Victoria Amandia Nze, a senior at Coe College who is majoring in international business and public relations, had some unexpected experiences when she went to study abroad in Northern France during fall of 2024. 

She noted that moving to a new country is often full of surprises because daily life can be quite different from what one is used to. Also, adjusting to these changes takes time and patience. 

One of the biggest changes she faced was getting used to smaller living spaces. She found herself in a room that was just 11 feet wide, much smaller than what she was used to back in the United States, and she felt uncomfortable the majority of the time. Luckily, a kind host family offered her a place to stay, but the rooms there were still small by American standards. However, it wasn’t just the size of the rooms that was different.

Victoria said, "The US is known for big houses with spacious rooms, big food portions, big drinking sizes and over there in France, it was very abnormal." In the US, people are used to large spaces and big servings of food, while in France, everything seemed smaller and more measured. French people generally live with a focus on moderation and balance, which is different from the big and plentiful lifestyle Victoria was used to in America.

Adapting to these differences was crucial for fully experiencing the culture.

Her study abroad experience made Victoria think more broadly about different ways of living. Small spaces made her more organized, and smaller food portions made her appreciate the taste and quality of French food. This cultural experience gave her new insights into how the French live and showed her the importance of adjusting to different environments.

Embracing these differences is important for personal and educational growth, especially when exploring new cultures. 

Language was another challenge for her in Valenciennes. Although her classes were in English, everyday interactions required different communication skills. Victoria noted, "In fact I used a lot of Google Translate," showing how she relied on technology to help with language barriers. Her classes included many French students eager to improve their English. Yet, outside the classroom, talking with locals required creativity and patience. Victoria often used hand gestures combined with basic French to communicate, adding humor to these exchanges. This bilingual approach enriched her experience and highlighted cultural interactions beyond her studies.

On other hand, at school the language barrier continued to be tough for Victoria. Even though professors spoke English, misunderstandings often happened when translating terms, causing confusion and frustration. It sometimes felt like words got "mixed up" or had different meanings from what she knew.

These misunderstandings made it hard to keep up with the coursework and express her ideas clearly during discussions and exams. Socially, language issues were also present. Some students, not used to hearing English, quickly made fun of her accent or word choices. This teasing made her feel out of place, especially in the French-speaking area of northern France. Students who could have been friends sometimes were the source of discomfort, making her feel lonely. "I struggled a lot making friends," Victoria reflects, realizing how language, meant for communication, sometimes created barriers. Her attempts to have simple conversations often drew curious and sometimes mocking attention, reminding her that she was different.

Despite this, some people were genuinely interested in learning from her and bridging the cultural gap. Through these interactions, Victoria slowly found a place of understanding and acceptance.

Despite these challenges, Victoria believes studying abroad is a chance no one should miss. "I will say, do it," she encourages with enthusiasm. She knows it involves both good and bad experiences, but insists it widens one's view of the world in profound ways.

Facing obstacles and negativity is normal, but the enriching experience of living and learning in a foreign culture is worth it. This exposure not only expands knowledge but also develops personal growth and adaptability that can change one's life. Though, she emphasizes that tackling these challenges is what makes the experience rewarding, offering lessons and insights that remain valuable throughout life.

Stereotypes about Victoria's American background, especially her connection to Chicago, were deeply stuck in her international classmates' minds. Their questions often seemed insensitive, with some even asking her, "How are you not dead right now?" These interactions were both surprising and emotionally draining, leading her to spend time alone for reflection. "Sometimes I took a lot of breaks just sitting in my room because I just needed time for myself," she admits, highlighting the need for self-care amidst constant misconceptions. 

Battling these stereotypes was tough. Despite her efforts to educate others about her culture, Victoria often felt overlooked, especially as a woman. Even more, her insights on gender inequality were frequently ignored, highlighting the gender biases that made her situation harder. And her determination to overcome these problems reflects a broader story of tackling stereotype-based dialogues through patience and self-preservation.

She eventually became accepted by classmates, fellow students, and people in Valenciennes after spending 4 months living there. By adopting the fashionable style of northern France, including puffer jackets, red lipstick, and chic scarves, she not only changed her appearance but also her connection with the residents. This transformation was key; it wasn't just about clothes but about becoming part of the culture. Changing her behavior and dress signaled respect and invited mutual understanding. "When I talked less and dressed how they would view the women, I was getting a lot more respect," she recounts, showing how adapting was crucial for her interactions and relationships. 

Victoria's story shows how challenging it can be to learn and teach in a new culture. It's important for everyone to be understanding and patient. She learned to balance her own identity with respecting other people's cultures, which made it easier for everyone to get along.

Her experience reflects a common struggle people face when they encounter new cultures: the need to adapt while wanting to be accepted and respected. Although early adjustments might help someone fit in, the real growth comes from learning from each other and sharing experiences.

This deeper exchange makes living together a richer experience for everyone.

Gad Kanago is a hardworking senior at Coe College, studying both Environmental and Communication Studies. He's really interested in how nature and society connect, which guides his studies. Gad loves sports too. He's been part of cross country and track for over ten years, showing how committed he is and how much he enjoys running.

Besides school and sports, Gad loves art. He spends his free time drawing and painting, which helps him express himself and unwind. Looking ahead, Gad wants to go to grad school to study environmental law. His goal is to make a big difference by protecting the environment. He plans to use his communication skills and knowledge about the environment to support better practices and policies for a sustainable future.  

All photos courtesy and copyright Victoria Amandia Nze, published with permission