When I left for France, I didn?t have much of an idea of what my study abroad would entail. I figured I would have fun, travel and meet new people, but I had no idea how much this experience would have changed me. The amount of confidence and independence I have gained was something I don?t think I would have gained if I didn?t take the chance and study abroad. I was able to meet new people who were vastly different from me and travel with them, or even traveling solo. All these things gave me confidence and experience in planning, putting myself out there, and just overall confidence in myself.?
Furthermore, my understanding of France and its culture had altered as well. I thought many people would be the stereotypical French, standoffish and rude. While the standoffish part was correct, as many French students didn?t put themselves out there to introduce themselves in classrooms, the rudeness factor was completely wrong. Even in simple encounters in stores, most were always kind and willing to speak some English when I was having trouble speaking French. Although some Parisians did live up to my initial judgments.?
One of the things I was most happy about was my location in France, Strasbourg. It was the perfect mix of history and culture, and still had a city scene. In addition, the architecture and it being considered one of the European capitals, I never got bored of exploring it and learning all that I could. With its large cathedral that can be seen from miles away, everytime I came back from traveling, I?d see it in the distance and knew I was home. I didn?t experience much of a culture shock when I arrived, and I think it was because Strasbourg didn?t overwhelm me. It was a sweet city that wasn?t dangerous or a really big city. The people were kind and it was easy to get into a routine and become comfortable with the area.?
My study abroad might have started off on the wrong foot, but it quickly became my favorite college experience, and I wouldn?t have changed a thing.
