Like many of my fellow Aggies, I had never traveled abroad before. Naturally, I had some reservations about coming to Europe for the first time. However, our trip to Strasbourg has completely transformed my perspective on both the country and its people. More importantly, it helped me realize just how much we have in common.
I think one of the biggest cultural gaps people encounter here is the language barrier. On my first day, I was genuinely terrified just trying to order tea, worried I’d mispronounce something or accidentally offend someone. But gradually, I came to realize that people are far less judgmental than I had imagined, especially given my limited worldview. In fact, most are incredibly kind and understanding as long as they can see you’re making an effort to engage with their culture. Truly I’ve learned that Americans and Europeans are not that far removed from one another. Quite frankly, just being here has really helped me squish a lot of my cultural preconceptions. There are nice people wherever you go, and France is no exception.
Of course, that’s not to say France shares the exact same culture and norms as the U.S. Daily routines in Europe follow a different rhythm; mealtimes are later, stores often close earlier or take midday breaks, and from what I’ve observed, the day tends to start a bit later overall. Dining here is also treated as more of an experience. Nearly every food shop, no matter how small, offers a place to sit, and people often take their time enjoying their meals, much longer than what’s typical in the U.S. Additionally, there’s a noticeable emphasis on sustainability. Plastic cups are rare, and if you’re grocery shopping, you’d better bring a reusable bag; it’s not just encouraged, it’s expected.
Finally, the most important people on my journey thus far have been other Aggies. Nobody has been more willing to give a helping hand than my fellow classmates and professors. Whether it be figuring out the bus or simply just finding a good spot to eat, at least one person has you covered. Genuinely, I feel as though I would not have enjoyed my first week in France nearly as much if it weren’t for the help of my Aggie Family.
