Studying at EDHEC in France surprised me in more ways than I expected. The class structure was nothing like at home; some classes crammed into a few weeks, and others met once a month. It forced me to adapt quickly and manage my time in new ways. But more than that, the content itself opened my eyes. I now understand how European economies function, how the EU government operates, and what France navigates regarding immigration and security. These weren’t topics I knew much about before, but they’ve reshaped how I view global politics and my own country, too.

Another unexpected part was the diversity. Only a few Americans were in our program, but the students were from 28 different countries. At first, that felt odd. But once we started talking, I realized how rich that experience was. Everyone had their own perspective and story, and many of them lived lives totally different from what I was used to back home. It challenged my assumptions and made me more open-minded.

Outside of class, I found moments of reflection in the simplest place: the beach. It was only a ten-minute walk from my apartment, and I’d often go there with a book. Just me, the water, and the silence. Those moments helped me reset. They gave me time to reflect on where I’ve been, what I’ve lost, and where I’m going. I didn’t realize how much I needed that space or how powerful it would be.

Now that I’m back, I still try to make space for those kinds of pauses. This semester gave me more than credits or passport stamps; it gave me perspective. And that’s something I’ll carry with me wherever I go next.