To my pre-departure self…

Eight months ago, you were sitting at home wondering if you could study abroad, and you had worries about the language, the culture, the food, classes, and adjusting to life abroad. I know that you have some doubts about the whole process, but I promise you it will be worth it. While I know that it is tough to find a program that fits your exact dreams, I promise you it will come. Aix-en-Provence is the best city in France, and you are going to meet so many friends, both from the United States, but also ones from all over France and Europe. The weather will be such a nice break from Pittsburgh, it is almost always sunny and and warm, so take advantage of it!

Your French will get better I promise. Parisians will understand you, and will even think it is your first language, so keep speaking it. Your future roommate will become one of your closest friends, and you will even go on break with him and the other friends you will meet here. I wish I was in your shoes again, I am jealous of this experience you are about to embark on.

Take advantage of your weekends! While I know you want to explore many European cities, enjoy Aix and the French Riviera while you’re here. Make a list of cities that you want to see, but make time for rest as well. You will have so much fun visiting these cities, but don’t be afraid of solo travel. The experiences of traveling alone are so valuable and you will have much more fun doing things that you want to do.

Do not worry, the French are not rude. It is an unfortunate stereotype and the direct communication is intimidating at first, but you will learn that they are very nice and so excited that you decided to come to Aix and want to learn about you. One of them even refuses to believe that you are American, and actually are French! You will be able to overcome the language barrier, but you do have to speak French, or you will only hear English, and it will make your time here in France so much more enjoyable.

Finally, my last piece of advice. The best baguette in Aix is from Au Pavé du Roy and costs one euro twenty, and eat as many petit fourets as possible, especially the truffle and olive ones.

Good luck and have fun!