I was surprised to find out that my first impression of the program was that it felt less connected than I expected. I thought we would have more opportunities to interact with students at the French university and from other international universities. Instead, we mostly interacted within our group while studying abroad. While this was an unexpected surprise, it was still a great opportunity to connect with peers in the program.
The city itself was also impressive. I was struck immediately by its charm and how convenient it is. The public transportation is efficient, and it is an option, but you can also walk everywhere if you want to. This flexibility is great, and it makes life feel simpler and connected. Strasbourg is beautifully architecture, with centuries-old buildings, a meandering river connecting the city, and huge, peaceful parks. It truly feels like a place where history meets everyday life.
One of the first things that stood out to me about France as a nation is the emphasis placed on conservation. So many historic buildings are preserved, which shows a deep commitment and respect for the past. This philosophy can also be seen in the tremendous value placed on sustainability, from recycling, to the use of energy-saving materials, and the use of public transportation to reduce carbon emissions. There is a strong cultural emphasis on being conscious of using resources, which I found inspiring.
Through this experiential learning opportunity, I hope to have a fully arrived experience and immerse myself in the culture. I am excited to become aware of all the differences between life in France versus life in the US. I think understanding these differences will only help me grow as an individual, into a more open-minded and globally aware way of being.
One of the biggest cultural differences I have noticed during my time in France is the pace of life. France has a stronger sense of work-life balance, with longer and more social meals, shops closing at earlier times, and people valuing quality time and personal well-being that takes precedence over productivity. The U.S., as a whole, is much more fast-paced and efficiency-driven. Another difference is the culture of communication. While Americans engage in small talk and a casual kind of friendliness, France is much more formal and reserved, especially with strangers.
Reflecting on these differences, I will spend more time thinking critically about where behavior, values, and able forms of communication are products, in part, of culture. I’m looking forward to the rest of my experience abroad and to continuing to learn and grow throughout that experience, and hopefully bring back some of those learnings and experiences both personally and professionally.
