My experience in Lyon Winter 2022

My study abroad experience in Lyon was amazing. I'm so glad that I chose to study in Lyon. My program directors were incredibly helpful and organized several fun outings, such as a snowshoe hike and a wine tasting, as well as picnics and other get-togethers so we could form a small community. My classes were all in French, and they were designed specifically for international students studying French. I got to meet students from around the world who had come to Lyon to learn French just like me. Forming friendships with people I would never have met if I hadn't come to Lyon was one of the program highlights for me.
I lived in an apartment with one other student in the USAC program. I had my own bedroom and attached bathroom and a small kitchen we shared. I like to cook, so the size of the kitchen was a bit irritating at times, but for 5 months it was a perfectly fine living space. I lived about 20 minutes away from the school, so we could either walk or take the bus.
The directors and local mandates in Lyon helped protect everyone during COVID as well. I felt safe most of the time out in public and indoors.
Overall, it was an amazing opportunity to learn French and to learn about myself as well. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and learned so much about my own independence and ability to survive on my own in a foreign country where I didn't fully speak the language. I am so grateful that I was able to live in this beautiful city for 5 months and I am already planning ways to return in the future.