Studying in France has been an incredible experience for me so far. Both classes, MGMT 311 and IBUS 456, have been interesting and engaging, but the real learning has resulted from immersing myself in the French culture.
I took four years of French in high school. Not only did I learn the basics of the language, but I also studied holidays, cultures, regions, and tendencies of the entire nation. That is why I signed up for this trip specifically. I wanted to see what I had learned in the past. I had never heard of Strasbourg specifically. We’d mostly studied places like the Aix-en-Provence, Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Normandy, etc. It has been an amazing experience seeing what life in France actually looks like.
Some things I learned were accurate: dinners are late and last a long time, the drivers are a bit crazy, the food is delicious, etc. But so much has been surprising. I had no idea how much German influence there was specifically on this region. The city-itself also does not feel too touristy, so it actually feels like we are getting a true taste of France, and Germany too to be honest.
My favorite part has been trying to use the language. I am reasonably competent and can hold some conversations. I just have trouble in conversations without “context” and sometimes people speak too fast. But I enjoy pushing myself out of my comfort zone to use the native language. I have been able to speak to the owner of the place we eat lunch at everyday after class. There is a stereotype tat the French are mean and hate Americans. Sometimes, this is true. But I have been able to hear from her that she enjoys when we come in. She is a very kind lady and even makes extra sandwiches on the days she knows we are coming.
I know that I will learn a lot from the two classes I am taking, but I think the real learning so far has taken place by putting myself out of my comfort zone, engaging with the locals, and breaking down pre-existing stereotypes I had about other cultures.
This trip has also allowed me to travel beyond France and into neighboring countries like Germany and Switzerland. I have attached a few photos from the trips I have taken. The first is of the front “door” of Strasbourg’s central and most famous cathedral. The second is of Heidelberg, Germany. The last two are from Switzerland.
