France-Bound: My First International Adventure!
Tomorrow is the day! For the very first time, I’ll be leaving the United States, and the anticipation is absolutely electric. I’m embarking on a five-week study abroad program in France, where I’ll be diving into French language and culture at the Institute de Touraine in Tours. My primary motivation for this incredible journey is to truly immerse myself in the French language where it lives and breathes. I’m not just hoping to strengthen my linguistic skills, but also to open my eyes to the fascinating nuances and cultural differences between the U.S. and Europe.
Pre-Departure Lessons Learned (Mostly About Packing!)
Preparing for this adventure has already been a journey of self-discovery, particularly when it comes to packing. Let’s just say it’s definitely not my strongest suit! Still, I’ve managed to gather my essentials: my laptop and tablet for studies, my beloved cameras to document every moment, a carefully selected wardrobe suitable for France’s slightly more formal day-to-day wear, and a few comfort items like my favorite blanket, books, and journals.
My travel itinerary is quite the marathon: from Chicago to D.C., then a long flight to Paris, and finally a train to Tours. That’s a solid two days of travel before I even settle in! To prepare for the time change, I’ve been gradually shifting my sleep schedule, waking up a bit earlier each day. Tomorrow’s grand finale? A charming 3:15 AM start. Wish me luck!
The Unlocked Phone Saga
My biggest pre-trip hurdle was surprisingly mundane: getting a reliable phone plan. My current provider absolutely refused to unlock my phone for an international eSIM, which threw a major wrench in my plans. This sent me down a frustrating rabbit hole of trying to navigate very expensive international data options. Thankfully, after much persistence, we finally managed to dig up an old, already unlocked phone that could accept an eSIM. So, for anyone planning to travel abroad in the future, a crucial piece of advice: always confirm whether your phone is locked by your provider before you embark on the international data plan quest. It can save you a lot of headaches!
Ready for Anything!
Despite the packing struggles and the phone plan drama, my excitement for this trip remains sky-high. My bags are packed, my alarm is set for an ungodly hour, and I’m genuinely ready to embrace every new experience. France, here I come!