After months upon months of filling in boxes on government applications, praying on my hands and knees that I get my student Visa in time, handling keep-this-safe-or-die official documents, and trying to get my head around packing and travelling by myself, I’m finally on may way across the Atlantic – headed to Europe for the very first time. My destination and home for the next four months is Angers, France, a town two and a half hours by train southwest of Paris.

As I sit on the plane, antsy as all get out but glad to finally be on my way, I try to make sense of all my expectations. Besides fantasizing about corner cafes and old cities, the last few months have consisted of me devouring all the study abroad literature given to me by the Office of International Education, picking up anything with the word “France,” and taking full advantage of Google Earth. I’ve also just been asking anyone and everyone I’ve come across for advice or insight. Time will tell whether or not these tips will prove to be any help at all, but I thought I’d share some of the things people have told me. 

Don’t wear white tennis shoes – the French don’t like them

I never got the chance to question this because my great Aunt Sue offered up this advice very briefly in small chat at a big family event. I have no idea to what make of such a tip, but I guess I won’t if only because I don’t own any.

Always say hello first

Here is the thing – my French is rusty at best. I haven’t taken a class since high school and know it will be some time before I really have an ear or can speak with any sort of ease. So I think remembering to always at least offer up a friendly hello before butchering French in asking for something seems a wise idea.

The Charles de Gaulle Airport is like the Death Star

My dad was kind enough to offer up this terrifying image. We’ll see if I make it out alive.

Travel light and eat on the street

I’ve already decided that I want to forgo souvenirs and other such items if it means I can devote more money and attention to travel and food. Ultimately, I think these things will make for the best memories and experience.

Don’t be afraid to indulge in homesickness

A veteran of the Angers program and my mentor offered up this advice along with the suggestion of doing things that will remind me of home when needed. Though I am excited as a person can be to be on my own exploring France, I know I will get homesick and tired of being in a different country. I have all eight Harry Potter movies and homemade nachos in mind to fight such times.

What exactly France and Angers will hold in store, I won’t be able to say until I can get there. All I can say is that I am eager to find out.

Not that I’m so vain that I’m constantly thinking about the biography that people will write about me, but I suspect by boarding this plane, I’ve turned the page and began a pretty darn good chapter.