Hello again! It has been an absolutely crazy first two weeks settling into my new environment in Grenoble. From going out and visiting stunning a chateau in the region to now catching covid and being stuck in my room, I have basically had it all these past two weeks. The ups and downs I’ve experienced during this transitional period have really inspired though me to reflect upon my goals for the future and what my path may look like to get there.
My main personal goal during my study abroad journey in France is to open myself up more, whether that be to new people or to new experiences. So far, I can confidently say that I have dove straight into this. Coming to France, I was extremely nervous that I would close myself up from the shock of the unfamiliar environment, but thankfully, I have been able to embrace all the new changes and develop new friendships with my study abroad group and members of my French language course. I have also already had a chance to travel within the Alps region! Last weekend, I was able to organize a trip to Geneva, Switzerland with some of my new study abroad friends. The trip was excellent, but now I cannot stop thinking of the amazing Swiss chocolate and fondue every day!
My academic and professional goals for this trip actually overlap quite a bit. Academically, my goal is to take my French major studies to the next level this semester and reach (near) fluency in French. One of the reasons I chose this study abroad program in Grenoble specifically was for the intensive French language courses. My coursework so far has, therefore, been intense with four hours of level B2 French language class per day for five days a week. I feel that I am already progressing significantly with my language skills and that I am well on my way to reaching these goals. Hopefully, all the nitty gritty grammar lessons in class and 2+ hour French conversations with my host family at dinner will leave me feeling even more comfortable in the language by the end of the semester.
Advancing my language skills will also hopefully help me with my professional goal: to work in international relations or law one day. I am majoring in French as well as Political Science and plan to pursue a career in international politics, whether it be through research, foreign service work, or advocacy. In this field, bilingualism is a highly valued trait, so I am hoping that the language skills I acquire this semester and my time spent abroad will help take me a step further to achieving these career aspirations.
For now, though, I will just be focusing on recovering from my unfortunate covid infection until I can get back out into the world and embrace my study abroad experience!