Before going to France I was very nervous and apprehensive about going because I did not know what to expect.
           I spent six weeks in Chambéry, France.  Chambéry is a welcoming town nestled in the Alps.  Tourism is booming during the winter for skiing, however tourists are sparse in the Rhône-Alps region during the summer.  Since I was there during June and July, I was one of only a handful of Americans in town.  I really got to have an authentic French experience.      
           Before I went and spent time in France, I had many preconceived ideas about French culture and people.  Most of my opinions about France and French people were based on stereotypes.  It did not take long before all of my stereotypical views were demolished.  Living in the culture and interacting with the people first hand taught me what the culture and people are really like.  I kept an open mind throughout my time in France and was open to new ways of life and ideas.  When going to another country, it is so important to remain open-minded because almost everything contradicts your culture.
           I enjoyed being immersed in the French culture because it forced me to adapt.  I learned to adjust my behavior, actions and mannerisms to blend in.  Through spending time in the authentic daily life, I was able to get a glimpse of everyday customs and behaviors.  I wanted to adapt to the French way of life while I was there to show respect for the culture.  I learned that it is important to be willing to adapt.
           Studying abroad taught me a lot about French culture and language.  It also taught me more about myself and my own culture.  I learned that I can survive and thrive in another country.  It seemed that each day provided a unique challenge, but each day I conquered another part of life and learned from it.  I also learned to be flexible.  One has to be prepared to deal with the unexpected and accommodate changes in plans.  I was able to take a deeper look at American culture as well.  I learned that our culture has different goals and values than French culture.  Our world views and perspectives are completely different as a result of history and culture.   While my study abroad increased my knowledge of the French language, it made me more aware of my culture and personal self.