My American Internship: Apolline D. of France

Our "My American Internship" series features CIEE BridgeUSA participants who submitted entries to our photo essay contest. Apolline D. of France is working as a people communications lead at Schlumberger Technology Corp. in Houston, Texas.

When I first arrived in Houston, I dove headfirst into the unknown – a leap of faith into a land that felt both vast and unfamiliar. Texas is not just a state; it’s a world of its own, singular in its spirit and rich in contrasts and character.

Since my arrival, I’ve wandered through its beating heart – from the cowboy charm of Bandera to the historic streets of San Antonio, the creative pulse of Austin, the bold sprawl of Dallas, the western pride of Fort Worth, and the quiet shadows of Huntsville. Each place has etched itself into my memory like pages in a book I never expected to write.

I’ve lived moments I never imagined, but nothing prepared me for the Houston Rodeo. It’s not just an event, it’s a ritual, a celebration, a living symbol of Texan and American identity. Music, dust, pride, and tradition all collide in a single electric space.

And the heat – the ever-present heat – wraps around everything like a second skin. It slows time, but also intensifies it.

Still, in this land of heat and wild heartbeats, I’ve found something simple and true. Texas has welcomed me like a long-lost friend. I’m happy here.