Name: Adrianna Lee
Major: Nursing
Program: USAC
Traveled Abroad Before: No

Q: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your study abroad experience?
A: Bread. Walking past the bakeries on my way to class every morning and smelling the freshly baked croissants, seeing customers leave the shop baguette in hand. It was what dreams are made of. But, on a more serious note, my study abroad experience has been the most amazing thing I've done in my life so far. I had never traveled abroad before this, so my first international flight I had ever been on I was by myself. I worked hard to be able to study abroad, and I look back knowing that the work I put in and the things I learned will stay with me forever.

Q: Why did you choose this destination?
A: I wanted to go to a French speaking country because I had studied French in high school and I wanted to improve what I learned from then. I wanted to continue to study a foreign language in college, but I didn't have time to fit French classes into my schedule as a nursing student. Another aspect that lead me to my program was the fact that I couldn't study abroad during the Fall or Winter semesters while in the nursing program. I began my search for a program that focused on French language and took place during the Summer semester. I chose the USAC program in Pau, France because it had everything I wanted and more. I stayed with a host family and took classes taught only in French. There were lots of great excursions including hiking in the Pyrenees Mountains, white water rafting, and of course cheese tasting. It was in a small town in the south of France near Spain, so it had an interesting blend of cultures, a rich history, and an authentic French feel. I got to see the Tour de France (one of their stops is Pau every year). Henry IV was born in the castle there. Did I mention there was a castle? I could go on forever about how wonderful it was.

Q: What are some things that surprised you about the campus, the classes, the culture, customs or traditions?
A: The campus was small and covered with trees. It was a lot more simple than American universities. You had the option to take culture and literature classes in French or English, along with your French language classes, which of course were taught only in French. One thing that I would say was unexpected was the number of kind people I met in Pau and on my study abroad. There is this popular stereotype about the French being aloof and rude, but I did not find this to be true, in fact it was quite the opposite. Another thing I discovered was how much the French really love food. It is their passion. They take at least an hour lunch break every day, even at work. In fact, many people go home for lunch, including kids from school. Not only do they enjoy this long lunch, they take their time with dinner as well. Two hours to eat dinner with your family is the norm. Bread is eaten with every single meal. A variety of cheeses are brought out after every dinner. And do not even get started on their wine. Meal time is important to the French, a time they spend most often with their friends and family. One more thing that was unexpected was the hours of businesses. Granted it was a small town, but restaurants would be open for lunch then close until 7pm, when they would reopen for dinner (They eat really late there, too. Like 9pm is a normal dinner time.) Nothing would be open on Sundays. They use it as a day to rest, to spend it outside and with family. I would say my main takeaway was that the French really appreciated the little things, and took the time to enjoy them and share them with those they love. They live life at a much slower pace compared to the way we do in the U.S.

Q: What are some things you would like students to know about studying abroad in this destination or the program provider you studied with?
A: The south of France is amazing. I highly recommend going to a smaller city, wherever you may study abroad, because it guarantees you will get a more authentic taste of the culture. As far as my specific program provider, USAC has a lot of program options all over the world and they are pretty affordable compared to the usual costs of studying abroad. I personally fell in love with Pau, but I what I found is that there is a study abroad program out there that is perfect for you. Use your resources, do your research, and you will find a place you will fall in love with, too.

Q: What advice would you offer?
A: Just go for it. I dreamed about studying abroad since high school. I talked about it for 2 years in college, and finally in my Junior year I decided to just make it work. I got a part time job to save up money just for the trip. I applied to tons of scholarships, and actually got the Gilman Scholarship with the help of the Office of Fellowships. There are ways to make your dream happen, and I know your hard work will pay off because it did for me. Studying abroad will change your life. You will form lifelong friendships, learn things you could never learn anywhere else, and make so many amazing memories. Plus, the experiences and the growth you will go through will help you in your future career. There's no reason not to go for it.

Q: What was your academic goal while studying abroad?
A: My academic goal was to improve my French and to learn about a culture and its history directly from the source. My French improved so much in the 9 weeks I was there. I got to practice with my host family and in the town I was in. I also got to learn about modern French culture and society, including things like politics and healthcare. Another thing I got to study was literature from the south of France. I achieved my goals and learned so many things I will continue to use throughout the rest of my life.

Question? Email Adrianna!

Name: Mark Harburg
Major: Engineering - Product Design & Manufacturing Engineering
Program: Work Abroad - Steelcase
Traveled Abroad Before: Yes

Q: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your study abroad experience?
A: I think of the amazing co-workers/friend community of people I was so warmly welcomed into at my work. These people truly blessed me and really made the experience a positive and memorable.

Q: Why did you choose this destination?
A: I didn't have much of a "Choice" per say, but rather was open to any opportunity that my company (Steelcase) could provide in sending me abroad. This just happened to be France.

Q: What are some things that surprised you about the campus, the classes, the culture, customs or traditions?
A: My experience was not the traditional "study abroad" because I wasn't studying, but rather working. However it was still culturally different in many ways.

Q: What are some things you would like students to know about studying abroad in this destination or the program provider you studied with?
A: Take advantage of all the things going on in the city of Strasbourg and if you want to learn french join the franglish events once a week.

Q: What advice would you offer?
A: My advice would be a open-minded, and try new foods, events, and meet new people. Be daring and outgoing.

Q: What was your academic goal while studying abroad?
A: My academic goal was to diversify myself and my professional experience. I wanted to continue learning French and also learn about the culture and history of the places I traveled to.

Question? Email Mark!