Au Revoir, USA!

Students at the University of Oklahoma that are studying in France next semester attended a send-off lecture Tuesday, Nov 29.

The pre-departure session was held to give outgoing students information about being in a new place next year.

         “We gave them a bunch of information that they need before they leave,” said Brooke Hammer, an Education Abroad advisor. “Things like what to pack, how to navigate the airports overseas, and what to do in an emergency.”

         Hammer also gave advice on what to do with a passport and how to plan ahead with money so students wouldn’t be struggling with currency exchanges.

         “Make copies of your passport, and open a French bank account,” Hammer said. “That way, you’ll have a French debit card and won’t have to worry about money while in France.”

         Hammer also reminded students that even though they are far from home, they are not alone.

         “We have a 24-hour service response team,” Hammer said. “And I always have my Skype turned on all day long in case anyone needs to reach me.”

At the pre-departure session, there were also incoming students who had just returned from spending time in France. They were there to give the outgoing students advice and to talk about their experiences.

Ashley Rhone is a senior at OU with a major in International and Area Studies and a minor in French. She just returned to OU in June from spending five months in Clermont.

“Leaving here and going there was exciting,” Rhone said. “I miss the shopping and the food.”

Rhone also said she gained a lot of experience from spending time in a foreign country.

“I think it’s changed my perspective on American culture,” Rhone said. “I gathered some insight into French culture and society.”

Rhone also warned the outgoing students that being in a different place is not easy.

“People are not going to stop and help you out,” Rhone said. “You have to learn to rely on yourself.”

Rhone said that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“It definitely made me understand myself more,” Rhone said. “I brought back the persistence I had there and it had made me a better student.”

         Rhone reminded students to be proactive.

         “Those are the main words for studying abroad,” Rhone said. “If it’s something you really want to do, don’t let anything stop you.”