Month: September 2024

Finding Joy in the Unknown

Published on by Abigail HopperLeave a comment

“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” — Oscar Wilde

Though there have been regular moments of homesickness, exhaustion, and overwhelm, I can confidently say that most of my anxieties about coming abroad have been matched by the most rewarding experiences I could’ve hoped for. From scavenger hunts to picnics to a weekend trip to the beach, in just two weeks I’ve already begun to settle and make so many new connections. I decided to share some of the biggest fears that have arisen, and then the actual outcome below.

Fear #1: an unfamiliar environment

Outcome: In the past 14 days I have derived an incomparable amount of joy from the newness and charm of the environment around me. Every new corner is a new coffee shop, a new bar, a new park. And while exploring with others is fun, I’ve found that taking myself out to just walk for blocks and blocks and be able to go on a whim to anywhere I’d like has been so rewarding.

The second day of my arrival I walked about a mile and a half to a guitar store where I spoke “franglish” with a very kind owner, and was able to go home with a new guitar. Then the next day I was so anxious to ask for help in a grocery store, but was greeted with kindness and patience.

Each new place I’ve found, however uncomfortable, has brought a new fulfilling aspect to my day and I cannot wait to see what else Rennes has in store!

Fear #2: starting my program alone

Outcome: If I could go back and choose to attend a program with more of my peers from home, I would not. Not because I do not adore and miss my home friends, but I’ve found that from a group of 60 people who all are in the same boat and from 55 different countries, the most rewarding and surprising connections have arisen. There was a moment when around 30-40 of us were sitting around a huge table at La Bonne Nouvelle (a local bar) and there were dozens of conversations occurring between people from so many different places in the world, where I realized the magic of this program. I’ve watched open minds lead to agreements and opinion changes. I’ve seen connections between people who live on completely opposite sides of the earth, I’ve seen compassion. And I have never felt so quickly welcomed into a space. I truly believe that this is the best program I could’ve chosen.

Fear #3: speaking French

Outcome: In the days before my actual orientation, I was on my own exploring and hadn’t actually practiced speaking French since first semester of sophomore year, so I was definitely quite a bit rusty. And, as expected, conversational French is very different than grammar exercises and Duolingo prompts. However, to my surprise, I’ve been met with so much patience in practicing my French. In quick interactions I have had waiters not even bat an eye at my French or if they do switch to English they will return to French and allow me to continue practicing. I imagine the speed of a smaller city compared to Paris is more suitable for interactions like this, and there are also thousands of international students who come here annually and this has been very apparent in these interactions. Then, during my orientation, I had 3 full days of 8-5 intensive immersive language courses. By the end of the third day, though exhausted, I was understanding full classes which were conducted entirely in French and could already see growth in my pronunciation and vocabulary. Most of my classes this semester will be in English, but I’m incredibly excited to keep improving my French!

This upcoming week is my official first week of classes(eek!!) and this weekend a few of my new friends and I are planning a trip to Paris where I will get to see a few familiar faces 🙂

Thank you for reading!!

Academics: Maastricht Edition

Published on by showtimeherink2Leave a comment
Academics

This week was the beginning of my schooling at Maastricht University (well, sort of). It was more of an orientation for PBL (Problem Based Learning) and understanding Dutch culture. The start of my orientation was on Tuesday this past week, where I learned more about Problem Based Learning. Problem Based Learning centers more around student groups and less around professors teaching the subject matter. The professor gives us a subject to read about and it is up to the groups of students to study the subject, write down the main components of the subject, and do additional research that the subject may require. This is all new to me as I now have to rely more on my group mates rather than the professor for help on the subject. Later that same day, I went to a class that was about Dutch culture. There, I learned about the things that are most important to Ducth people, which included a variety of foods and alcohol (yes, alcohol is very important to the Dutch). I was also able to ask about what kinds of food I could try while in Maastricht, and I was given a list of restaurants to try while I am residing in Maastricht.

Wednesday orientation was about touring the UCM school at Maastricht. I got into this school via application because one of the classes I am taking this quarter is in this school so I was happy to get into it. There, I learned more ab0ut PBL and how it is applied at this school. After that session, we got a tour of the building and I was able to see where all of my classes were. Later in the day, I had my second PBL session and this time, we went through a practice PBL session where the students discussed an issue and proposed solutions to the issue based off of the information the text gave us. It was very helpful because I find that listening to other students helps me craft ideas of my own and this allows me to participate to the fullest extent.

My orientation was only two days this week so I spent the rest of the week doing my own thing. This involved going to the gym and going to my favorite bagel place, Bagels and Beans. The people that work there are starting to know me since I am a regular at that place. I enjoy the vibe at that place and the food is delicious so it is a place where I frequent. In addition, I also got my textbooks for my classes so I started reading. Right now, I am reading about the history of the EU and the departments within the EU and the history of international relations and realism. This is very interesting stuff and they serve as the basis for my classes. I am excited to learn more about the EU and international relations this semester as I hope to broaden my view and perspective on international relations and European politics.

The biggest takeaways from this week were learning about new things and adapting to a new style of learning. I have been used to learning more from my professors than my peers. Here, it is the complete opposite and I have to adjust to that. Luckily, I have a lot of friends already here in Maastricht and they have been helpful in PBL sessions so far. So I would say that I am off to a great start with PBL here in Maastricht.