Overcoming the fear of a new culture

Before coming to Paris, I was very anxious about the experience. I was excited for the trip but a few things made me a little apprehensive. I had never been to Europe, and I speak very little French. I was nervous that it would be uncomfortable staying in someone else's home for so long, especially since I did not the family. I was scared to navigate the city when I could barely say a word of French. I was also worried that I would not understand the procedures in the lab at the Curie Institute. When I woke up on the tarmac in Paris, still groggy and partially asleep, I did not know what to expect; however, I knew that the best way to take on Paris and all of my worries would be to jump right into the experience without as much as a blink.

After a little over a week in Paris, I have discovered that I was silly to worry. To start, I feel perfectly at home here with Nadia, my host mother. I do no feel uncomfortable getting myself a glass of apple juice or taking my book to read on the couch. In fact, I started calling this "home" around the third day here. And I truly do feel at home! In terms of transportation, I started to figure out the métro and bus system immediately. I can now navigate many areas of Paris without looking at my handy map. And if I do need help, I am learning to ask. My French vocabulary is expanding rapidly every day. Earlier this week, I was even able to as someone (using horribly incorrect grammar, I'm sure) which stop I needed to get off at. He understood me, and I made it to my destination extremely easily!

So, as you can see, most of my concerns about the Paris experience have actually worked out perfectly! With my internship about to begin, I have faith that everything will go well. I am sure that it will just become another worry that I should never have worried about at all!


- Sophie Layton