How did you decide which country/program to study abroad in?
I decided on the program in Aix-en-Provence because it gave me the most freedom in terms of what courses I could take. I wanted an experience alongside other French students, so that I would have as much contact with the language as possible.
What were you excited about and/or nervous about before your program?
I was originally very nervous about being away from home for so long. I knew that I would have a lot of difficulties getting settled into the culture and all of that, but I think being away from home has given me a new perspective on it and all the weird little things I appreciate about the States.
How do you think the intersections of your identities and values impacted your study abroad experience? Do you have any tips to share with future study abroad students?
I feel like a lot of American people say that we "don't have a culture" but we absolutely do. American culture has just permeated throughout practically all other world cultures to the point that it's commonplace everywhere in the world. So, I guess my tip to share with future study abroad students is to share the bits of culture that aren't so commonplace or well known, because it helps us humanize each other, rather than stereotype and draw lines.
Could you articulate one personal/professional/academic goal you achieved while abroad?
One personal goal I had for my study abroad was to not allow my time limit to prevent me from creating real friendships and connections. I think that personally, it's very easy to just tell myself "Well, I'll never see them again after this year." But, it's exactly that mentality that creates walls and doesn't allow us to grow and change. I am glad that I came to study abroad, even though some of my goodbyes were tear jerking and inexplicably sad. I know I am going to come back and see the friends that I made this year, whether it be in another year or another decade, because those friendships are special, even when they change, and they will change.
What advice would you like to give to future study abroad students?
Of course it sounds cliché, but don't let a fear of the unknown stop you. Studying abroad is difficult and I'm not gonna sit here and write lies about how easy and carefree it is, because it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There will be days that feel completely awful and overwhelming, but it's in those moments where you allow yourself the opportunity to grow. It's so rewarding to look back and see how far you've come.
