Inside Student Blogs

Salut from the UK!

I’m currently holed up at a friend’s home in London, England, wearing thick leggings, socks, and a “jumper” (otherwise known as a sweater to the more American among us). It’s dreary and cold outside, with little prospects for improvement tonight. To be honest it’s a bit strange having come just days ago from sunny, humid Pennsylvania! I am also realizing that I will probably need to buy a thicker coat for the Nantes-ian weather; apparently a lot like London in the rain and temperature.

I’m here in my hometown for a week to see friends and family before embarking on a short flight via Flybe to my final destination for the next four(ish) months: Nantes, France. I actually think it will work to my advantage having gotten adjusted to five of the six hours time difference before the rest of my compatriots arrive. At least I can be lively and energetic while the rest of them are dealing with the evil that is jet lag.

I think my stomach may be having it’s usual nervous pangs in response to the knowledge that I am ever closer to my study abroad destination. I’ve been trying to ignore many thoughts about it because I think it is better for me to try and live moment by moment rather than allowing myself to worry. I know that my host family (though hopefully not all–they have two 21s, a 19, and a 12 year old) is kindly picking me up from Nantes Airport and bringing me to the IES center, which is certainly one less thing to worry about. Aside from that it is nerve-wracking realizing I’m soon going to have to communicate solely in French (at which I currently feel rather incompetent), and try to make friends with a completely new group of people within a matter of days. Not to mention we will not know our classes nor even our orientation destination beforehand. I suppose it is these unknowns that makes the trip slightly scary. Though at the same time unknowns make it exciting and, in some ways, liberating! I’m feeling independent and intrepid, and for the most part ready to face what challenges may come.

Challenges I foresee in the not-so-distant-future: figuring out Euros. ordering wine. communicating that I am a semi-Vegetarian who would rather not eat meat (especially the red kind) but will if it is too inconvenient or rude not to.

Until France, Adieu!

Lindsay

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