Taking The First Step 

When I was officially accepted to my study abroad program in Aix-en-Provence my first thought was, “Woah, I’ve got to start telling the people in my life that I am going to live abroad!” Unsurprisingly, there is no subtle way to slip that into conversation, but family, friends, and community members were delighted and curious!  

Initiating the first steps towards living in France, and moving away from the United States for a semester, created a thrum of nervous excitement in the pit of my stomach. As my US-centered world began to discover I was taking this opportunity to go abroad, everyone had questions about what my life in France would be like. It was scary to realize that I could not answer their questions…a part of what I was signing up for is experiencing a new culture firsthand.  

I realized that rather than allowing worry to form and associating it with my upcoming trip, it was much more pleasant to let friends and family know, “I don’t have an answer to that yet, but I promise I will find out and tell you all about it!” As I was taking on this venture, I kept working towards pushing my mentality to be eager and positive about what was to come. 

Travel Preparation 

Luckily, amongst the social buzz centered around my upcoming experience, CEA CAPA had the technical aspects laid out before me using my favorite productivity system: A CEA CAPA TO-DO List.  

• Step #1: Say YES to your study abroad experience. 

• Step #2: Be excited! Take on the preparation for your journey. 

It’s not always easy to “take on the world” without having done it before. In this, I was happy to let CEA CAPA guide me through the process. For travel preparation aspects, such as passport details or booking a flight, they provided advice and a timeline. This method of accountability and passed-down wisdom was perfect for what I needed. It was empowering to pour over Skyscanner and boldly book the flight that I preferred. Their methods also spoke to the importance of independence while studying and traveling abroad. By following along with the staggered tasks on CEA CAPA’s to-do list, I completed all of the technical elements that were paving the way for this voyage…! On to the next step! 

What do YOU want your experience to be? 

Do you ever pass time by imagining what life would be like if you had more time or different circumstances? Well, my circumstances were changing, so it was time to reflect (I chose to journal) on what I wanted my life to look like while in France. A few of my goals are to explore France as opportunities arise and also to build a community while I am here.  

Cassis, France with CEA CAPA: an impressionable, nature-filled trip. 

It was a comfort to have a solidified idea of what my life would look like and also of what I am working towards! Already I have visited Lyon, Marseille, and Cassis and they were inspiring places to experience. In Aix-en-Provence where I live, I have begun to find community in muti-lingual Bible studies, with classmates at my university, or even by frequenting the bakery of my choice. It is not every day that you are offered the opportunity to reimagine and begin a new lifestyle, so consider what you want for your life abroad! 

Boat tour with CEA CAPA in Cassis: exploring the Calanques! 

My first view of Marseille: Notre-Dame de la Garde, which I hiked to experience later. 

A Gentle Arrival  

One of the aspects that CEA CAPA is very involved in is the arrival process, and thank goodness because their support eased the intimidation of taking on a new living situation, city, country, culture, and language. My study abroad group has two CEA CAPA staff members, Aisling and Isabelle, who were present to welcome me when I first arrived at my new apartment. They introduced me to my two roommates and showed us the quirks and helpful information about our new living arrangement, as well as directed us towards some good restaurants for our first night in Aix. They were not only welcoming and encouraging, but also fully available for any questions we had. The next day, our program orientation began… 

The view from my new apartment window; truly one of my favorite things. 

Orientation is a rather stuffy word to describe the wealth of knowledge Aisling and Isabelle shared with us over the first three days of being in Aix. They discussed in depth subjects such as: 

• Culture and culture shocks in France 

• How to be involved in the community here 

• What support is available for us 

• An abundance of information on life in Aix, our new home 

Aisling and Isabelle both came from a background of living or studying in Aix-en-Provence so my study abroad group and I were immediately given a local’s perspective—something that can take years to acquire. Aisling and Isabelle expressed their availability for guidance during our time with CEA CAPA and I was immediately relieved and comforted to have a connection with a team that is based in the same city as me. Even through my small questions, such as asking for a great café recommendation, they are continually kind and eager to add to our individual experiences.  

We closed out our orientation with a beautiful tour of Aix, led by a charming French tour guide. Walking the streets with the people I had just met, but were taking on this adventure beside me was also encouraging…the shared thrum of excitement for what is to come is entirely hopeful.