First thoughts and feelings of studying abroad

Bonjour! Welcome to my blog I’m eager to share my most memorable experiences with you! I am studying abroad in Bordeaux, France! I am not only thrilled but grateful to have this wonderful opportunity of calling this new place home!

Bordeaux is a beautiful city and I’m fortunate enough to be living in the city centre of it all! I’m living with my home stay parents; Maria Victoria and Fabrice they are both wonderful, warm and welcoming. Maria Victoria is originally from Malta and Fabrice is from Guadeloupe so I have a diverse, cultural place to call home. I’m so delighted they are willing to share their beautiful home with me for a semester. I have a lot to learn from them. They each know more than 3 languages and both successfully integrated into a whole new country.

As a Mexican-American, languages have always had a crucial role in my life. From an early age I was taught to translate from English to Spanish when needed to. I prioritized reading and writing in both languages because they were both as equally important in my life. During my community college I decided to take a semester in French because I wanted to learn a whole new language. That class is what led me to this very moment. Now I’m surrounded by french speakers, and truth be told, it was a little overwhelming at first. Only because I had forgotten all of my french speaking skills and didn’t understand what they said when they’d speak so quickly. Perhaps the feeling of leaving my family behind in Los Angeles was interferring with my ability to focus on relearning the language…

I realize now that my overwhelming feelings were normal, for both my family and I. Being the first in my family to go to college and now to study abroad has truly brought me immense happiness. I’m so glad I made the decision of studying abroad! I have so much to learn about the language, the culture and all of my courses I’m taking at the University of Bordeaux! I can’t wait to explore it all! I’m ready to take on the challenge and seek every opportunity possible to enhance my french language skills.