Paris conjures up distinct images in the minds of Americans. Whether it is crowds of people storming the Bastille shouting Vive la republique!, or the street side cafes with croissants and romantic music.These are the 7 most random things I learned abroad that I wasn’t expecting.
1. Don't Let the Rain Hold You Back
It rained for an entire month in Paris. There is something magical about a city in gentle rain. It wasn't any major storm, just a constant drizzle for an entire month. I went out with an umbrella and little coat and got to explore the city.
There weren't many tourists out, and I felt like I got a charming perspective of the city. I had some of my best adventures with my first host lady walking in the rain. I was in a new country and so excited to see the sites whether it was rainy or not. If I stayed inside every day it was rainy, I would have missed a whole month of exploration.
2. Drink your coffee slowly.
I noticed that the entire outlook for eating was to “take your time.” While rushing to get on the metro, and fast-paced lifestyles seemed to be prevalent in most of Paris, dining was held to a different standard. Relax, cut your crepe and have a deep conversation about the rights of man. I really liked this approach to eating, it gave me a chance to appreciate what the chef made. Every country has a distinct “eating culture.” Even the US has “eating cultures” that vary from restaurant to restaurant. It is important to know the country’s eating culture to enjoy the full aspect of the meal.
3. Learn More Dialects
Many people just think of “France” or “Switzerland” when they hear of the French language. But in truth, within France there is a great diversity of France-French dialects. Also within the world there are 29 countries where French in the official language. I stayed in the Northern Suburbs of Paris for a month, and frequently heard the Senegalese dialect. I also heard a Haitian taxi driver, interacted with French people from all over France- Breton, Grenoble, Corsica. Each dialect was very beautiful, and I’m so glad I got exposed to them all in Paris.
4. The Hardest Things are Worth it
I took French as a student at Liberty University. It was challenging at times, but overall I thought it was an easy language. Going to France and speaking French was a different story. I did not think my accent was bad when I practiced with my friends at Liberty, but in France, they picked up my accent right away.
The more I interacted with French-speaking people in French, the more my French improved. I realize it's expensive to travel abroad just to practice a foreign language. But if you ever get the opportunity, travel abroad and learn the language. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Practice makes perfect, the same principles apply to music, languages, and life. Nobody is born knowing everything, but the more you practice the better it is.
5. Books are Awesome but....
France, and Paris in particular, has an abundance of bookstores. It is a dream come true, so many bookstores so little time. These accumulated a lot of weight in my suitcase. I did find out France actually has a special tariff allowing you to ship books back home. I was impressed by the diverse array of books, I never have seen anything like it back in the US. I wanted to buy every single book, but my bookshelf and suitcase space were like “no.”
However, it is important to note that many French book companies allow you to purchase books from the US. If you can buy it back home, or ship it back home- that option is better. Remember to keep in mind the weight of the suitcase. Thankfully I came to the exact weight limit.
6. Know a Little About the History
I'm not talking about being a scholar of French history (unless of course, you want to be) but try knowing a few things about the country or place you are going to beforehand. I’ve always loved French history. In Middle School I read a thick biography on Napoleon for fun.
The French Revolution had always been an interesting subject for me as well, one of my French goals of “reading French Revolution primary sources in French” was accomplished when I read Robespierre in his original French. Upon readingLes Miserables which took place many decades after the French Revolution, my interest in the June Rebellion peaked. Charles Jeanne the leader of the June Rebellion is my favorite historical figure to learn about. The French Resistance is also very interesting to read about.
Being in France I saw how many of these events effect France today. There were French Resistance memorial markers on every street corner it seemed. I took a picture of every resistance marker I could find. On French government documents you’d see a picture of a young girl with long, straight hair blowing in the wind. That girl is Marianne, an allegorical figure of France dating back to the French Revolution. Knowing the history also helped me to realize why things are done the way they are in France. The same goes for the United States, and every nation on earth. You don’t have to be a history scholar, but you should know a bit of history to answer the question “why?”
7. Vive la republique!
Moving abroad temporarily is complicated. I never experienced homesickness before, and never was expecting to miss France as much as I do. I’ve always loved France, but being in France gave me a whole new desire to return for an even longer stay someday. You really bond with whatever country you intern or study abroad it.
At times you may feel lonely if you don’t know many people there beforehand, or you may struggle with language barriers but that all becomes part of the learning process. I noticed the first “stage” of being abroad is excitement, everything is new and awesome. The second “stage” is loneliness, you wish your friends from the US were with you and wish you had friends there. The third “stage” is having a bond with the country you are in.
You get to love what makes that country special, you recognize the country may have some flaws but still love that country. When you return to the US chances are you are going to be “homesick” for your abroad country and constantly thinking about. Someday you will return!
