Au revoir SCAD Lacoste

Written by Ali Grutchfield. Photo courtesy of SCAD.

Every SCAD student has different reasons that called them to attend SCAD. Whether that be the prime location, a specific degree program, or the ability to be taught by some of the biggest stars across industries. For me, it was the ability to study in the remote mountainous region of Lacoste, France. It was the reason I studied french all through high school and maintained an 873-day Duolingo streak. As a preface, I am conversationally fluent in French, and that definitely impacted my comfort levels and enjoyment overall.

Initially, I flew into Marseille to reunite with SCAD, and after having been to northern France twice before, it was a terrific town that felt quite different from more touristy areas like Paris. But Lacoste, now that’s what you call different. I knew I was going to be living in Maison Basse, the house at the bottom of the hill, but the hill is a generous term for a large, steep mountain trek. The first professor I met laughed when he saw me wearing sandals, and I did come to regret that decision.

[Taking two classes] gave me the flexibility to travel nearly every weekend and spend entire days walking through the french countryside.

But, I loved my experience at Maison Basse because it felt like a giant bougie Airbnb that was steps away from the movie theater. As District’s resident film bro, that was quite a win in my book. Luckily, the house was a hub for many events throughout the summer, so I didn’t feel trapped down a hill as I initially thought. There was nothing more gratifying than the Upper Village residents finally doing the journey and validating every complaint I ever had. 

Throughout my time at SCAD, I’ve always taken a full course load, even during the summers. So, I was nervous that I would get bored in a remote town with only two classes, but the people who took three regretted their decisions. It gave me the flexibility to travel nearly every weekend and spend entire days walking through the french countryside. But, contrary to popular belief, the classes aren’t easier just because it’s summer. I felt like the assignments and projects I had were very similar to what I was used to. But homework just feels better when you’re sitting on a lounge chair next to the pool overlooking such a beautiful landscape. Besides, none of my friends in Savannah can say they made a mini-documentary on a secret society of miniature car racers. It’s nice to look back at my work and see little bits of memories find their way into the art I created. 

Lacoste quarters are only nine weeks rather than ten, and by the time I adjusted, it was time to fly home.

Luckily, whenever I started to feel a little too isolated, SCAD would have planned events to get the students in touch with France and its people. We went to neighboring towns such as Apt, Gourdes, L’Isle Sur Le Sorge, Avignon and Les Baux-de Provence. Often times these would be entire day trips where we visited local markets, art museums and historical monuments. But there was always time for independent exploration at the end. It was a great time to socialize with locals and join friends for espresso overlooking the city streets. However, I still traveled with friends – and sometimes entirely alone – to Paris, Geneva and Montpellier for weekend trips throughout the quarter.

The biggest challenge I experienced was not having enough time with only being there for the summer. Lacoste quarters are only nine weeks rather than ten, and by the time I adjusted, it was time to fly home. At first, I really tried to savor the isolation and focus time on reflecting and growth, not really wanting to travel or leave campus. But by the time I was ready to see everything in Europe, I realized there was never going to be enough time, and thus had to make some tough decisions on where I wanted to visit. 

But no matter what I did and didn’t get to do, this summer was an extraordinary experience that I’ll never forget. I made incredible friends, ate incredible food, created incredible art and forged the most incredible memories. Anyone who gets the opportunity to study at the Lacoste campus should savor every second and be present as much as possible. Even though everything was different, and adjusting was hard, there was something so magical about my time there. I really left a piece of myself in France. 

Here are ten rapid-fire things to know:

1. Bring multiple adapters, you charge more than one thing at a time
2. Don’t carry your passport everywhere you go, you will not accidentally leave the country
3. The giant numbers on trains specify the classes, not the car’s number 
4. Bring your best walking shoes, everything is up a hill (even in Upper Village)
5. Try the crepes just to say you did
6. Learn basic french phrases beforehand, they really appreciate when you try
7. There is no iced coffee, don’t ask
8. You can use American cards at foreign ATMs
9. The wifi password is “scadlacoste”
10. Say yes to everything and let yourself be spontaneous (within reason, please be safe)