I studied abroad in Tours, France in the fall of 2019.  I can say, without a doubt, that my study abroad experience has increased my confidence and proficiency in the language. Before I left for France, I did not participate in class as I did not want to make mistakes. During the first few weeks of my new life in Tours, my professors told me that making mistakes are inevitable and I must mistakes in order to know how to correct them. As the semester went on, I actively participated in class and encouraged professors to tell me my mistakes and how to fix them. The city of Tours will always hold a special place in my heart and will be my home away from home.

While I was in France, I traveled within the country and its bordering countries. I visited Paris (for the fourth time); Mannheim, Germany; Torino, Italy; and Geneva, Switzerland. I had made plans to visit Bordeaux and Strasbourg, but the train strikes made my plans impossible. Now I have a reason to go back! My favorite parts about traveling in Europe is the opportunity to learn the language of the country you are visiting. I got to learn some Italian and German while over there.

My study abroad was the best thing I ever did while at Old Dominion University. I am now confident when speaking French than I was before I left. I actively seek out French speakers at work and in stores and practice my French with them (they never have a problem with it and are more than willing to talk with me). My biggest takeaway from my study abroad is the amazing friends I made. I got to meet plenty of people from around the world. My closest friend is from South Korea and another from Australia and another from Texas (yes, I know, not exactly foreign). I strongly recommend studying abroad, even if the student is not a language major.