The Pre-Departure Jitters

Bonjour mes amis!

In exactly two days I will be flying over the Atlantic to Toulouse, France.  That feels so good to write.  I have been waiting for this for so long, ever since my mom told me about her own study abroad trip in high school.  Now it’s so close and I just can’t wait any longer! 

I knew as soon as my mom told me about her trip that studying abroad was something I wanted to do.  I have traveled abroad a few times with my family, and each time I learn more about myself and the world around me.  Traveling allows me to gain a new perspective, and that is really why I love it so much.  This month in Toulouse will be the longest time I've spent away from home, and the first time I will travel without my family.  I'm hoping that this month away will help me step out of my comfort zone, and gain a confidence I didn't have before, but I'm also just excited to explore Toulouse and improve my French.

For me, the most exciting thing right now is that in two days I get to meet everyone on the program.  I've been talking to some of the other people who are going to be on the program already, so I feel like I know a couple of them.  We've been freaking out together, exchanging tips, and helping each other pack.  Everyone always says that the people you meet abroad become your best friends, and in all honesty, I was pretty skeptical about that, but I'm already so thankful for these people and I haven't even met them yet. 

Although I'm super excited, I can't deny the fact that I am also so so nervous.  My brain is running wild making sure I have everything ready and packed.  I'm terrified of getting to Toulouse and learning that six years of French classes in school have taught me absolutely nothing.  I was in the city yesterday with some friends and I heard these two ladies behind me speaking French.  It was a little scary because I could barely understand the words they were saying let alone what they were talking about.  To be fair, the train was going by at the same time and I could barely understand anything, but it spooked me anyway.  I have to remind my self that everything will be ok.  After all, I am going on this trip to improve my French.

Everything will be ok.