Living the dream my younger self had…
Growing up hearing about other distant relatives made it to new foreign countries outside of home sounded exciting to me. I was drawn into endless possibilities of experiencing things beyond my reach. Residing in a place where the language unfolds its nuances gradually, and the culture unfolds like a tapestry distinct from the one I embraced during my formative years, filled my youthful heart with eager anticipation. I was always curious about what the world has out there. I made it my goal to at least once live outside of where I call home, away from the people I knew and the environment that I was used to.
The Dawn of a Journey: From Dreaming to Studying Abroad
Coming from a humble background, I was made to believe that one of the ways to flip my fate around is to have an international degree which will open doors to opportunities that I have been yearning for. I had been dreaming of studying abroad, a journey that promised not only academic enlightenment but also a transformative odyssey of self-discovery. It was not merely about earning a degree in a foreign land; it was about stepping into the unknown, embracing cultural diversity, and navigating the uncharted waters of personal growth. This dream was sparked by countless hours spent poring over travel magazines, university brochures, and the testimonials of those who had embarked on similar voyages.
Within Limits, Beyond Boundaries
Embarking on the dream of studying abroad, I confronted the financial limitations that cast shadows on aspirations. Determined to transcend these constraints, I sought assistance from Matilda Foundation, a Bangkok-based foundation focusing on creating opportunities in the education space for people with limitations, committed to nurturing dreams.
Applying for financial aid became a transformative journey. The process became a narrative of hope, where limitations ceased to be insurmountable barriers and instead metamorphosed into opportunities. As the financial aid was granted, my dream to study abroad materialized, reinforcing the notion that dreams, when fueled by determination and external support, can thrive within limits yet soar beyond boundaries. This journey illuminated the transformative power of seeking assistance, demonstrating that with the right resources, dreams can indeed become realities, even within the confines of financial constraints.
Vivre en France, Anticipation versus Actuality
I always had the romanticized ideas of spending my 20s in Europe like I saw from the movies that I found myself into as a form of escapism from reality. Waking it up to forever winter,
stroll through a picturesque town, eating patisseries from a bakery next door on a beautiful day, It was a literal dreamy imagination that I held onto for a long period in my life. As the departure date was getting closer, the warnings echoed from people when I told them I was going to live in France for at least 2 years scared me.
“France is not a safe country”
“Beware of the thieves and the pickpockets”
“French people are not friendly, it will be hard to make friends”
“It’s gonna be tough not speaking fluent French in France”
The take-off of the BKK-CDG plane marked the threshold between dreaming and living the dream. The first experience with the French started on the plane when I was sitting on a window seat asking to go to the toilet. I was given an annoyed look by one of the Monsieurs. “He’s definitely a Parisien”, the first thought that came to my mind. The encounter fueled my anxiety. I guessed it was true about the warning. The panic started to kick in, with worries if I will make it past the next 2 years, if I will be able to make friends and find a home in the foreign land. Being alone in one of the major international airports in the world with a one-way train ticket to a small city in the north of France, I had mixed feelings between being excited to finally be here and being scared of all the unknown places and unfamiliar faces. I embarked on the journey with 3 heavy luggages full of hopes and expectations, and finally I arrived at Lille, a place I would call home for the time being. I arrived at my new apartment, welcomed by a French representative from the university with a smile on her face, and a helpful neighbor who helped me settle in with technical problems of the apartment. I felt the warmth from the city and had my faith in France again. During my first week in France, I encountered French people on the street, smiling at me and saying “Bonjour!” as we walked past each other. It defied stereotypes, prompting a reevaluation of my preconceived notions. I was ready to embrace the unexpected.
Academia with a French Flair
The French education system values discussion and debate, fostering an environment where students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their own learning journey. It terrified me at first as someone who came from an education system that questioning is not encouraged. The classes are held with a lot of group projects, which allows me to engage with various people, from French to international students like me. During my study, I was exposed to different cultures apart from France since over 40% of students are international. The school embraces different cultures and allows students to feel at home by organizing different cultural events for students such as Diwali festival from India, and Chinese New Year event on the way, to name a few.
Finding Balance: Work and Play
One of the best things from studying in France, especially in Lille where it is known as a student city with a number of well-known universities and erasmus student community from all over the world, is the student life. There are countless parties from student associations within the university, as well as external events in the city center where it allows students from all over the world to meet and greet. The French also have a reputation for finding the perfect balance between work and play, and my time in France taught me the importance of this equilibrium. While rigorous academic pursuits demanded dedication, the French also understood the value of leisure and relaxation. I got the opportunities to bounce between sleepless nights of studying and live classes outside of school called ‘life’ with fellow students who help broaden a chapter in the book of cultural understanding. It allowed me to forge lasting friendships with people from around the world who shared my passion for exploration.
A Magnifique Chapter
Studying in France has been more than an academic endeavor; it has been a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and personal growth.The experience will allow me to carry not just a degree but a treasure trove of memories, friendships, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of diversity. Studying abroad is not just an education; it's a MAGNIFIQUE chapter in the book of life, filled with adventure, learning, and the sweet smell of croissants lingering in the air.
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