Montpellier, France

In the spring of 2023, I studied abroad in the city of Montpellier, France, for four months through a third party study abroad program hosted by the University of Minnesota. I took classes fully in French at the local college, l’Université de Paul Valèry, completed an internship with a group by the name of l’Association Gammes, while also traveling throughout Europe as much as I could. This experience not only enhanced my French speaking skills, but also brought my cultural awareness of the nation of France and Europe as a whole to the next level. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to embark on a profound and transformative journey that reshaped my worldview. Stepping into this vibrant city, I was met with a tapestry of cultural intricacies that challenged my perceptions and opened my eyes to the richness of diversity. As I navigated the many cultural differences, I encountered initial difficulties, but with time, patience, and resilience, I learned to appreciate the nuances and beauty of French life.

 

In the early days of my stay, I grappled with my perceived arrogance of the French people. Their reserved nature, so distinct from the openness I was accustomed to in America, initially left me feeling isolated. I vividly remember the stark contrast between the American and French media portrayals, which heightened my sense of vulnerability. The struggles extended to the simplest of tasks, from deciphering social norms to mastering the art of ordering food. These challenges, while daunting, became stepping stones toward cultural understanding. I came to understand that this standoffish behavior was not personal towards me, that it was just part of the culture of France and that in order to fully feel comfortable there I needed to truly recognize this as I went about my day. I was very aware of ethnocentrism when coming abroad, which I think made me hyper aware of avoiding it. As the weeks went on, I have realized that it is okay that I am American, it’s who I am. I was no longer ashamed of my clothing though different or that my French accent was not perfect and I occasionally got replied to in English when speaking in French with locals. All of these things were normal of a stranger spending time in a foreign country and I soon got used to it. As I reflect on those moments, I recall the words of one of my professors abroad, reminding me that embracing cultural differences involves acknowledging the discomfort and allowing it to catalyze growth.

 

To unravel the complexities of French society, I delved into cultural dimensions and metaphors. Wine emerged as a quintessential metaphor for France, representing not only a thriving industry but also the French approach to life. The stringent regulations governing winemaking mirrored the French affinity for rules, underscoring their belief that adherence to order enhances the quality of life. The beauty of these metaphors lies in their ability to encapsulate the essence of a culture, offering profound insights into the collective psyche of a nation. French people are proud of the wine they make, they are proud of the wine they drink, and they are proud that wine is one of the many things France is known for. One experience I had in Montpellier that I will never forget occurred when my parents visited me in March. We took a wine tour of the vineyards surrounding the city guided by a local who had lived in the area his entire life named Bertrand. His passion and knowledge on wine and the history of winemaking in the region was inspirational and truly allowed me to comprehend the nation’s pride in what they produce. At the end of the tour, Bertrand’s mother made my family and the rest of the tour group a homemade traditional French dinner and her cooking blew us away. Eating the most devine food in their countryside home, getting to know the other tour members from all over the world over a glass of Bertrand’s house wine was an unforgettable night where I felt so many cultures coming together over a meal in a way I had never experienced before.

 

My time abroad was not without its share of personal challenges. Setting goals, such as venturing out of my comfort zone and going to a restaurant alone, became my compass, guiding me toward self-discovery and adaptability. I made sure to set enough time out each day to go for a walk while listening to my favorite podcasts, using this time to remind myself that though I was far from home, some of my favorite activities from home were still here with me. I ended up getting so accustomed to the fast-paced city life in Montpellier that it was somewhat difficult to come back to America. The initial frustration upon returning home, a culmination of the stark contrast between the bustling streets of Montpellier and the tranquility of my small town, became a poignant reminder of the transformative power of study abroad experiences. I came to realize that obviously my return home was not going to be filled with the same stimulation and strong emotions that studying abroad was. These are two independent phases in my life and though I will find happiness within both of them, they are not entirely the same. It was during these moments of introspection that I realized the importance of balance - appreciating the thrill of exploration while finding solace in the familiarity of home.

 

As I conclude this chapter of my life, I carry with me the lessons learned and the friendships created during my time spent in France. Montpellier, with its cobblestone streets and welcoming cafes, will forever remain etched in my heart as a reminder of the transformative power of embracing the unknown and celebrating the beauty of diversity. This journey was not merely a study abroad experience; it was a profound lesson in empathy, adaptability, and the art of embracing cultural differences. Each challenge I faced, every discomfort I overcame, contributed to my growth, molding me into a more compassionate and open-minded individual.