The independence associated with “university life” is commonly acknowledged as a period of self-discovery. It’s a time in one’s life when you enter the real world, free from the confines of your childhood. In this new, unfamiliar environment, you’re driven to develop interpersonally as you’ve never done before, amid a community of equally ambitious and accomplished peers. This occurs simultaneously with the onset of doubt creeping into your consciousness.
Studying abroad presents the need for adaptability similar to adjusting to college life, as you begin establishing a temporary “home” in a new country miles from friends and family. Though this may seem isolating, while studying in Nice, France, I felt instantly connected to my roommates as we ventured out to explore what France had to offer.
After only a week I’ve made fond memories, marked by fits of laughter prompted by outlandish jokes, sweet moments while visiting Madrid, Spain, with new friends and starting new routines like morning runs across the promenade. Whether my friends and I are collaborating on our biology coursework or enjoying dinner outside by the beach, I am grateful to be in Europe, surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty, as I adapt to a new way of life for the month with friends who’ve quickly become family.
The greatest challenge while residing in France has been the language barrier, as most people in the south don’t speak English, and my knowledge of French is quite limited. Thus, performing everyday tasks like communicating with shop owners, or buying medication from the pharmacy or food at the grocery store can sometimes be quite confusing. However, most locals are patient and willing to help you reach a shared understanding.
A minor concern has been the absence of clothing dryers, especially as it has constantly rained this past week in Nice. These experiences have inadvertently taught me to abandon the fast pace and immediate gratification I’ve grown to expect in America and appreciate the slower, European way of life for the month. This lesson has not only been applicable to my everyday life, but it’s also altered the way I view myself, my academics and my relationships with others.
As a perfectionist by nature, I’ve always strived to maintain an exemplary GPA and often set unattainable standards for myself, but being abroad has shown me that life has much more to offer, and it’s futile to stress over small things that are out of your control.
I’m appreciative that the stars aligned in my favor, and I’ve been granted this opportunity to forge lasting friendships while living and growing in ways I’ve never experienced before. Although I’m not even halfway through my program, I’ve already begun to mourn the time that’s flown by, and I’m excited to continue expanding my knowledge of biology through immersive learning experiences and venturing to new countries in the coming weeks.
This post was contributed by Zoe Hardie, a Global Ambassador for May Term 2024. Zoe is a freshman psychology studies major studying abroad in Nice, France.
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