Howdy! I’m Ellie Veeningen. I’m a rising sophomore from Houston, Texas. This summer, I am studying abroad in Strasbourg, France, through the Center of International Business at Texas A&M.
What has been the most rewarding experience, so far, of your France Study Abroad?
The most rewarding experience of my study abroad experience has been deepening my friendships with the girls on the trip. I was nervous walking into this study abroad because I was not coming in with a best friend. I did not know anyone super well, and I was worried that I would feel alone. That has not been the case.
I was fortunate to be added to a group chat of girls planning weekend trips. The first week of the trip, the small talk and niceties faded away, revealing time and space for deep, vulnerable discussions. I feel as if in the span of a week, I have grown closer to these girls and paved the way for true, intimate friendships. I am excited to continue growing in these relationships and come back to College Station with a new group of friends!
What are 3 things have you have noticed about the way business is done in France?
During my short time in Strasbourg, here are three things I have noticed about the way business is done:
- Work to live, not live to work
- Contentment with the present over chasing next promotion
- Long lunch breaks
What has been the biggest surprise you have had so far in France. Was there something that you thought you knew, that is completely different than what you expected?
Half of my family is from a different country with a different culture. I grew up traveling to visit often, so I had felt pretty competent in my understanding of the differences between America’s culture and that of other areas in the world. However, my biggest surprise so far in France has been the exploration of just how different my American culture can be. Americans are loud. We smile often, and we greet strangers. My biggest shock has been how quiet Strasbourg’s people are at restaurants and the lack of smiles and small talk in public vicinities. The group I am traveling with has had several long conversations with French citizens, one remarking how much he loves American tourists because of how lively and friendly they are. Granted, we are from the South, and American culture differs regionally, but this has been my biggest surprise of this trip.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue my education in a new environment and different place, and I cannot wait for the weeks to come!
