Letter to my pre-departure self,

It’s going to be alright. All of your hard work planning and stressing about visas, paperwork, and deadlines will be worth it. You’ll meet people who will change your life and learn things about yourself that you wouldn’t have imagined.

You made the right decision in picking an exchange program where you will not know any other students, and Americans will not be the majority. You’ll make great friends from Ireland, Lithuania, Taiwan, France, and places in the US you’ve never been. Though it will be tough initially, everyone else is in the same boat and is just as open to meeting new people.

You’ll grow in major ways and realize you’re much more adaptable than you thought. Figuring out daily living will be tough initially, but you’ll use your basic French, new connections, and problem-solving skills to navigate a different environment. You’ll plan and execute some of the best trips of your life and see places you’ve only dreamed of. Living alone and providing for yourself will be strange at first, but you’ll get better at it every day.

Don’t worry about NEOMA; it’s a great school, and the students are friendly and hardworking. You’ll have classes with French and other exchange students, so you’ll get a true cultural experience and see how many different non-US-centric perspectives on business and life exist. The classes aren’t too difficult because French business schools emphasize networking and learning how to communicate effectively. Be yourself, and you’ll make connections that will last the rest of your life.

You’ll miss your friends and family, but you’ll also fall in love with the slower pace of life and commitment to quality in almost every aspect of life (but most importantly, the food). Your French will improve, and you’ll eventually stop getting stressed about ordering food and interacting with French speakers. You’ll eventually feel comfortable no matter where you go in France and gain a much better understanding of French people and culture. French people, especially students, are just like you and are always willing to help.

Overall, this will be one of the best experiences of your life and will give you a much stronger sense of self-confidence and direction. Make the most of this experience and try as many new things as possible. Give boeuf tartar a shot, try some escargot, and, of course, sample some of the amazing champagne that Reims is known for. It is all in your control; believe in yourself and keep trying even when things don’t go as planned.

All the best,

Ben