2 Languages, a Job, and No Student Debt
"This version of me, the one that thinks in French and knows another mode of life, would never have existed if I stayed in the US. The change that incurs only adds to your identity."
- Name: Siobhan DONOVAN
- Degree: Licence en Communication / Bachelor's degree in Communications
- Duration of the stay: 2 years
- Current situation: I am currently in my second year of studying communications at Université Lumière Lyon II
Why did you decide to study in France?
As an American high school student, there were a lot of things about college that I wasn’t looking forward to: being stuck in my hometown, with the same faces, the sports culture, the dorm life, the debt…
France was an opportunity to embark on a new adventure: I wanted to live in a big city, be immersed in a foreign language, challenge myself with new ways of thinking. Two years later, I’m still so glad I made the leap.
How has your experience in France contributed to your personal and professional goals?
For starters, I now speak two languages. I have no student debt. I had the fortune of finding a job at a tech startup upon arriving in the country. That’s resume gold. As for personal experience, I’ve been able to travel all over Europe, consume ungodly amounts of cheese and wine, and meet wonderful friends of all different nationalities.
Can you tell us a little anecdote or memory of your stay in France?
Blocage. It’s a word you’ll quickly become familiar with upon moving to France. During my first year of university, my second semester was interrupted by a months long student protest that resulted in our finals being canceled. I remember thinking “Wow, this would never happen in the US”. Since then, I’ve embraced it. This is France, people protest here. It can be annoying when the bus doesn’t show up or if the school is shut down but it’s also part of why I love France. (Obligatory disclaimer: it didn't impact my grades, most teachers let us email written essays for credit.)
In one sentence, for you, what was unique about your experience of studying in France?
In the US I would not have been able to meet the people I know today nor would I have ‘discovered’ this part of myself.
This version of me, the one that thinks in French and knows another mode of life, would never have existed if I stayed in the US. The change that incurs only adds to your identity. Now I’m able to enjoy new books, new art, new conversations that previously would have been unattainable. It’s kind of like unlocking a new level in life. It’s is a challenging experience but one that’s incredibly rewarding.
