Study Abroad Stories Series: Düsseldorf
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Name: Camille B.
Age: 16 years old
Grade: 11th grade Bac
Exchange Program with the Lycée Français de Düsseldorf – 3 months
What motivated you to participate in the program?
I wanted to discover another country, another culture and improve in the language since I am studying German. This program was also the perfect way to discover something new and make new friends. I am an impulsive person and when I first heard of the possibility I really wanted to do it and try something new.
Outside the classroom, what did you learn from your exchange? In what ways have you changed?
I have become more social and open-minded because even though my exchange partner and I really got along, we did not have the same group of friends. I wanted to make friends on my own. I also learned to not be scared of trying to talk even if you are not good in the language. Most people will help you, especially when you are going out with friends who speak the language.
Any cultural differences you noticed? Anything you did not expect?
I ate a very different breakfast compared to what I am used to! I usually do not really eat in the morning, but my family ate ham and cheese in the morning which was a little bit weird for me at first. They also did not eat a real meal for dinner, it was usually a sort of sandwich. After my host family realized I was surprised by it, they decided to cook meals for dinner because I was not used to sandwiches and it was super nice of them to do that.
Tell us your funniest moment? What’s your favorite memory?
My favorite memory was when I went on a trip with the school to England. Half of the 10th and 11th graders were there, and we had a really fun time!
What would you tell a student who wants to study abroad?
I would tell them to not think that an exchange program is easy. You are alone in a family you do not know and even if it is an exchange between French schools, you will still have to talk in the language in the streets with strangers and at the school.
What was it like to live with a host family?
My host family was super nice. At first, it is awkward and you do not really know how to act around them but progressively they become a second family and you'll even stay in touch for several years. My family and my host family, we went together on vacation!
What do you want to do with this experience you have had?
This experience proved to me that even though I am not the best at German, I still want to continue learning this language. I am also less scared about doing something similar in the future.