The Art of Studying Abroad - Page 2

One would be wrong.

I met a guy from Denver who refused to speak to me in English or about American-related things. I understand absorbing the culture but I sensed he didn’t want to be identified as “foreign.” I believe he is a prime candidate for trying too hard to fit in (see paragraph above.)

There were eight Americans in my “Ville Française” from my school. None of us knew each other, and while we did learn to live and travel together, an insane amount of back-biting broke out before the semester was over. You don’t have to ostracize yourself from your fellow countrymen and women, but make sure to venture outside your circle every once in a while.

I had the most fun hanging out with my classmates. In the French school I attended, we were broken up into levels and classes. In 3C, I had a group of close friends who had a Vietnamese barbecue, did projects together, and went out for drinks after finals. We were Mexican, Brazilian, Chinese, Taiwanese, American, and Vietnamese. None of us spoke the same language so we had to use French to communicate. I was having too much fun to recognize I was learning – until my grades skyrocketed.

In many countries, and especially in France, it is impossible to be too polite. In the United States, being too formal or overly polite arouses the suspicion that you are not sincere. In France, however, the more you say "S’il vous plait," "Merci," "Madame," and "Monsieur," the faster doors open. You may learn that in general doors do not open quickly in France. Therefore, any advantage is worth exploiting.

By the end of the "freshman" year things have changed drastically. You have a new group of friends, a new independence, and a new perspective on life. Just like high school, your experience abroad will change you. Bonne chance!

Article Author: Midnight Operetta

Midnight Operetta is a Professional Writer who enjoys reading, writing and researching. Her short attention span affords her a hobby for every season: swimming in the summer, snowboarding in the winter and traveling any time she has the money.

Visit Midnight Operetta's author page