Time Flies: Reflecting on the First Half of My Semester in Grenoble

In only a couple days I will be at the halfway point of my study abroad experience in Grenoble. Whenever I think about that, I become filled with so many conflicting emotions: relief that I’ve made it this far; excitement that it won’t be too long before I get to go home to family, friends, and my dog; anticipation at what the rest of this semester will be like and what it will be like to be back in the USA; and then sadness that what could be called one of the best times of my life so far will come to an end. This point has come far quicker than I imagined, which only means that these last months will also pass by quickly.

It hasn’t all been perfect. There have been times of tears, of frustration, and even of hopelessness. It isn’t always easy to leave everything you’re used to and live in a different country, with a different language and culture, and with a host family you only just met. At the same time, though, there are even more great times; even more unforgettable experiences, and it is these that make it all worth it. There is so much to be happy about and excited about that, for me, it has surpassed anything else.

I have seen places I never thought I would see and havedone things I never thought I would do.

I remember when I was younger I used to think that I would never, ever live with a host family in a completely foreign country in which I didn’t really know the language, but here I am, in France, doing all of that. I exited my comfort zone, and I have no regrets. I’m living in Grenoble with a family that only speaks French, and I’m really loving it. While my experience has been far from perfect, it really has been wonderful so far, and I’ve already learned so much. The first half of this program has flown by, so here’s to the last half, and all it has in store for me.

This post was contributed by Abigail Fleugge, who is studying abroad with AIFS in Grenoble, France.