My Study abroad experience in Montpellier, France was challenging and transformative. It helped shape my academic growth, cultural understanding, and even my own identity. Before arriving, I had three primary goals. The first was to improve my confidence in speaking French. The second goal was to immerse myself in French culture. The third goal was to learn how to cook authentic French meals. While I made progress in all of these areas, my experience ultimately shifted from just meeting these goals to actually developing a deeper understanding of cultural differences and learning how to adapt within them. 

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     One of the first moments of culture shock and the first time I saw these differences was when I was living with my host family. I quickly noticed differences in daily habits, particularly regarding cleanliness. In my home in the USA, I was used to taking 30min steaming-hot showers every night and sometimes twice a day during the summer. That is not the same standard in France. I was told and expected to maintain a 5min shower with warm or slightly hot water, but not steaming. I learned quickly the importance of water use and that different parts of the world are more conscientious about their utility use. I learned that these practices weren’t wrong, but reflective of different cultural norms and values. I learned how to understand a culture based on its own standards, rather than judging it by my own. 

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     Another cultural aspect that stood out most to me was the difference in perceptions of time and the pace of life. In France, particularly in Montpellier, life felt more balanced and intentional. While people worked hard during their jobs, their lives outside of work were just as lively, if not more. Outside of work, people live. It was common to see people sitting at cafes before work, taking walks, or spending time with friends and family. This was very different from the fast-paced, productivity-driven lifestyle I was used to in the United States. In American culture, there is a greater emphasis on constant activity and efficiency, whereas in France, there is a greater emphasis on enjoying the present moment. You can really see how symbolic culture can be in this way. The cafe culture, for example, is not just about drinking coffee. It also shows a social connection, relaxation, and a collective value placed on being present. 

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     Despite these differences, I also noticed similarities between the two cultures. One of the most surprising similarities was the presence of strong political divisions. Like in the United States, people in France expressed clear opinions about politics, often aligning themselves with one side. They were also highly interested in foreign politics, especially within the United States. It was very clear to me that across the world, the United States was a very big, domineering country. Every move we made had an effect worldwide. I also saw that cultures are not as isolated as they once were, but are influenced by globalization and shared global conversations.

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     One of the most meaningful aspects of my experience was becoming involved in an international church community. This environment brought together individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds who shared a common goal of learning French and building a life in France. Through this community, I formed meaningful relationships and experienced a stronger sense of belonging than I had anticipated. It was particularly impactful to see people at different stages of their language and cultural journeys, which helped me realize that growth wasn’t always linear. This experience taught me to slow down, embrace mistakes, and appreciate progress rather than perfection. 

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     However, my experience was not without challenges. One of the most difficult aspects was dealing with loneliness and insecurity, especially at the beginning of my stay. I was initially embarrassed by my limited French, which led me to withdraw and avoid interactions. Over time, particularly through my involvement in the church, I gained the confidence to engage in conversations despite my mistakes. This safe and encouraging environment allowed me to practice speaking with others who were also navigating language barriers. Eventually, I found myself having conversations with strangers on public transportation and ordering food at restaurants without anxiety. This growth marked a significant turning point in my experience and demonstrated the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. 

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     Another important aspect of my experience was how others perceived me. As an American, I was often immediately recognized as an outsider. While I initially felt self-conscious about this, I eventually came to embrace it as part of my identity. Rather than trying to fully assimilate, I learned to appreciate the perspective I brought as an American while also respecting and adapting to French culture. This shift in mindset contributed to a broader sense of self-awareness and confidence.

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     Overall, my study abroad experience significantly impacted how I view myself and others. It challenged my preconceived notions and taught me to approach different cultures with humility and openness. I learned that behaviors considered polite or normal in one culture may not be perceived the same way in another. This realization has made me more inclusive and less judgmental, as I now recognize the importance of understanding context before forming opinions. 

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     Academically, this experience enriched my understanding of cross-cultural communication and global perspectives, which are directly relevant to my studies in international business. Beyond improving my language skills, I gained practical experience in navigating cultural differences and building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. These skills will be valuable in my future career, where the ability to understand and adapt to different cultural contexts is essential.

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     In conclusion, my time in Montpellier was more than an opportunity to study abroad. It was a period of personal and cultural growth. While I began with specific goals related to language and cultural immersion, I left with a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, adaptability, and my own identity. This experience has had a lasting impact on how I interact with others and how I view the world, reinforcing the importance of openness, empathy, and continuous learning.