Studying abroad should be pretty cool. Pretty cool? Who am I kidding? It’ll be amazing! Inside, I’m jumping up and down, like I just won the Lotto! I get to explore a great landscape, speak another language fluently, immerse myself in French culture, and let’s not forget, indulge in some awesome food! Life doesn’t get much better than that. I cannot wait to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Everyone keeps asking me if I’m nervous or scared. Honestly, I’m more excited than nervous. I’m most excited about the excursions to Cannes and Nice. My 7th grade French teacher was from Nice. I’m also looking forward to the nightlife in France. I know, I know, it’s a study abroad program, but we’re all thinking it! I can’t wait to travel, eat delicious food, and do a little partying. I might even go backpacking! If you know me, that sounds insane coming from my mouth. I’m not the most athletic person, but I will be living in France for four months, why not? Y.O.L.O.! (You Only Live Once :))
I’m leaving in two weeks, but I’ve already packed my favorite jeans, jacket, and a few shirts. The lighter I pack, the better. I can buy toiletries when I arrive. But I’m cheap, so I might take a few toiletries with me, like my face soap. It costs $8 here, so I will only imagine how much it costs there! Toothpaste, soap, and shampoo shouldn’t hurt my pockets too badly, right?
Yes, it’s an exciting opportunity, but let’s be realistic. There are a few things I’m not so enthusiastic about.
1. Leaving my family and friends, of course
I can’t see them or talk to them everyday. On the bright side, I will have so many stories to tell them when I return! If I don’t go, who’s going to tell them the real deal about the Eiffel Tower (excuse me, La Tour Eiffel)? Or about how French guys really are? Or how the authentic food compares to the stuff served in French-American restaurants (which is pretty darn good!)?
2. No more hot, 30-minute showers
Sad to say, I will miss these the most! Long, hot showers are how I get my day started, or unwind from a stressful one. In France, water is very expensive, so French families usually limit their use. My family and roommates always complain about my long showers, and now, I actually have to change it up! My host family is opening their home to me, the very least I can do is minimize my shower time. So, for the next two weeks, I’m timing myself for each shower. That’s right, I’ll put my phone on a 7-minute timer. Once it goes off, I’m out!
3. Exiting my comfort zone
I'm voluntarily giving up family, friends, hot showers, and the privacy of my own home for four months. Sure, I’m leaving what’s comfortable, but it’s a part of growing. I was comfortable crawling as a baby, which made learning to walk extremely uncomfortable. Now I can walk, run, jump, and even fly, literally for 18 hours!
Leaving my comfort zone in America is the next step in my personal growth. I look forward to crossing cultural barriers. I have the chance to embark on a journey that millions never will. Can’t wait! See you in two weeks, Aix!