About My Study Abroad Experience

I loved it. Those three words are simple, straightforward, and everything that people want to hear when inquiring about my study abroad experience. “How was it?”, asked one of my classmates. “Did you like the food?”, asks another. “What about your classes?”, still another inquires. Countless questions about nightlife, culture, education, travel, and everything under the sun are posed, and to each and every one my default reply, “I loved it”, satisfies any semblance of curiosity. And in truth, I did.

From January to May 2010, I lived and studied in one of the most popular and loved cities in the world – Paris, France. I spoke the language (or rather, attempted), ate the food (unsparingly), visited the sites (on overload), and connected with the people (much to my surprise). I did any and every thing that was expected of one’s study abroad experience, and then some. I traveled to Greece, Ireland, Spain, Great Britain, and Morocco. In every city, I captured memories and sites with photographs, souvenirs, and left-over metro passes. I loved it. Not surprisingly, my empty bank account now stands as a symbol of that love.

My favorite things?

Cities

Santorini, Greece ∙ Madrid, Spain ∙ Marrakesh, Morocco ∙ Barcelona, Spain ∙ Ireland

Food

Crepes with Grand Marnier ∙ Spanish tapas ∙ Croissants ∙ Gaufres (in Barcelona) ∙ Curry chicken gyros ∙ Stuffed tomatoes ∙ Gelato

Experiences

Riding a camel in Morocco ∙ Lodging in Marrakesh’s Old Medina ∙ Riding a donkey in Greece ∙ Climbing the Eiffel Tower ∙ Sleeping on the French Riviera ∙ Playing in the black sand of Santorini ∙ Parisian nightlife ∙ Yves Saint Laurent exhibit in Paris ∙ Wine tastings ∙ Classes (Multiculturalism in France, Architectural History of Paris, French Civilization)

From my time in Europe, I did learn quite a few things about myself and about life. The most important aspect I took away from my experience, however, is the recognition of the importance of human relationships.  Being thousands of miles away from family and friends, any kind of support I could receive, whether physical or emotional, was extremely welcome. Also, I began to see just how meaningful gestures and body language are when I was no longer able to communicate my thoughts and wants via a common language. On my return to the States, I was so thrilled to order my bagel “lightly toasted with just a tad bit of cream cheese.”

Of course not all of my experiences were good. I experienced culture shock on more than one occasion and I ended up missing my family more than I expected. That was the extent of it, though. The program I studied with – American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) – did a great job of providing support for us in the city. The office was a regular meeting place, and many great excursions were coordinated by its staff. Whenever any of us fell ill, got stuck in Dublin , needed directions or just a sounding board, they proved more than capable. Also a plus, my host family was really nice and went to great lengths to make us feel comfortable in their home.

For anyone planning on studying abroad, I gladly give the following advice:

1. Make a budget and stick to it. (Time isn’t the only thing that flies when you’re having fun.)
2. See and do EVERYTHING without discrimination, even the “stupid” stuff. (You’ll get a lot out of it, I promise. The point is to try new things, right?)
3. Speak in the native language to native citizens. Often. (You can’t fully experience the culture without grasping the language. This will also open up doors to connect with citizens.)
4. Leave yourself open to interpretation. (You think you know yourself, but you have no idea who you are or what you can do until you are taken out of your natural element. Get out of the box a bit. Who knows? You might end up liking yourself even better than before.)
5. Take classes that have absolutely nothing to do with your major. (You have the rest of your life to learn everything you can about your profession. Live a little.)
6. Travel. (Getting to know the city you’re living in is great, but make the most out of your time and unique position by exploring other areas you might not have had access to until now.)
7. Be smarter than you think you are. (Stay aware of yourself and your surroundings. Safety precautions that pass in your hometown might just skim the surface of security abroad.)

Advertisement