As my time comes closer to an end on my France Business Study Abroad I’ve grown reflective on what I’ve seen, heard, and experienced. I hope to give you all a glimpse into what this eye-opening experience is really like and why you should really consider it. The sights and sounds have truly felt straight out of a movie, each day capturing something new and unexpected, offering a unique glimpse into European culture and life.
Everyday will be different. Some days the streets will be humming with the sound of people getting on the metro for work, their fresh coffee from the café down the street filling the room; other days a quiet calmness settles over the city, as gray skies and rain empty the sidewalks. You truly don’t know what to expect which makes every day an adventure, an opportunity to learn something new. Picture yourself strolling through the cobblestone streets of Europe where the chime of cathedral bells echoes through the alleyways. In the historic Petite France of Strasbourg, the church bells seemed to bounce off of every street throughout the city, leaving a ring in the air as the sound faded. As you make your way to the river, you’ll hear the gentle crashing of canal waters accompanied by passionate conversations in French, German, or Alsatian. This now harmonious blend of culture reflects the unique culture in Strasbourg that immerses you in its European charm.
Everywhere you go in Europe is like stepping into a real-life postcard. The sheer scale of the Strasbourg Cathedral casts it in a constant haze, as if it belongs more to a painting than to the real world, too grand to fully grasp. As you continue to stroll along the river, the half-timbered homes of Petite, France line the canals, their beautiful facade reflecting in the water. Throughout my experience here, I’ve witnessed how the city’s unique blend of French and German culture reveals itself in everything from the food and architecture to the rhythms of daily life. Studying abroad isn’t just about the academics, but the personal growth and life lessons that come from navigating a foreign world. You will get to engage in conversations you never thought possible until this trip. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the history and the tools to succeed in the classroom, and then just outside the door, the real-world application is right at your fingertips. Imagine learning about global business strategies and then visiting a local vineyard, or logistics company to learn about the industry firsthand. Of course, the opportunity to travel to other countries in Europe is another highlight that broadens your perspective and deepens your sense of worldliness. For any Aggie seeking a meaningful and enriching study abroad journey, this program offers exactly that, and more.
