!”
It is no wonder comments like this have not caused relations between the two nations to erode to an unsalvageable point.
Perhaps the French get a bad wrap. Americans do not all identify with the “Ugly American” brand that people outside of this nation sometimes label those within it, do they?
This year the University of La Verne campus is graced by the presence of one who can make others throw away their preconceived notions of French people.
Arnaud Llamas is a 21-year-old junior political science major who made the choice to call La Verne home, if only for one school year.
“My school in France is four years plus one year abroad. Everyone has to go abroad,” said Llamas. “I had to choose between a German-speaking school and an English-speaking school. I chose English because it allowed me the opportunity to improve my English-speaking skills.”
He used insight and wisdom in his decision to come to America. “I came to the U.S. because I might not have the opportunity to come here again.”
Llamas, like others who are new to our area, was immediately impressed by the climate “The California weather is good,” he said.
However, it’s more than weather that makes Llamas content with his decision to attend La Verne. “The smallness of the school allows people to get to know each other and they are friendly. Lots of nice people makes it easier for international students.
“When you leave your country, you prepare for it for months. When you finally arrive things are different than what you expected. It took me about two months to get used to life here, what to say and not to say; the language barrier.”
Although Llamas does like La Verne he does miss the place that he calls home.
“I am homesick sometimes — actually many times. I miss family, friends, the food and the wine. To eat a meal here and not have a glass of wine afterward is just strange. I am not an alcoholic, just French.”
Llamas has done more than just observe; he has taken a role in leadership as the president of the International Students Organization (ISO).
Llamas offers insight as to the purpose of the ISO. “The ISO is designed for American and international students to meet and get to know one another. Also lots of the students get together and travel. Another point is to organize and promote multi-culturalism and to show Americans our different cultures. Currently there are 35 members in ISO.”
An unusual aspect for Llamas is the student-teacher relationship.
“The class system between students and professors is very casual and informal. You don’t have to ask for permission before you leave class to go to the restroom and you can call your professor by their first name.
“It is hard to get to know Americans. They sometimes don’t like to talk beyond saying hello. It is hard to get to know who they truly are,” he said.
Llamas, with his efforts has helped wipe away any preconceived stereotypes and is simply just a nice guy.
Simon W. Bouie
