ISA Study Abroad in Lille, France

I studied abroad in Lille, France for one month. Going to France was a dream of mine since I was a child. ISA allowed me to achieve this dream while guiding me every step of the way. ISA helped a lot with the anxiety and many things to do when going abroad. In Lille, I got to immerse myself in French language and culture everyday. I was able to learn so much about the history of the area and the culture by just being there, but also through guided tours, and one of my courses called World Class Museums. I also had a French language course that positively challenged me, and immersing myself in the language everyday, both made my French language skills so much better!

Long Live France! I have this hanging on my wall to remind me of my best summer yet. Spending 5 weeks in France gave me the opportunity reach out of my comfort zone and fully immerse myself in a new culture. With teachers from France, Germany, and Britain, I was able to learn more about the world, the French language, and European Business. I believe the real learning came from the streets of Lille. There was one experience that I never could have planned for, and it changed the way I see the French culture. The FIFA World Cup is played every four years. This summer, the games began about two weeks after I had arrived in France. On June 15, France played Honduras and I saw the French come alive. Eating dinner at 9pm, gathering at restaurants, parks, and bars to watch the game. Screaming and shouting when a goal was scored. Eager and enthused fans storming the streets, as the game came to an end. I found myself drawn to the World Cup even after I got back home, but cheering for the French just wasn’t the same. It was only by chance the World Cup and my study abroad overlapped, but it changed my perspective on soccer, the World Cup, and the way I see the French Culture.