At the mere age of three, my parents whisked me away from my small town in New Jersey to the large city of Grenoble, France. Suddenly, I was living in a new house, hearing a new language, and stuck with no way to make friends. Yet week by week, and month by month, I slowly adapted to my new way of life in the city. As a toddler, I did not have the capacity or intelligence to understand and appreciate what a gift I was given by living in another country for most of my childhood. Twelve years later, I have finally come to realize what a beautiful experience France was, and why it is possible the best thing to ever happen to me.
1. I learned a second language.
This is the most obvious reason why my time abroad is as important to me as it is. It also happens to be the reason I am able to communicate with the vast majority of Europeans. Speaking French gives me access to learn about other people’s lives in their own words, not the words of Google translate.
2. While appreciating the vastness of our planet, I actually learned how small the world actually is.
As you travel, you notice bits and pieces of each new country’s culture, and how different they are from your own. Yet, at the same time, you begin to realize how similar they all are. Become conscious of this helped me understand the how large our planet can be, but also how connected and close we all are at the same time.
3. Croissants are, hands down, the best breakfast food ever.
And the French isn't bad, either.
4. When I talk to people about their lives outside of the United States, it makes me appreciate what my country has to offer.
From my friends in France, to my aunt in Greece, each person I meet has something that makes him or her and their culture unique. French crème brulé is “très delicieux,” while Greek sunsets are irreplaceable, yet nothing can capture my heart like American fireworks in the black sky.
5. I always have a fantastic conversation starter.
Having a factoid about myself secured is always really helpful, especially for those awkward icebreaker games on the first day of school.
6. Sometimes, I feel like Hannah Montana, where I get to live the “best of both worlds.”
Because, really, who doesn’t want to be a rock star?
7. I see the world from so many different perspectives.
Having the capability to see and understand things differently than the next person is a fantastic advantage. Growing up in a diverse city approximately 2,000 miles away from New Jersey really helped me view my life (and the lives of others) in a whole new light. This global perspective, which is prominent in others who have lived abroad as well, will help shape the global world of tomorrow.
8. It has made me appreciate both the United States and France.
After learning to adapt to a new lifestyle, I gained tools to better understand cultures outside of Grenoble. In the future, this will enable me to better understand and appreciate other cultures as I continue to travel and broaden my horizons.
