My friends and I studying abroad in Lyon, France this semester are always joking about our "European Transformation." We'd like to think we'll come back to the University with great French accents, the latest Chanel products and a flawless air-kiss greeting. In reality, however, there's little likelihood that my student budget can handle even a key ring from Chanel, and, after countless awkward nose bumps, I have to admit that my air-kiss could definitely use some work. It's much more probable that the most important thing I'll take home with me is a greater appreciation for America, but first things first. I've gained a lot from living in France and having the opportunity to visit several other European countries. What startled me, though, was the appreciation for the United States that I developed from these experiences.
Don't get me wrong. I love French culture and the French people, who possesswhat would seem to most Americans some extremely bizarre passions and quirks. For instance, in a country with hundreds of variations of cheese you can imagine that the Lyonnais take their gastronomy pretty seriously. Another cultural element they demand at all costs is a relaxed style of living. "No smoking" signs, believe it or not, actually do exist in France. However, they're considered to be not so much laws as they are guidelines, and it's not unheard of for professors to smoke while lecturing.
This same nonchalance shows up in other ways in the classroom. Don't be mislead by the description, there's really very little to do with studying while abroad. But it's unlikely that your grades will suffer terribly, given the attitudes of the French teachers. Sometimes assignment due dates just aren't offered. If you're foolish enough to request one, usually all you'll receive is a puzzled expression.
"Eh? N'importe?"
My newfound appreciation for America, however, did not derive from a dislike for the French customs (on the whole, I think they're magnifiques). Nor did it result from homesickness -- although everyone experiences some of this while abroad. A longing for the familiar is only natural, and as a result, the first thing we University students did when we got here was to get our hands on everything we could that was American. I can recite to you the addresses of every Starbucks in France (sadly, there are only five), and I have vivid memories of the American students flocking toward Ikea and the Gap during those first few weeks.
No, the real source of my newfound partiality toward home isn't as simple as homesickness. For starters, there's not even a basis for comparison between the University of Virginia and the University Lyon II. I don't mean to completely put down the French educational system (because certain French universities really are stellar), but Lyon II has greatly enhanced my opinion of Mr. Jefferson's Academical Village. We take for granted the quality of our classes and professors, the (French-inspired) neoclassical architecture, not to mention the unbeatable social scene. True, Lyon's nightlife is fantastic. You can find people to go out every evening of the week if you want to, but the activities organized through the school are sparse.
Furthermore, I was here during the States' presidential elections. Nothing else could have made me so aware of my American identity. The European opinion regarding the race was a strong one, I can tell you. Everyone I met wanted to discuss politics, the question "Bush or Kerry? Bush or Kerry?," following me around like a cloud of cigarette smoke.
After the elections I thought the tense atmosphere would die down a bit, but I couldn't have been more wrong. To be honest, I had never followed politics closely before this fall. But after President Bush won the presidency, I quickly realized that I had better wise up if I wanted to intelligently defend my country from negative accusations, frequently misinformed and blasphemous comments that I encounter several times a week. Consequently, I became more informed in the ways of American politics and feel more of a connection to the States. It's true what everybody tells you: if you study abroad, it's hard not to come back with a heightened perspective, greater open-mindedness and an appreciation for different cultures and people. And it goes without saying that these are priceless values, rendering the study abroad experience a worthwhile one.
Yet after attending a French school, being thrown into a place where some days that language barrier just couldn't be crossed, and living in Europe during the elections, I unearthed a penchant for the familiar, as well as the foreign. I'm confident that this discovery will influence me to make the most of my remaining three semesters at the University and the opportunities I'll encounter in post-graduate life. I'm sure when I head home in January that I'll feel nostalgic toward France. I'll miss two Euro bottles of wine, the nonchalant 35-hour work week, maybe even their undying curiosity over my choice of presidential candidate. Without a doubt, I'd love to come back again sometime soon. Until I can, I'm determined to value my time at home and to further the appreciation of the States that Europe, of all places, instilled in me.
This is the first part of a two part series. The second part will appear on Friday, December 10, 2004.
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