Gwendoline Berger
“The English classes here are so much more interesting. Every class is so interesting and the way they teach is so different. They are more about the interaction with the student.”
Major: English Language and Literature
Hometown: Orleans, France
During these changing times, our students have persevered to get an education. One of those students, Gwendoline Berger, shared her experience.
Originally from Orleans, France, she came to Austin Peay in 2019 to get a degree in English Language and Literature. After looking through her options for colleges, she ultimately chose APSU.
“The website is so beautiful, I thought it would be amazing to go there,” she said.
Berger enjoyed her time at Austin Peay (she returned to France following the Spring 2020 semester).
“The English classes here are so much more interesting,” she said. “I’ve learned so much more. Every class is so interesting and the way they teach is so different. They are more about the interaction with the student.”
The interaction changed, though, once the coronavirus pandemic hit and classes moved online. “Normal campus life” changed, but Berger persevered.
“There were no difficulties for me to shift to online classes when COVID-19 started in Clarksville,” she said. “I still got to get my breakfast from Einstein’s on campus, and I still had access to the library and the Foy.”
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Berger’s return to France after the semester was stressful. She checked out of her dorm and got a flight quickly. After returning to France, Berger wasn’t able to see all of her family because of quarantine. Once schools and shops reopened, she visited everyone.
Reflecting on her time here, she had a message for her classmates:
“I loved having class with them, they made me feel welcome and comfortable,” she said. “They all helped me when I needed help and they were funny trying to speak French with me.
“It was a pleasure getting to work alongside them. I had the best American student experience ever. Austin Peay was above all of my expectations. I simply lived an amazing year, it was fantastic.”
