The South of France

Though I have heard many people reflect on their study abroad experiences as the “best time of their lives”, I did not envision such a transformative and exciting journey that contributed to the best time of my life.

 

I went to France with the help of Clemson, through the University of Minnesota Language and Culture in Montpellier program. I was curious to see what life was like in the South of France. I was the only Clemson student going, so it was just me on the plane as I departed from Boston. On the plane I thought about how I was ready to be immersed and improve my French language skills.

 

Looking back, I can say it took me four days to adjust. I had trouble managing a new SIM card, missed my family, was worried about making friends, and how I would compare to the other students in my French classes. I knew it only took me four days to adjust because I was reflecting on my current troubles in Parc du Peyrou. Things seemed so minuscule as I was sitting on a bench admiring nature, the ancient aqueduct, and other people enjoying being in the park. I was living a dream. My concerns were still present, but they were masked by the life I was living in France. My simple worries were also subsided by the help of the program. Essentially everything was handled for us, which made adjusting incredibly easy. My hand was held the entire time I was in France.

 

Yes, adjusting was relatively easy, but adjusting to the language was not. I was not granted fluency after the first two weeks - that is something you must earn. My first two weeks of classes were difficult. I realized it would take significant effort outside of the classroom to improve my skills. This would require putting myself in uncomfortable situations so that I would be continually using the language. This was somewhat hard because you are grouped together as a cohort of Americans, therefore using English is the default. After the two weeks, I decided to add on two classes that pushed my boundaries and had me questioning my language abilities. I joined a French conversation class that was a group of six talking for three hours. There was a teacher but she served as more of a guide and resource should we get stuck on parts of the language. This class alone helped me improve my fluency speaking, and made me more comfortable speaking the language. In this setting, I got over a fear of using the language which sometimes is the biggest part. Another class I joined after the two weeks was an international relations and business course. This class would have been difficult for those fluent in French. The content was rich in complex vocabulary and the professor had a strong accent. Frankly, this class never became easy, but it became easier. I also thought it was interesting to learn about the global business and international relations setting from a French perspective.

 

Speaking of perspective, while in France, I did an internship at a school teaching English. Along with the internship, I was enrolled in a class that taught us about work culture in France. Through this class, my internship, observing locals, and living in the South, I realized there is a certain spirit that is so perfectly French. The French attitude is strong, but as a culture they are so laid back. This was incredibly refreshing as an American (from the North East at that too) because we move so fast. There is no time to stop and smell the roses. We live to work. In France, long lunch breaks, walks, naps, and gracious breaks and vacation time are valued. For them, they work to live. As a university student, you get caught up in making the most of your undergraduate career and doing your best to advance yourself. Not to say this doesn’t happen in France, but the excessive need to be doing your most at all times is not important. I found myself at my neighborhood park, Parc du Peyrou, reflecting on this. This way of life is something I still try to practice. Americans get so caught up in what they have going on, but even simple routines like taking a walk, reading, or sitting in a park makes even the most complicated things become tangible. This easy-going style does manifest into other inconveniences I had to adapt to. For example, it is normal for some people to be late or for you to get notices late, and systems do seem slower at times. As an American, this was puzzling at times but again, just something I had to adapt to. Coupled with this laid-back attitude yet hidden behind an intimidating expression (French do not smile as much as Americans), is friendliness. Once you get to know someone, they become someone who is willing to offer help at any time and knows how to express their gratitude. I saw this in my advisors at the program center and in my teachers I worked with at my internship. As a teaching assistant I did not know what to expect and was hoping for some guidance. However, the teachers did not give me much and left a lot up to me. This is just the French way! Preparing lessons that were fun for the students made them very happy and appreciative of my help. They always told me that they would be there for me should I need it.

 

I reflect back on my time in France and appreciate the simple things in life that we often take for granted. The friendships I made and the lessons I learned will be lifelong.