Tag: du

A glimpse of the past two weeks…

Published on by rhiannalewisLeave a comment

Hi everyone! It’s been a while since I sat down to write a blog post, which is partially due to the busyness of adjusting to a new routine and partially due to my fear that what I write won’t be interesting. Recovering perfectionists, I know you know what I’m saying. I’m forcing myself to get over that, though, because living in Athens has been incredible and exhausting and eye-opening, and I want to share that with my community! So, since I last posted, I’ve…

  • visited the islands of Agistri and Aegina, two islands within a two-hour ferry ride of the mainland. Aegina is known for its pistachio trees, so pretty much everything there is pistachio-flavored. (The salted pistachio caramel gelato was to die for). The first time I went to Aegina with my roommates was actually not by choice, as the first ferry was full and we were essentially stuck on the island until 10pm. The change of plans was unexpected and made me a little (…a lot) stressed, but it made for a very funny story now!
  • volunteered with the Sustainability Leaders group on my university’s campus to help reduce food waste at the local farmers market! ACG partners with Baroume, a Greek nonprofit, to collect unwanted produce at the end of the farmer’s market on Fridays to donate to different organizations around the Athens area. The day I volunteered, we filled the entire van with “rescued” produce that would be given to those in need.
  • discovered my new favorite bookstore near campus! Not only did they have two newly released books I’ve been dying to read, but they also had a beautiful outdoor cafe area where one of my roommates and I did homework for a couple of hours. I felt right at home there; I can’t wait to go back. One of my next blog posts might just be about the best bookstores in Athens…stay tuned 😉
  • attended a movie showing at the Athens Film Festival! My bus was late, I got slightly lost, and I sat in a terrible seat, but all in all, I felt very cool and cultured for being part of something artistic in the Athens area that I wouldn’t normally have access to at home. The movie I saw was “Bad Timing” from the 1980s. It wasn’t what I thought I was going to see, but it was fun and thought-provoking nonetheless!
  • had a lot of ups and downs, which feel common due to the fact that I’m away from everything I’ve ever known. I’m working on finding my groove and my people, even on days when it’s hard. I’m learning a lot and having fun, though, and that’s what I’m most grateful for. Always!

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!!