"Suddenly it felt like the whole world had opened up", Berit Nelson

Why did you decide to study abroad in France?

I decided to study abroad for a semester in Rennes in the spring 2009 to fulfill requirements for my French major, but I almost didn't end up going since I was struggling in one of my French classes. My academic advisor and my family encouraged me to go anyways and reminded me that the experience wasn't just about taking classes but really immersing myself in the culture. I felt at home almost as soon as I arrived in Rennes and I loved my experience so much that I returned two months later for vacation and one year later for work!

How has your experience in France contributed to your personal and professional goals?

Studying abroad in Rennes truly changed my life and my career path. It was my first time traveling to France and only my second time to Europe. I returned for my senior year at St Olaf College having improved my French language skills and with a great appreciation for French culture. I had never considered living internationally before but suddenly it felt like the whole world had opened up. My experiences in France made my career possible from working as a teaching assistant in Brittany, pursuing my graduate studies in France, working with Alliance Française in Minneapolis and now with CIEE Paris helping new generations of students study abroad in France!

Can you tell us a little anecdote or memory that happened during your stay in France?

My host parents in Rennes, Dominique and Patrick, were such an important part of my semester abroad. They welcomed me so warmly into their home and involved me in their daily lives. During our first apéritif together after my arrival in Rennes, they asked me if I would like one of them to wake me up in the morning for class. Feeling confident in my French, I told them that there was no need as I had brought a cloche in my suitcase. I will never forget the looks on their faces and how hard we all laughed together after they explained that cloche in French can mean church bells or an idiot. We've stayed very close over the years and they now introduce themselves as my "French parents".

In one sentence, for you, study in France means…

...seeing the world from a new perspective (and eating lots of delicious pastries, miam!).

Photo credit Emilie Brinon-Decaux