Having spent eight months abroad already, and with two months left to go, there are so many different things I would love to share about my incredible year abroad thus far.
When preparing for your year abroad, everyone tends to say, “It will be the best year of your life,” “It was such a rewarding experience,” and I am shamelessly joining that bandwagon. Throughout my time in Paris, Munich, Genoa, and Parma, I have had so many unique and memorable experiences, and it’s impossible to share them all, so I have tried my best to narrow it down.
Erasmus
For Europe-bound students, I couldn’t recommend Erasmus enough! I arrived in Paris on 1 July, when most sensible people enjoyed a bit of a holiday before starting their year abroad. I knew no one and, as an intern, I didn’t have an easy opportunity to meet others as a university goer who can talk to other students on their course.
As it was mid-summer, when everyone leaves Paris, there were also very few students in the city. However, I simply messaged on the Paris Erasmus Whatsapp group to see if anyone wanted to meet. Little did I know at the time that I would make such incredible, lasting friendships with these people from all over the World (Italy, Lebanon, Belarus, Serbia, USA…). I have also used Erasmus in Genoa, and there are always events set up to meet friends, so get involved, you won’t regret it!
Working in a French office
There is nothing that can help you more than working in an office which solely speaks the language that you are studying. Of course, at the start, it was rather nerve-racking and slightly intimidating, but I progressively settled in and became a true part of the team. It was so rewarding to see my language and confidence improve, and by the end, I was joking with my bosses and colleagues over leaving drinks at Christmas.
Exploring
I spent as much time as possible out and about, walking, cycling, on a bus or tram, trying to discover new places, looking to spot a cool-looking bar or bakery. For someone who loves walking, this was ideal for me to get to know where I was living, and this way, I found regular spots where I would go over and over again. One of my favourite walks was in Genoa, when I walked around the coast, overlooking the sea, in glorious sunshine, around to a cute, well-known beach town called Boccadasse, where I rewarded myself with a gelato!
Going with the flow
I am a fan of trying new things out and seeing where they lead me. This time last year, I never thought that I would have joined a squash and a darts club in Paris, nor was I planning on joining a hiking group. What I’m trying to say is that there are so many opportunities out there, and wherever you go, you will experience something different and amazing.
I loved trying new foods, doing new activities, and meeting new people. One of my favourite moments so far was my international Christmas dinner, where all of my friends came together and cooked a dish from their country to share with the rest of us. It was slightly embarrassing showing off cauliflower cheese compared to my Lebanese friend’s Tabbouleh, but it was such a nice moment to share a little part of home with each other.
All in all, this last year has been full of such incredible experiences, and I will treasure so many times and memories with people that I have met on my travels.
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