Bonjour tout le monde! My name is Zoé MacKenzie, and I have just completed my junior year at the University of Pittsburgh. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Sociology, with a minor in French. In addition to this, I have recently been accepted into the University’s 4+1 program through SPIA, where I will be completing a master’s degree in International Political Economy. I am beyond excited for this opportunity, and I truly believe my experience abroad this summer will benefit in my future studies!
When I first came across this International Internship Program, I was immediately intrigued by what this opportunity entailed. Beyond my academic studies, I am also a dual citizen with European status. My mother was born and raised in France, moving to America in her mid twenties. With this additional nationality, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to further explore my culture. My heritage is extremely important to me, as most of my family still lives in France today. This program would allow me to connect with my lineage, while serving as an immersive, once in a lifetime experience. Thus, I chose this international internship opportunity!
One of my main goals while abroad is to become fully fluent in the French language. As a kid, my mother would speak French to me and my brother, however, as we grew older it became harder and less of an occurrence. My time abroad will allow me to not only speak the language, but immerse myself in the lifestyle and engage socially beyond linguistic barriers.
Furthermore, I want to take this opportunity to figure out what I want for my future. As an International Studies double major, it would be a dream to have some sort of career where I get to travel the world. However, what exactly does that look like? And what opportunities would make this dream a reality? I hope that my experience abroad this summer will help me discover my future career aspirations, and allow me to build connections on an international scale.
I realize that before I get to that point, I may struggle a bit at the start. Traveling to a foreign country will have its challenges, and it will take some time to get accustomed to the French lifestyle. I expect it will be difficult during the first week especially, as I will be in a different timezone and speaking a different language. I will have to remain conscious of my mannerisms, and attach myself to the customs of French community. But however difficult it may be at the start with navigating myself around and getting used to everything, I am thrilled to have this opportunity and to have the chance to explore the experiences that await me. I cannot wait to integrate myself into the French culture and socialize with the locals. I want to gain new and meaningful perspectives, and I am eager to meet all kinds of people. Additionally, I am motivated to work in an international setting and get to know how an organization operates in another country.
I look forward to keeping you all up to date…. À bientôt!