Étudier à l'étranger

In the spring semester of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Montpellier, France, through the University of Minnesota. Montpellier is located on the southern coast of France in the L'Occitane region, near the mediterranean sea. The city perfectly balances rich historical heritage with modernity. This duality is evident in its architecture, which blends ancient charm and innovative design. The city has a lively center and is only minutes away from the beach.

Montpellier's art scene also displays a mixture of tradition and modernity. The Musée Fabre showcases classical masterpieces while street art adds a beautiful flair to most neighborhoods. This blend of classical and contemporary art makes Montpellier a dynamic cultural hub. Even the public transportation has an artistic flair. The tram is known for its vibrant, artistic designs by fashion icons like Christian Lacroix, and it reflects and compliments the aesthetic nature of the city. Like much of France, Montpellier has an admirable commitment to sustainability, exemplified most clearly by its tram network, which runs through the entire city.

Montpellier is also a major student hub, with nearly 70,000 students making up about 20% of its population. Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the Université de Montpellier, founded in 1289, the city has a long tradition of academic excellence. This large student population contributes to the vibrant, dynamic atmosphere of the city, with plenty of cultural events, cafes, and activities catered to young people. The presence of so many students gives Montpellier a truly cosmopolitan, lively feel, making it a hub for both academic, social opportunities. It was truly easy to fall in love with this city.

My semester abroad in Montpellier, France, was an incredibly enriching experience, both academically and personally. I had the unique opportunity to study at Paul Valéry University (UPV) while also taking courses through the University of Minnesota (UMN) program center. This gave me a blend of both local and international perspectives, allowing me to engage with French students and get the true experience of living in Montpellier.

One of the highlights of my time abroad was taking film classes in French, which was an amazing way to deepen my understanding of the language while exploring a subject I’m passionate about from a completely new cultural perspective. These classes helped me improve my fluency, and I made lasting friendships with my French classmates. I was really forced to step out of my comfort zone as the only American in the class, especially when it came to class projects, presentations, and essays.

Additionally, my cultural psychology class was very impactful and interesting. It provided me with valuable insights that helped me adjust to the new environment, especially as I navigated cultural differences and adapted to a new way of life. It was fascinating to see the cultural differences in real life and see the real world manifestations of my class lessons.

A significant part of my experience was using the French grammar and phonetics knowledge I gained in my UPV classes that I transferred into real-life situations. I communicated with locals daily, and I spoke almost entirely in French outside my apartment. This immersive environment was key to my language development, as I practiced grammar in class and immediately applied it in my interactions with people around the city.

I also grew in my love for art over the course of my time abroad. I have always been passionate about creating and exploring art, but living in France, working at La Petite Academy, and traveling frequently fueled my creativity even further. My internship at La Petite Academy was an invaluable aspect of my time abroad. Teaching art to children was not only fulfilling but also helped me gain a better understanding of the cultural nuances of education in France. The kids’ creativity and enthusiasm inspired me, and it deepened my appreciation for the importance of the arts. Teaching also gave me a unique lens through which to understand the French educational system as well as many other cultural factors that I wouldn't be able to observe otherwise. I grew a lot in this role and my students and mentor will always hold a special place in my heart.

In addition to this internship, I gained a great deal of creative inspiration from the architecture and museums in Montpellier, as well as the other cities I visited. The historic and modern architectural blend in Montpellier was gorgeous, and I was constantly inspired by the surroundings. Traveling to other countries, including Spain, Italy, and Morocco, only added to my creative influences as I visited museums and admired new perspectives in art and culture.

Though I undoubtedly had an unforgettable experience abroad, it did not come without its challenges. I went to Montpellier through a third-party program without knowing anyone, and as an introverted person, it was difficult at first to step outside my comfort zone and connect with others at first. However, over time, I started branching out, making local friends, and even discovering a love for solo traveling. I have always been independent but through solo traveling I found a way to exercise this independence to an entirely new extent, which was incredible. These solo trips, particularly in Barcelona, Marseille, and Portugal, allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. I became even more independent, learned to trust myself, and realized that in addition to traveling with friends I can also have memorable adventures on my own. Despite any difficulties I faced, I always came stronger. I gained a newfound appreciation for discovery, exploration, and freedom. I cherish the lessons I’ve learned, and I plan to carry the values of curiosity and independence with me for the rest of my life.

My semester abroad in Montpellier was a truly transformative experience that shaped both my personal and academic growth. I gained a deeper understanding of French language and culture, expanded my knowledge through insightful classes, and found new creative inspiration through both my internship and travels. While I faced challenges, particularly in adjusting to life abroad as an introverted student, I emerged stronger and more independent, with a renewed sense of self-confidence and an enduring passion for exploration. The friendships I made, the lessons I learned, and the places I visited will stay with me for a lifetime. This experience not only enhanced my academic journey but also ignited a lifelong curiosity and love for discovering new cultures, perspectives, and creative endeavors.