My American Internship: Lucie T. of France
Authored By:
Our "My American Internship" series features CIEE BridgeUSA participants who submitted entries to our photo essay contest. Lucie T. of France served as a pâtissière at Stella's Bakery in West Livingston, Texas.
In 2023, I traveled to the United States to work as a pastry chef through a CIEE BridgeUSA (J-1 visa) program.
This experience marked a major turning point in my life, both professionally and personally. I was given full responsibility for a pastry shop, which allowed me to develop original desserts, train assistants, manage daily operations, and even teach pastry classes. The American work culture was very different from what I knew in France. It was more open, trusting, and flexible. I felt valued and free to express my creativity, which helped me grow immensely as a chef.
Outside of work, something even more meaningful happened. I met the man who would later become my husband. We didn’t meet at the bakery, but during my time in the U.S., and our connection grew day by day. After returning from this journey, we decided to get married. This gave a deeply personal dimension to my time abroad and made it even more unforgettable.
This adventure taught me much more than pastry techniques. I learned about cultural diversity, independence, love, and the strength that comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. It shaped the person I am today, not only as a chef but also as a woman with dreams, resilience, and a story to share.
One day, I hope to open a pastry boutique that reflects this journey, a place where every creation tells a piece of my international and personal story.