Kayleigh Navarro shares her perspective on study abroad
Studying Abroad helped my language acquisition by allowing myself to apply what I learned in the classroom to real life situations. I was encouraged to become better at the language as I wanted to express my thoughts and daily needs.
Studying Abroad defined my experience at the University of Maine and beyond. I am grateful to have participated in the exchange with the Université d’Angers and Université de Nantes. These two programs helped me further my career upon graduation. I was chosen to work for the French Government as an English Language Assistant in Nancy, France and upon return I have taught French to students as young as one and as old as sixty-eight. Currently I am the French teacher for Bonny Eagle Middle School. I bring to my classroom my lifelong love of travel and the French language, all of which I can attribute to my Study Abroad experiences with the University of Maine.
Full immersion into the culture helped to broaden my world view. I met fellow travelers like myself who shared similar values and locals who opened their arms and invited me into their homes. To this day, I am still in contact with friends that I met ten years ago and they have come to visit me in Maine on several occasions.
Studying Abroad helped my language acquisition by allowing myself to apply what I learned in the classroom to real life situations. I was encouraged to become better at the language as I wanted to express my thoughts and daily needs, whether that be the pain au chocolat or the croissant at the bakery that morning.
I think back fondly to my time abroad and willingly share my experiences to those who listen, a walk up the Eiffel Tower, meeting Mr. Poupon (of the mustard) at the market, a quick walk across Spain, or a train ride through the Alps to celebrate Carnival in Venice. I bring back home all of my enriching experiences and encourage others to do the same. Dare to seek the adventure for it is waiting.
Kayleigh Navarro, International Affairs – French