Here is a list of my basic expectations and anticipations about studying abroad in France. Along with being excited about my trip, I am also nervous and worried. So, here is a list of my thoughts, negative and positive, on my future adventure.
What are the five things that you are most looking forward to about studying abroad?
1. Meeting new people and forging new relationships
2. Being placed somewhere new and different and being forced to adapt to this new location
3. Being given the opportunity to learn a new language
4. Being given a chance to explore the world a little bit
5. Being given a chance to learn about French culture and go to a French high school
What are the five things that currently worry you most about going overseas?
1. Being judged and disliked
2. Not adapting to French culture quickly
3. Not picking up on French language quickly
4. Missing out on things back home
5. Missing my friends and family too much!
What are the five things you believe you will miss most from home when abroad?
1. My family: My family supports me so much and is always there for me. It will be awful not being able to be with them for several months- and I will miss my dog too!
2. My friends: I love my friends and not being able to joke and laugh with them is going to be very hard.
3. Mexican food: Now I know, French food is amazing! But I think I will miss my authentic California Mexican food.
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5.Being smart: I know this may sound kind of silly, but I am used to understanding what is going on in class and being good at figuring it out. Being put into a position where I will not understand anything is going to be a hard change for me.
What are the five things you believe you will miss least from home when abroad?
1. The bipolar weather here: I can't wait to have predictable weather patterns that don't change daily, even if it's cold and rainy all the time!
2. American food: I can't wait to escape to a world of amazing French food and leave all gross, boring, and processed foods behind!
3. Academic pressure: I know I will be under lots of pressure at the lycée in France, but it will be a different and more exciting kind of pressure than what I experience at home.
4. Less to worry about: I have lot of commitments that it will be nice to have a break from. (i.e. working and babysitting)
5. English: I doubt that English will remain on my "won't miss" list for long, but for now I can't wait to enter a world of "je" and "tu" versus "I" and "you."
My greatest single challenge overseas will be:
My greatest challenge will no doubt be the language. My great fear is that I will not pick up French and will remain a simple and lame English speaker. I also have a fear that people will speak in English to me and I will let them, I have to practice saying "Non! En français s'il te plaît!"
