The Beauty in the Struggle: Experiences as an Exchange Student in Stockholm

If you’re someone who feels like they haven’t experienced living a life full of constant emotions (the good and the bad kinds), spontaneity and adventure, and new people and surroundings, you just might want to choose to travel outside of your comfort zone.

This may sound daring and make you feel a bit anxious, but believe me, this decision is worth it. It can not only teach you more about the world around you, but also so much more about yourself.

Black History Month, From an African Perspective

Having lived in different countries, my perception of Black History Month has shifted a lot depending on the countries I’ve lived in. The idea of celebrating black history in this way was first introduced to me when I moved from Senegal to Canada and I quickly realized that it was a very important topic to many.

Going abroad however made me realize how particularly important this topic is in the United States, in comparison to Canada or Senegal. Here, Black History Month is the celebration of the achievements by African Americans. During the month of February, this celebration reminds us of the important role of African Americans in history.

But this celebration differs from society to society.

Halloween: France vs. USA

I finally celebrated my first Halloween!

I mean, I celebrated Halloween before, in my home country, but as a kid. Back then, I would only put on a costume around 6 p.m. and would go for a stroll with other disguised pals around my block. We would just ask for sweets and then come back home, individually.

The last “trick and treat” stroll I made was around age 14.

No, I Don’t Mean Australia … I mean Austria!

Over the weekend, I traveled to arguably one of my favorite places in Europe: Vienna, Austria. Austria is a German speaking country in central Europe that is known for its lovely café culture, being the center of many art movements, and being home to classical music and picturesque mountain ranges. However, as a newcomer to this land of mountains, I had no idea what really set it apart from Germany, which is also home to some of these things. Turns out, Austria is more than the Canada to Germany’s United States.

Flirting: American And French Ways

As you read in my previous articles, I am struggling quite a bit with the whole flirting process here in America compared to France. After few weeks of living here, I started to come up with some individual assumptions, and I was really starting to wonder if I was right or wrong. In order to be sure, I made a form asking American and French people their thoughts. Today, I am really happy to share the results with you!

The Earth Is Round For You to Come Back Home At The End

I’ve always dreamed about coming to California. I remember, since I was a little girl, I had posters of San Francisco on my room walls. I learned about the history of the country, its system, and all the music and classic movies you are used to.

A Change of Pace

It’s been a month since I first packed up the necessities of my life and traveled across the country to live in an unfamiliar place. To me, college has made me realize that home really isn’t about the place I grew up or the feeling of familiarity I get when I walk into my room. To me, home is more the feeling of comfort I get when I am with the people who are part of my life. So when I first arrived in Spain, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to find that here.

American Pride & French Prejudice

Americans are really proud. Proud of who they are, proud of where they live and proud of what they do. They also want to share it to others, which creates a very strong community spirit. This is very interesting for me as a French exchange student, because it is considered very haughty to be proud in France. Let me illustrate this thought with three examples!

When the Free and Friendly American Guy Met the Traditional and Cold French Girl

American and French people know each other, and have been in a very nice relationship for years. French people admire the way Americans stand for their opinions and are confident in themselves, and American people are amazed by French artistic heritage and charming ways. But what happens when they both really get intimate?

Cultural Learning Curves in the U.K.

Though the skies aren’t as sunny as San Diego, the U.K. is certainly a beautiful place. There’s a lot I can say about my first couple weeks abroad, but I thought I’d share a few of my first impressions.