Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

I came to France to improve my French and experience the educational system I am considering for graduate school. This semester at Sciences Po Rennes has taught me that there is always room for surprises, no matter how prepared you are. Thanks to courses from Lake Forest College's French department, I arrived with foundational knowledge about France's language, culture, and political landscape. Still, I encountered many surprises.  

The classroom changes brought moments of deconstruction where I had to question in depth the academic methods built throughout my life. Having prior language knowledge made immersion smoother –as I took a full courseload in french. Initially I struggled to match French students' pace, but eventually succeeded. Recognizing different starting points made me value every achievement more—every word learned, every argument correctly constructed. Though I have mastered English for a few years, I barely allowed myself such small wins in anglophone environments, when I was learning english. This French exchange became a way of rediscovering stumbles with a new language, observing growth from my own starting point, and celebrating it. Though complex, this process ultimately enriched and diversified my work methods, which I am pretty sure will be valued by future employers and/or graduate programs. 

What makes me happiest is that during this reconstruction process, I leaned on people who was either going through the same experience, or who were just willing to help me find my way. From there emerged organic connections I am sure will endure.  

This exchange gave me the opportunity to discover France beyond the french clichés. I remain deeply grateful to classmates, teachers, and people who patiently explained the french culture, language, and gastronomic codes. Finally, my semester taught me that academic growth is also deeply personal. 

Gallery at Versailles: