The last night. Well it’s the end of my study abroad experience and I can’t put into words the emotions I’m feeling. I had looked forward to studying abroad for so long. I had dreamed of what France would be like. I had planned all the countries I wanted to visit. I had wondered who I would become friends with. And now 4 months and a few days later it’s all over.
This was one of the greatest semesters of my life. I did very little schoolwork, made amazing friends from all over the world, traveled around Europe and even to Africa, ate baguettes and truly lived. I’ve always heard that French people know how to live. Well this is very true. I have to say that my favorite memories of study abroad revolve around coffee or meals. You see, here they take time with them. If you had told me that I would spend two hours at dinner every night and enjoy it, I would have thought you were crazy, but it became a way of life. The amount I have laughed while here is just insane. I have been made fun of for the way I speak not only French but also English. I have tripped going up and down the stairs. I have done cartwheels in the park and splits in the hallway. France made me realize that it really is the little things in life.
I have bettered my French. Six and a half years of French couldn’t have prepared me for this. I had no idea that French people would say things like “en fait” or “donc euhhh” or “c’est marant” all the time. Now I hear them coming out of my mouth and I’m always a little shocked. I’ve learned that French people don’t say “I am here” and instead prefer “I am there” even though they are here. I’ve learned that you can use “truc” for just about anything. It means thing and is great when you can’t think of a word. Somehow I took 8 classes ALL in French, some even with French students and yea it was sometimes difficult to understand but it was so worth it. And hey as of now I have grades back for 7 of the classes and I’ve passed them all so go me!
I’ll miss a lot about this place. I’ll miss a lot about this experience. Nothing could replace it. I will always have the memories. I love this place. I love these people. Lille, France will always be home to a little piece of my heart.
There’s a movie called “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis” and it’s about people of this region aka Ch’tis. There’s a quote in it that sums up my feelings perfectly. “Quand on vient dans la Nord on braie 2 fois: quand on arrive et quand on repart.” It says that one goes to the North one cries (like a donkey so really intensely) twice: once when they arrive and once when they leave.
As Sadie said to me tonight, A bientôt. (See you soon)
