Category: France

Embracing Embarrassment

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Today in one of my classes my professor began to talk about an emotion I have come to know very well and detest greatly. He was talking about how embarrassment is a daily occurrence, in life but also while abroad. This was a bit of a slap to the face for me because I have come to avoid embarrassment at all costs.

I saw a TikTok a long time ago that explained that embarrassment was a choice and you could decide to not be embarrassed. I took this idea and ran with it. However, my professor brought up the true point that it is unavoidable and part of life. He talked about how he is fluent in French but is extremely embarrassed when someone doesn’t understand him or he is made to feel different. I have been struggling with this feeling for much of my time abroad and couldn’t find a word for it. Embarrassment was the last emotion I wanted to relate to, but he couldn’t be more right.

I have studied French for about eight years and was convinced that I was going to do amazing in France with it. I have been doing well, but I have been humbled immensely. This emotion of embarrassment that I have been ignoring for so long has started to eat at me. I have started to be hard on myself for my inability to communicate everything and how different I feel here. Unfortunately, this is one of the growing pains that comes from living in a different culture and country.

Each day I am reminded that I do not belong and some days it is extremely exhausting. There have been multiple times I wish I could fly home, but then I have had amazing experiences that I never would have encountered if I had not studied abroad. I have met amazing people, seen beautiful things, and had great food. There have been equally as many amazing experiences as bad. I know that I wouldn’t trade these for the world. Each day is making me stronger whether it is the best or the worst day.

I hope that I will be able to find lessons in many of the struggles I am facing abroad. I know I am forming strong bonds with amazing people. As of right now, I am stuck in a bit of my own embarrassment, but I think owning it is the first step. Each day I learn more and more about myself and I hope this realization will push me into a new direction.

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.