Initially, I wanted to go on a study abroad trip to travel the world and see famous landmarks. But after just one week, I realized this experience is so much more than visiting pretty places. Living in Strasbourg has given me firsthand knowledge of daily life in France, including the pace, the customs, and the small details that make this culture unique.
The most rewarding part so far has been the opportunity to be fully immersed in another culture for an extended period. While I’ve visited London, Paris, and Rome before, those were short trips centered around sightseeing. This is the first time I’ve truly lived in a European city, which has given me a completely new perspective. I’ve learned how locals live, shop, eat, and interact, and much of this understanding has come from studying at the EM Strasbourg Business School. Seeing how other college students go to school and live their daily lives has been fascinating.
This experience has also boosted my confidence in traveling and working abroad. Beyond France, I had the chance to visit London and Dublin during our first weekend, where I spent hours talking with locals. Those conversations taught me so much about the culture and reminded me that while the world is vast, people aren’t as different as we might think.
One of the most surprising takeaways from this trip has been how much I’ve grown personally. Being in a new country, navigating unfamiliar situations, and adjusting to cultural differences has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. Whether it’s ordering food in French or figuring out train routes and flights, I’ve had to rely on my problem-solving skills and adaptability. I’ve gained so much confidence in my ability to live and work abroad, and I know I wouldn’t have developed that without this study abroad experience.
