My decision to study abroad in France was a surprising choice for my friends since it is not a popular study abroad destination at my school. Growing up, however, I always enjoyed listening to French music and watching TV shows and movies about France, and this reinforced my desire to travel here. Coming to the French Riviera has been a great experience and I’ve had the chance to experience French culture firsthand, beyond the media, and discover the country’s real lifestyle and culture. 

I love collecting postcards of all the places I go, and my favorites are the water-painted ones. This is outside a bookstore in Antibes. 

During my first week in France, adjusting to this new country was full of new experiences, such as going outside and not understanding what people were saying, or trying to ask for something at a store and realizing they didn’t know what I meant. But my favorite first impression of France was how ingrained it is in their culture to say “bonjour.” In the first few days, I started by simply saying “bonjour” and “au revoir.” After a couple of weeks, I was able to read some product labels while grocery shopping and even order my coffee or a chocolate croissant in French. This progress was possible because I felt encouraged by the people here to try speaking their language. In my experience in the south of France, French people generally prefer that you attempt to speak French rather than assume they will speak English. 

L'île de Sainte-Marguerite. This is the best day trip if you study abroad in Antibes, you can go for a picnic. I’m definitely going back there before it gets colder. 

Something you cannot miss is getting your pain au chocolat. This is a coffee shop near my apartment. I love getting a chocolate croissant and iced coffee in the morning. 

There are many restaurants where the tables are outside and people sit there to eat or drink. I have seen this in many parts of Europe and I love it. 

A culture shock I experienced was how different eating and service is in restaurants compared to what I’m used to in the U.S. From what I have seen, French people don't get food to go, not even coffee to go, they sit down and enjoy their food, not worrying about time while eating. Even after asking for the check, the server takes time to bring it to you. From these experiences, I have learned to adapt and enjoy the present more. I think in American culture it is very common to be in a rush, always having somewhere to be or something to do and that is why we are so used to that kind of fast service in restaurants. 

This was my first trip while studying abroad. I took the train for the first time in my life and went to Nice; I went shopping and to explore. I almost got lost on the way back but I figured it out. 

The shopping streets here are so beautiful, the color of the buildings and overall aesthetic of the stores is something I love. 

Finally, specifically regarding the city I live in, with its small streets and many roundabouts, it makes me notice differences every day, such as the fact that a lot of people here walk instead of using a car. Every morning you see someone walking with a baguette in hand or walking their dog. 

Coming to France was a decision I don't regret. I have lived, experienced and learned from French culture and discovered that it is more than what we may think it is. 

A perk of living in the south of France is that you get to enjoy the beach and see amazing views every day. 

Sunsets here hit differently, I have taken so many pictures of the them.