About three years ago, I was fortunate enough to take my first true leap outside of my comfort zone by traveling to a foreign country. With the support of my family, I flew out to France for nearly three weeks. After sending my sister off on numerous trips, I had seen the homesickness and culture shock that would come from going abroad. Although I was terrified, I had some insight after hosting a student from France for three weeks my freshman year of high school. After hosting, I was excited to see what else was out there. I had learned so much about the differences between our cultures, that I was excited to see how I could learn and grow through traveling. So, when I could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance after a 7 hour flight, I almost had tears in my eyes from excitement.
I had dreamt of going to Paris my entire life (I mean, who hasn't?), there was something about the French culture that drew me in. Whether it be the language of love, the exquisite French cuisine, or the history, I was intrigued.
During my trip, I was fortunate enough to live with a host family for a seven days. Although this was one of the best experiences of my life, it also posed the most challenges. With the language barrier, the jet lag, and the homesickness, I was experiencing first-hand culture shock; something I knew was very real but also never put into perspective for myself. I was exhausted from my plane ride, and honestly all I wanted to do was curl up in a ball, cry, and speak in English. And although this would have been the easier route, I forced myself into staying out in the living room with my family. I did my best to speak French and helped my host brother, Théo, speak English. With the help of the father, Christian, the seven days I spent with them wasn't too difficult as far as the language barrier goes. On my 6th night, I found myself crying to be leaving them. Although it wasn't an easy seven days, it was definitely the most rewarding. I have to thank the my host family for being the most welcoming group of people I have ever met.
The next step on my itinerary was enjoying the beautiful scenery France has to offer. From there, I spent the rest of my time with my French class along with other French classes from around the country. We explored Sélestat, Chamonix, Paris, while spending some time in Switzerland and Germany. This was a trip of a lifetime.
I could go on for hours, days even, as to what I learned. Within three weeks, I noticed that I had a different perspective on the way I lived, on the way Americans live, and the way I view different cultures. Although I take pride in being an American, I could not be happier to live in a world with such cultural differences.
Like I said, culture shock is real. But so very rewarding. I think that it's important that everyone go out and explore this beautiful world that we live in. You'd be amazed at what's out there when you jump out of your comfort zone.
