France: Eleanor Aschoff

Program: ESA Angers Exchange, Summer

Eleanor’s Major: Environmental Science

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

I think the most memorable experience for me was the last weekend cultural trip. We all stayed in a beach front youth hostel and me and my friends went to this amazing restaurant and had the best food I’ve ever had in my entire life. We then met up with the group for a swim that night and it was so lovely I felt so connected to all these people I had just met.

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

I learned that I could be way more independent and confident than I originally thought myself to be. I have never traveled before this trip but somehow was able to fly and navigate to the program all on my own without any issues. I felt proud of my ability to build life long friendships with my peers and educators and I was so grateful I did this program.

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward? 

I think a custom that really stuck with me from France was the emphasis on eating as a group with every meal. I often feel as though eating is a solitary thing but in France I found that every meal the family gathered together and spent hours talking and catching up. It was something I looked forward to every day as the dinners were leisurely and full of laughter. I felt a real connection to my host family through this and I want this with my own family and friends going forward.