Since stepping into Strasbourg, I have been drawn to the blend of French and German architecture as well as Gothic and Romanesque details. I have observed how family-oriented this city is as the people of this quaint city prioritize a balance of everyday life that is composed of leisure, work, and rest. In particular, on Sundays, all businesses except restaurants are completely closed for church, time with family, and sitting outside for extended periods of time (if the weather permits). In addition, in Strasbourg, there are very few “to go” type places to eat because the French prefer to sit down when eating their meals which contrasts greatly with America’s fast-paced “to go” culture. When comparing Strasbourg to the U.S., the pace is noticeably different. In America, we prioritize efficiency, energized by others around us, our accomplishments, and the different positions we serve in often leading to multitasking and eventual burnout. In France, they focus more on balancing all aspects of life in a way that promotes good health and longer life span. It is a new, refreshing change of pace from what I am used to and I feel thankful to be able to experience it for an extended period of time. Another observation I have witnessed is in France you typically have to go to multiple stores to get your necessities instead of the typical stores in the US that have a variety of products all in one geographic location.
From this experience, I hope to build a community of close friends with other A&M students, creating fond memories in beautiful locations and establishing unique bonds through intentional conversations. In addition, I also hope I will be able to acquire a higher level of the language here so I can better adapt to the diverse environment of Business post-university, growing in my confidence not only as a student, but as a traveler as I embed myself into unfamiliar cultures, people, and ways of life. I am excited to continue my journey abroad and look forward to reflecting on my time here again at the end of my studies.
