By Mariam Ali, Simon Fraser University, winner of the 2017 Stories from Abroad Scholarship.
Last summer before my exchange to IEP de Strasbourg, I remember being so nervous about my exchange, asking myself how I would fare abroad. One year later I’ve changed in so many ways, growing as a person while improving my French and my knowledge of the world.
First, my exchange in Strasbourg has made me more independent. Living on my own and figuring out various tasks, all while I was going to school, was often challenging, but I learned the importance of managing my time and prioritization. Budgeting could also be challenging, making sure my money lasted, knowing where to get student discounts, but also knowing when to spend on myself. Another challenge of life in France wa...
