While I was abroad, I made it my goal to take advantage of where I was in any way I could. One of my favorite discoveries was finding a balance between exploring the city where I was living and attending school, as well as using public transportation to make other destinations accessible too. I loved taking time during the school week to do cultural activities, especially with my museum pass, which allowed me to visit almost every major museum in the city for free (and multiple times!). During the weekends, I would pick other cities either within France or in neighboring countries that were accessible via train or bus to keep my expenses low. I tried so many new things, from food to language to experiences, and I had so much fun finding beautiful places to explore. Learning about different cultures and histories was definitely a highlight of mine during my semester abroad. I'm glad to have found a balance between exploring what felt like my city in addition to several others. I think it was a great way to get out of my comfort zone, practice my language skills, and become more well-rounded in a cultural sense. I feel much more confident as a language learner, as a traveler, and as an individual.

Avery Daubert

IE3: Lyon Exchange, Fall 2024