Why did you decide to study abroad with AIFS at the University of Grenoble?
Stephanie: I knew I wanted to study abroad, but had no idea where I wanted to go. I looked at the programs that AIFS had to offer and decided that France was the perfect destination. I had always wanted to go. I choose Grenoble for two reasons. I grew up in Nebraska and moved to South Dakota for school. All I have ever known was flat landscapes. Grenoble was uncharted territory to me because I haven't been around the mountains much.
I felt like if I was going to study abroad, I wanted something different that I wasn't used to. The second reason I choose Grenoble was because of it's location in France. It is a three hour train ride to Paris, a five hour train ride to the Cote d'Azure, and the nearest airport that has flights to almost anywhere in Europe is only an hour train ride away. I knew I wanted to travel while I was there so the location was perfect.
What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Stephanie: The experience was unique and special because of the people I met and the places I traveled. I knew no one when I arrived in London to meet up with AIFS representatives and the other students who were studying in Grenoble. By the end of my trip, I had made 16 close friends from all over the U.S. My resident director in Grenoble made an impact as well. She was always there for us when we had questions, needed a friend, or a therapist. Plus, she always had cookies in her office for us!
I was placed with a wonderful French woman who would serve as my "host mom." Except she was nothing like a mom. She became a wonderful friend. I am still in touch with over 3/4 of the people I met in France; the friends I made there are some of the best people I know. Also, I am planning a trip to go visit my host mom this summer.
My travels made the experience the best 5 months of my life. I traveled to Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, and England, in addition to various places in France. I was in 24 European cities in the short time I was there. I feel like it opened my eyes to the world.
The experience was also amazing because it taught me so much about myself: confidence, independence, the ability to get along with virtually anyone, that I could go anywhere and do anything.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Stephanie: Going to Grenoble has impacted my future in so many ways. First and foremost, it changed who I am as a person. I feel stronger than who I was before. If I can travel to a different country/countries not understanding their language, or cultures, learn it, and come out on top of it all, I know I can do anything. It changed how I view the world, different cultures, and people. I now have so much more respect for the things I don't understand about different cultures instead of the ignorance and judgmental views I once had.
It has helped me professionally as well. When I list on a resume that I studied abroad, people want to hear about my experiences, my stories are interesting to them, and it is a great way to break the ice.
I benefited from studying abroad because not only improved my French, but I learned so much about food, wine, art, and history. It was beneficial in that I got to visit the places I had only read about in textbooks. I was able to view the paintings I had studied in art class. I got to interact with the French, when before the culture was something I had only read about.
There is no doubt in my mind that if I could go back in time, I would have studied abroad all 8 semesters of college. I tell everyone I know that it's the experience of a lifetime. As a matter of fact, my sister will be going to Australia within the next year! It's worth it, so if you are thinking about it, just take the leap. You won't regret it!
Want to read more about Stephanie's trip to France? Then check out her blog France, Here I come!