Category: Advice

Midterms in France

Published on by sarahblaiserLeave a comment

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This week has been quite hectic because it is the dreaded time of the semester when midterms roll in. I was informed before going abroad for school, that different countries would have different teaching and grading styles compared to the United States.

My experience so far has been pretty mild compared to some midterm weeks I have had at DU. The teachers know things are a bit hectic, so they try to spread things out for everyone. This past week I had three exams, and this coming week I have one exam and two papers. There is much to do, but the teachers want you to succeed, so communicating with them will really help.

At my school, we were told if you have more than two exams on one day, then they will work with you to reschedule any other ones that may fall on the same day. If you talk to your professors they are really good about helping rearrange things so that you aren’t too stressed.

Since most schools abroad revolve around a semester schedule and not the quarter schedule we are used to, there may be more material on exams. Talking with your professor to go in for office hours to have a review session is really helpful. If you or your professor isn’t available out of class time, ask if you can do a review session in class. Professors will at the very least answer a few questions after class to help you succeed.

Besides communicating with your professors, communicate with your classmates as well! Classes are much smaller abroad so it is really easy to get to know almost everyone in your class. Try to meet up for study sessions or go over notes with a friend. Having another person to ask questions or bounce ideas off of is very helpful.

Communication with those around you is the best tip for succeeding during midterm week. Besides that, find a good cafe with wifi and study! As long as you attend class and communicate with your teacher, you should be set.

Homesickness

Published on by sarahblaiserLeave a comment

This past week has been a bit more difficult for me. I have begun to struggle a bit and feel a lot of the effects of culture shock. I was informed that culture shock is a cycle that will likely occur multiple times while abroad. I have talked with a lot of friends here and have found that many of us are going through the same thing. Some in different programs, some at different times, and multiple times so far, but without fail we all go through it.

I knew culture shock was inevitable, but I hadn’t heard anyone talk about how defeating it feels. For me, it has started to feel l like a very lonely process. There are people around me whom I trusted and am so grateful I have talked to, yet it still feels quite lonely. It feels really weird to be so far away from everything I have ever known. What is really hard for me is learning the different cultural pieces that come with a new country, along with the different languages. I greatly miss talking with a stranger in the street about some mundane thing. Here, it is much more difficult to relate and be understood.

Being abroad and struggling with culture shock has made me much more grateful for the community I have in the United States and empathy for people who are no longer able to live in their native countries. It is so very difficult to try to fit into a whole new world and I cannot imagine how difficult that could be for people under different circumstances.

In order to combat the feeling of homesickness I have tried doing things that would help destress me at home. I go for a walk, listen to music, and remind myself of all the amazing things I have in my new city. Sometimes watching a favorite movie or book that I may have enjoyed a lot from my childhood helps. I make a lot of phone calls to loved ones, but oftentimes these are difficult and have me missing home more. Overall, I find ways to remind myself that I am secure and so happy to be abroad. There are so many amazing things I am experiencing here and I cannot wait to learn so much more. Good and bad coexist together and finding the happy medium is what is difficult, but definitely possible.

If anyone else is homesick, just know you’re not alone! Reach out to someone you know around you and chances are they are going through similar things. One of the fun parts about being abroad or even in any new place is forming a new community. This community is there for the good and the bad so do not feel guilty to lean on them.