The benefits of studying abroad are fruitful and I discover on a weekly basis things that have made my experience truly unforgettable. Whether you are already interested in studying abroad or not, I’d like to present seven key factors of why studying abroad in France is something you should not pass up if you have the opportunity to.

Here are 7 Life-Changing Benefits to Studying Abroad in France:

1. You create international friendships.

This reason covers a lot, and that’s definitely something I didn’t think about before arriving in France. If you study abroad you will not only have the opportunity to make friends with people from France, but all over the world.

I was able to meet people at the orientation week, as well as the students in my region who have the same coordinator, all coming from places such as Hungary, Australia, Switzerland, and Hong Kong, to name a few.

Beyond that, I have also made amazing friends with people that go to my school in my host town. These friendships have helped me grow and see the world from a different perspective, and it’s just cool to say you have friends all over the world.

2. You cultivate an open mind.

Upon studying abroad, I’ve been able to learn about a completely new way of thinking. We live our lives at home without ever really thinking about what it’s like to have a different outlook on the world, and study abroad has helped me do exactly that.

It seems like a simple idea, but I really do find myself considering the fact that there are so many different people, cultures, and ideas out there other than our own. It’s important to keep that in mind.

3. You become bilingual.

This is a pretty obvious one but maybe the most rewarding. To study French for so long and then be able to say that you can understand the language at a normal rate of speech and even reply and have a conversation is a really amazing feeling.

It’s something not many people can say, and furthermore, can be extremely valuable later in life if you decide you want to work for a French company. You also have the plus of understanding actual native French. Of course you can study from a textbook for as long as you want, but nothing really provides you with the knowledge of slang or correct phonetics like studying abroad.

4. You gain new experiences.

If anything makes you decide to study abroad, it should be this. How many other times in your life will you be able to say you ate crepes in Paris with your friends from all different parts of the world, that you lived with a French family, or that you went to the ciné with your French classmates?

Of course you’ll have trying situations as well, like really awkward conversations or forgetting how to say toothpaste. But ultimately, all the experiences that you have while studying abroad will make you more mature, independent, and give you amazing memories that you’ll never forget.

5. You feel more independent.

Tying into the last aspect, another reason why you should study abroad is the gained sense of independence. You will have a host family  willing to help you. But, when things like homesickness hit, or you have a conversation for five minutes and don’t understand a thing, it can be easy to feel alone or like you’ll never be able to really understand French. After experiencing things like this, I’ve improved and felt so much more independent and confident in facing any problem.

6. You get a unique perspective of a different culture.

Even if you travel to a different country on vacation, you can’t quite get the true feeling of what the culture is like unless you’re completely immersed in it. While living with a French family you will become familiar with a native’s opinions on French news, the best authentic foods to eat, and all the specialties of the region in which you live.

7. You taste delicious food.

Continuing the idea of pure authenticity, you can really only try the real thing if you go there. Studying abroad in France will allow you to not only have amazing crepes or baguettes, but also try all the delectable dishes special to each region, or the handmade pastries that you’ll find only in the Boulangeries.

 

Ready to start your adventure in France?

Coming to France to study abroad I knew I would be lucky in terms of food quality. I think we can all agree that when it comes to cuisine, the French simply hit the ball out of the park. One thing I sorely underestimated; however, was what my school lunches would look like and how they would differ from what I’m used to.

French Cooking

So far in France I’ve been only impressed by the food. And believe it or not, this didn’t end at school. Cooking is something I’ve learned the French take very seriously. They take pride in their reputation as one of the gastronomic capitals of the world.

Rightfully so, the open markets and street-side cafes boast fresh fruit, aged cheese, and of course mouthwatering fresh-baked pain au chocolat. These foods are generally free of GMOs and a good price at that (if you’re in the right area, of course).

Something I’ve come to understand even since arriving here is that the French are taught to enjoy and appreciate the quality of meals/ingredients from a young age. With a solid appreciation of a rich meal, it only makes sense that these feelings are translated over to lunch at a public school.

American School Lunch vs. French School Lunch

It’s been exciting comparing the different ways of life between America and France. This is one area where they differ greatly. Coming from a school in the United States where meals are seen more as a vehicle to the next activity, school lunch is thirty minutes then straight back to class.

I have had the joy of experiencing high school life in France where lunch, or “self” as they call it, is anywhere between one and two-and-a-half hours, and the meal can be described as a slightly toned down version of a proper four course French meal.

After waiting in the line, scanning your card and receiving your tray, the first station you approach contains salads or vegetables, our appetizer of sorts. We proceed to obtain the main dish, which usually consists of some type of meat paired with some type of carb. Moving on is the dairy product, whether yogurt or a small block of cheese ALWAYS accompanied by a demi-baguette. To finish, a selection of desserts ranging from a delicate mille feuille to a rich caramel flan awaits.

From Table to Culture

A menu like this can seem like a dream come true, but truly every day at school becomes an opportunity to learn more about French food culture and how it connects to their culture as a whole. I think we all have something to learn from the French. Work hard but enjoy your breaks. Especially in such a stress-providing place as French high school, a captivating conversation with friends over a quality meal and time to relax after is ultimately what I think helps keep student morale high.

 

Ready to taste more of the French culture? Study abroad in France!