Hello, my name is Cleopatra and I’m currently a 3rd year Business Management and French student.
I will start off by saying that rarely in life is anything ‘compulsory’ attached to positive connotations. However, the year abroad is a definite exception; a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to eagerly anticipate and cherish.
I had the pleasure of being based in the beautiful city of Lyon and, upon my arrival in September 2023, I was met with a very warm (35-degree) welcome. Initially, the adjustment was difficult but, since moving back to the UK, I’ve been sorely missing the heat.
Lyon
With a perfect mixture of greenery and urban metropolis, Lyon is a great student city. It is very well-situated and is a great base for travel around France and surrounding European countries. It is also the gastronomic capital of the world… hello! Some of the food I ate there was exquisite yet very reasonably priced.
One of my very favourite things about the city is its transport system. At only €25 per month for youth & young adults, any tram, metro or bus is at your disposal. I also particularly loved scenic riverside walks and the quaintness of the old town.
Uni & Academics
I completed a study exchange at Lyon 2 University, which, minus the fully non-digital admin system, turned out to be a really great choice. My class options were flexible, and I thoroughly enjoyed being taught in French throughout. I picked up Spanish at beginner level and, in semester 1, my brain had a lot of work to do to say the least! But it was well worth the experience. Additionally, I joined a recreational basketball team, which was physically, socially, and academically beneficial.
I was fortunate to have been offered a studio within CROUS accommodation. It was conveniently close to one of the Lyon 2 campuses and CROUS were amazing at organising socials (such as language cafes, games, and movie nights) and trips (such as ice-skating and city tours).
Doing the YARP alongside my studies was more enjoyable than expected. My timetable was a lot less demanding, so I had plenty of free time to conduct my research. The interviews helped me practice my oral and communication skills and the knowledge I gained caused me to immerse myself further in French history and culture. This greatly enriched my experience abroad and I felt a great sense of accomplishment by the end.
Advice
Finally, here are a few words of advice for anyone hoping to complete a year abroad in France:
- The admin you will have to do prior to and during your time in France will probably feel comparable to a hike up Mount Everest. But don’t stress! One-by-one it will all get done. We’ve all been there.
- Go with a goal in mind. Like me, you may not leave the year abroad having attained native-level fluency, but if you determine from the start that you want to make linguistic progress, you’ll be more open to talking, making friends, withstanding awkward situations, contributing to lessons, making mistakes, and receiving correction. This will, in turn, help you grow in confidence, gradually creating a more natural flow to your conversations.
- You get out what you put in. Just sitting in class and taking in vocabulary won’t be enough if you really want to improve. Attend social events. Join a sport! Join a church or faith community. This will all pay dividends both socially and academically.
- Travel! Go on day trips, weekend stays. Become best friends with FlixBus 🙂 Make the most of your time as you may never get another opportunity.
- Finally, embrace the good and the bad; there’s always something to be learned through it all.
Feel free to contact me @crm1g21@soton.ac.uk if you have any questions about Lyon or the year abroad.
Bon courage!
