During the pre departure orientation, we discudssed different situations, in which one, being from America, would most likely react differently to someone being from Europe. In many aspects, I believe I have a certain advantage over many people since I grew up in a “french” (kind of) and venezuelan household. I have traveled to visit my family in France several times, and I am very familiar with the language. These aspects, while they might seem very basic, will be very helpfulf for me to fully induldge myself in the culture. It will also facilitate the whole transission and make it easier for me than it would be for other students in the same transission.
Assuming most of the people I will meet while studying abroad will be American students as well, I believe my background will give me an upper hand. The one thing I do believe they will have an advantage over me could be the fact that Americans tend to stick more to each other. For me, coming from a different country it might take me a bit longer to integrate myself with them or with which ever group I find to socialize with throughout this semester. Whichever it, I do hope to meet a great group of people, with which I can make some great memories that I can cherish forever. This is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity in my opinion, and I would like to take full advantage of it in every way possible.