As my first semester comes to an end, I have many different emotions. My first emotion is how thankful I am that I’m staying another semester. My French is not nearly at the level I want it to be. A semester is not enough, for me at least, to become fluent in the language. I have improved immensely, but not nearly close to bilingual status, as that’s where I would like to be. I know at the end of my study abroad I will not be bilingual, but I want to be very efficient at the language. Since I’m almost done with my first semester I have learned how I would like to tackle the second semester.
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| Rented out a Chalet with 19 friends in the French Alps. Great way to spend one of our last study abroad adventures together. |
My second emotion is sadness. Being here the year is the best decision I’ve made. However, many study abroad students only stay a semester. Many of my friends are going back to their home and I’m here friendless. Of course, I have a couple great friends who are staying here the year with me. I’m very excited to stay in France with them and have many more adventures. However, many are leaving. I can’t help but feel sad and anxious, as I won’t see them for a long time.
I also feel weird about having to make new friends so fast again. It’s unusual for me. I usually have a few close friends and I’m good. Now I have a huge group of new students coming into the CEA program and I have to remake friends. It’s weird to think about. I just became super close with all my friends and now they’re leaving me. However, I couldn’t be happier to meet such beautiful people and will cherish the moments we’ve had together. I also can’t wait to continue our relationships.
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| Another picture from French Alps. We had many family meals, my favorite was chili (: |
My last emotion is stress, which is very common at the end of a semester. I have very important tests coming up, and it’s very stressful. I cannot wait for the winter break, two more weeks! No classes and I can relax and learn French on my own time.
Brooke Begich is the Fall 2015 CEA MOJO Blogger in Aix En Provence, France. She is currently a Junior at Iowa State University.