My first month in France has been quite a learning experience! Navigating a new country has been a learning curve for me as I have had to navigate the cultural norms of France. With help from my host family and some of the friends I have made in my short time here, I have easily learned how to fit in and adapt to this new environment.
My first week here was pretty chaotic as my flights were delayed and canceled due to U.S. weather, so I didn’t have as much time as the other kids in my program to adjust to the time difference and figure out my way around Pau. After I arrived, I had to catch up on all the pre-orientation things like taking my placement exam and verifying my visa. Public transport was the bane of my existence for the first three weeks I was here. On my first day of class, the bus didn’t stop for me, so I had to walk back home and thankfully, my host sister gave me a ride to school! On the second day of class, I got on the wrong bus, and then a few days later, I took the wrong bus home and ended up an hour away. That day it took me almost two hours to return home. As of now, I don’t even need Google Maps anymore to find my way around unless I am going somewhere new. The more I have been out and about, the more familiar I have become with the city and the bus system.
My first week of class started five days after I arrived. I was placed in a higher language group than I expected and my first week was humbling, to say the least. I understood absolutely nothing that was said. I asked to be reassessed and was then moved down to a lower language group. The students in my new group were very welcoming! This is where I met some of now closest friends here. They all come from different countries and cultures. They all have different perspectives on the world, different dreams and aspirations. They have helped change my perspective on the world and helped make me a better a person. All of them have helped me feel comfortable speaking the French language. Together, we are improving our language proficiency as we form friendships and bonds that I hope will last a lifetime.
Lastly, I was very blessed to be placed with an amazing host family. I have a host mom and dad as well as two host sisters. My host sister, Anaelle, and I have become like two peas in a pod. She is my best friend. We clicked just like that. The night she picked me up from the airport, we sat in this tiny apartment in Biarritz where we shared some pasta, pastries, and cheese while we just talked and talked. I knew right away we’d be like real sisters. We’ve spent a lot of time together since I arrived. She loves music so I went to one of her concerts to watch her play her bass guitar. We’ve had many fun Wednesday nights out at a jazz club called Durango Cafe where we listened to live jazz music. Other nights, we stay up late and just talk about life. Share secrets, laugh together, talk about traveling, the U.S. and France, and share advice. She is like the little sister I never had. I know that when I leave France, it will be hard to leave her.
I know that when it is time, it will be hard to leave. During my first month abroad, I have learned so many things about myself and the world. I have learned how to navigate a foreign country on my own, I was able to adapt and immerse myself into a new culture, and along the way, I met some pretty amazing people who come from all walks of life. I have flourished here and even though some days were harder than others, I know I am on the right path. I know I am supposed to be here. I will always be thankful that I took this opportunity because it led me to new corners of the world.