Exploring a sculpture garden in Aix
Author: Odessa Clear | Major: International and Global Studies | Semester: Spring 2024
As I look back on my semester spent in the beautiful South of France, I am amazed by how rich of an experience it was and how grateful I am to have had the opportunity. Throughout my time in the charming town of Aix-en-Provence, I was able to focus on studying the French language and immersing myself in the culture. I was fortunate to have had a prior experience abroad in Paris, and this time I chose a program that took me to a different part of the country. I was intrigued by exploring a different city and one with a slower pace. Studying in a town quite the opposite of the hustle of Paris, I ended my program with a deep discovery of the diverse culture France has to offer. There were countless memories made, be it through my homestay, weekend travels, or at the French university. I can say with confidence that studying abroad has given me unforgettable experiences and allowed for significant academic and personal growth.
Stepping off the plane, thousands of miles away, with the daunting realization that I would be calling Aix my home for the next few months was faced with excitement for what was to come. Going to a brand new place, not knowing anyone, and meeting my host family was fundamental for important growth. Throughout my first week, I took a deep breath and reassured myself it was going to be a truly special and unforgettable time ahead. Little did I know how great of an adventure I was about to embark on. In only four months, I greatly improved my knowledge of French, visited numerous charming European cities, and encountered incredible people along the way.
I quickly settled in Aix-en-Provence, a quaint town full of fountains, entirely walkable, friendly, and small enough to where more often than not I would run into someone I knew. This was an advantage, as it was fairly easy to navigate the town and make it feel almost like a home away from home. In addition, I opted to live with a host family, and that contributed to a more seamless transition into a routine and enabled more exposure to the everyday lives and language of the French. Through each meal and encounter we shared, I had the opportunity to improve my speaking abilities. Along the way, I received recommendations for the small town and invaluable advice and guidance. My host family was kind and patient, welcoming my mistakes and correcting them with understanding. Living with a host family was a valuable complement to my studies and I could not be more thankful for the experience. From making crepes together, to learning new vocabulary, and celebrating holidays, I left with unforgettable memories with my host family.
At university, the classroom turned strangers into friends and by the end of the semester, we had created a family. In my program, I studied alongside other international students from all walks of life. It was fascinating hearing about cultural differences and learning about diverse customs through our weekly class discussions. All of my coursework was completed in French, and through the semester I went from struggling to understand to being confident speaking in front of my class. It was nothing short of exciting to notice little by little my improvement and growing comfort in the language. As courses finished on Thursdays, weekdays flew by, and each weekend I was off to explore Europe. From visiting Roman ruins to the canals of Amsterdam, getting lost in museums, and exploring stunning castles, Europe offered such rich history to be appreciated. Each city provided discoveries as we navigated public transportation and a different language while finding new versions of ourselves through adventure.
Palais Longchamp in Marseille
Living in Aix happened to be perfect for day adventures to nearby medieval towns as well as the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. My program offered excursions that led us to the towns of Montpellier, Avignon, and Cassis. We spent a day passing through Montpellier and Avignon, exploring centuries-old architecture and breathtaking views. In Cassis, we took a boat cruise allowing us to see the clear blue sea and the dreamy coves of calanques. The seaside towns made January feel like summertime and were some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. I will never forget confronting my fear of heights early on when the supposed mild ten-minute hike unexpectedly turned into a much more thrilling trail alongside a cliff. As terrified as I was, my friends were more than supportive along the way, reassuring me that the cove would be worth it. I felt a strong feeling of relief when we finally reached the beach, where locals called us brave Americans for swimming in January. That evening, as we watched the sunset over the water, I realized early on how special the semester would come to be. Sure enough, weeks seemed to fly by, and as time slipped through my fingertips, I soon found myself already saying farewell.
Ultimately, my semester abroad is an experience that I think about every day. In my mind, there is a part of me in Aix that is still soaking up sun rays in a park, wandering the curvy streets, fighting off pigeons, and at school laughing and learning with my classmates. As much as it is said, studying abroad is indeed such a formative time, offering challenges and opportunities like no other. It is incredibly fortunate to explore the unfamiliar with the curiosity of youth and the mindset of growth. More than ever, I learned to trust myself, challenge my comfort zone, and realize what I am capable of. My time in Aix will forever hold a special place in my heart, as this small French town offered more than I could have imagined.