Lacoste Big 5 is a recurring column highlighting the experiences of the Connector news-editor, while studying abroad in France.
Studying film abroad for a whole summer was the thrill of a lifetime. Especially since I had never lived outside of America. After exploring everything that I enjoyed and hated, I settled on a list of top things I learned through all the ups, downs, and the drama that inevitably occurred.
1. Travel with a buddy
The older I get, the more I admire solo-travel. There’s something courageous and rewarding about being an adult traversing the world. But in today’s time, it can be scary for many apparent reasons.
During Bastille Day, we had taken a field trip to downtown Avignon for local festivities. It wasn’t long before we were approached by an odd teenage girl who alleged that she was lost. She spoke fluent English, but had weird marker writings on her arm and seemed a bit sketchy. She made a couple successful attempts to lure an eager-to-help female from our group to her aid. After our French chaperone assisted, we discovered that she spoke fluent French and we were able to help her get to her destination. But after some speculation and discussion about sex-trafficking tactics, we don’t know if we believe the strange story that she had given us. Nonetheless, I hope that the girl is ok.
It would be wise, if possible, to travel with a friend or two when going abroad for an extended time. Research the area you will be living in and sharpen up on safety skills and measures. You never know who might be watching you while you’re out at the local café, follow you home to your dorm and try to enter without your permission. Always stay alert and stay safe.
2. Learn the language
I told myself I would study up on French before going on an eight-week stay. But life’s tornado blew me in every direction except towards the best language teaching app. So, I went to France blind, barely knowing how to say “bonjour.” Bad move.
The French are a very prideful nation. What I noticed is that even if you have the worst French accent and minimal vocabulary, making an effort to speak the language will get you farther than using an app or just asking if they speak English…in English. Learn the language. Even the basics – “how much does this cost?” or “bathrooms please?”
There may or may not have been an instance or two of us Americans getting cursed out in French. And one day after saying hello to some town folk, I over heard them speaking French and saying something about a “Black American.” To this day I wish I knew what they said.
3. Save, save, save
The cost to study abroad is already a pretty penny. Throw in shopping, dining, and extra travel, and you’re just about ready to file for bankruptcy. I will make no false claim that this trip was not expensive.
Luckily, I had financial aid to cover the bulk of the expenses for tuition and travel. But I was left to cover the deposit of $875 in addition to my plane ticket which was around $1700. If you are not financially able to travel, that’s ok. Remember there is financial aid, grants, and scholarships specifically designed for study abroad endeavors. Be aggressive with planning and saving so that you can soak up the trip without financial burdens. Also, note that the US dollar has less value than the Euro, be wary when calculating the exchange rate.
4. R-e-s-p-e-c-t
Common sense is highly uncommon. Respect is becoming a lost virtue by the day. The way some people were raised like wild animals becomes more evident the more time you spend with them.
Week one started off sweet and serene. By week six, the students were receiving emails left and right denouncing egregious behavior. Everything from cigarette butts being left all about, evidence of alcohol, and damage to furniture was happening. I am happy that the students did take accountability for their actions, but not without some finger-pointing and a little reprimanding.
It doesn’t cost anything to show courtesy and appreciation. Some of us know how to party. I didn’t realize how loud we actually are until this summer excursion, after being told to “please shut up” by a dear French villager making her best effort to politely quiet us with limited English words. Respect extends beyond someone’s physical body but also to property. French statues hold high worth. So, let’s not climb up on them. You wouldn’t want to fall off and break your arm. After all, how could students ever cover that up?
5. Be open minded
I recommend leaving all stereotypes, past experiences and pre-conceived notions at home when visiting a new unexplored part of the world. Humans have a tendency to over-judge people, especially outsiders to their community. There is so much to learn through surveying different cultures. If you remain open, you may learn a cool technique in cooking, a different method of communication, or even a new love language. Be completely open to the experience.
I was warned by many people before arriving to Europe to be open minded. It was made apparent that my African and American heritage would come into observance at some point. I was told that it would be both a source of good conversation and interest, as well as externalized judgement or condemnation.
Nothing would have quite prepared me for some of the weighty things I experienced in this regard, but I am happy to have been able to examine them. By the end of the trip, I had learned that my happiness will always come down to me. You can not control the behaviors and thoughts of others. But by your own actions, you can influence others for the better. Stay humble and positive, and let the chips fall where they may. You don’t have to take everything personal. Lastly, an intelligent person will always adapt, no matter what the circumstance.
I hope that I was able to provide a little clarity and insight into what studying abroad at SCAD Lacoste is like. Being a double minority here in the US makes for some stern internalized issues. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to shake and recalibrate them. Future students may go to France and have a completely different experience than myself. And, that’s ok. However, it was important for me to highlight certain aspects to give others real perspective. It meant so much for me to do this honestly and openly.
Regardless of what went down, I will always value and cherish the memories we created over the summer of 2023. Overall, I sincerely urge everyone to study abroad somewhere, or simply visit Europe for a while if you ever get the chance. 10 out of 10, highly recommend.
Lastly, I would like to extend a huge special thanks to Flo, Antoine and the amazing Lacoste faculty and staff for their humility and kindness, and for making last summer one for the books. A la prochaine fois, merci beaucoup!
