Dear everyone,
I want to kind of give a brief summary of things that I learned, enjoyed, etc while studying abroad in France. And by brief, I mean that this will be a long-winded post that many people will not be able to mull through. But whatever. I even tried to prepare and write something on the plane. It was cute and insightful and even included some awesome doodles about needing more coffee and such, but I left it on the plane. :( So. A few things. The first thing I want to say is that study abroad is everything and nothing that you think it is/will be/whatever. It's more in almost every way and less is other ways. For example, if you're taking 14 hours of class a week (like I did), in the middle of the day during prime wine-drinking hours, then you're going to miss out on some stuff. I felt like I didn't get to explore the town as much and try all the quaint cafés and restaurants like so many of my peers did every day... while I was in class... dying. With that being said, I didn't spend as much money, so it was actually secretly helpful. Also, I feel like when people (aka me) go study in Europe or some place surrounded by other fantastic countries and cultures, they have all of these plans to travel every weekend and do this and do that and journal every night and take pictures of everything they ate and update the world via their blog (oops). But then you get there. And it's just kind of different. You get busy. Busy taking in the wonderful city you're living in and then you're completely exhausted at the end of each day after taking classes in French and trying to communicate with others in a language that isn't your own. AND THEN, you go home and have to speak more French. It's one of the most tiring and fabulous experiences that I have ever had. But, I stopped writing in my journal after a few short weeks and found it nearly impossible to keep a blog of my adventures. And traveling to Italy and Spain and Switz and this and that. Yeah. Right. I made it to Barcelona, Spain. Money gets tight and you get tired and then you realize that the city you're living in is pretty spectacular so you don't really HAVE to go to all these different places. Blah blah blah. Besides those two minor things, studying abroad was the best thing I have ever done. I met some great people from all over the country that I actually liked. No fake friends, just love. Look out West Coast Friendz! I'll be seeing you! And my host mother was amazing. I cried when I left her because she was the sweetest thing the world has ever seen. Lastly, being away from everyone and everything allows you to think a lot. I guess one could even say that it give a person the opportunity to do some soul searching. It was really beneficial (sometimes scary) to be left alone with my thoughts... without a phone... or people who speak the same language as me... or anything. It's just different and kind of refreshing - at times. So, everyone. If you have the opportunity to study abroad - do it. You get to meet people, learn and experience a new culture, explore an amazing country and many other things. You might come away from it all finding out that you love olives and strawberries and goat cheese (because that's me) or you might do something crazy - like find yourself. Who knows! But honestly, I would recommend studying abroad to any breathing person that has the means to do so. It is an unforgettable experience. AND. You should choose this program. People always go to big cities like Paris and Lyon and so on. But being able to study in a city like Aix felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was so quaint and comforting. Aix is one of those towns that you picture when you think of France. It doesn't have that huge/fast/crowded feeling that Paris and Lyon have, which is why it is perfect. Moreover, the neighboring areas you visit with the university excursions are utterly breath-taking. Seriously people. Save up some cash and go somewhere. Learning doesn't have to be done in a school. Experience different cultures and different countries. Stop waiting. No more excuses. Just do it. You won't regret it. Lovingly exhausted, Crumpin' Courtney |