SASKATOON — For Nicole Hofmann, pursuing a term studying abroad was not originally part of her plan while attending the University of Saskatchewan (USask). After spending this past winter term in France – and doing some extra travelling around Europe – she has found new confidence in herself and a passion for travel and culture.
The Eiffel Tower. Gourmet food. Historic sites. The excitement of the upcoming Summer Olympic Games. Hofmann had a chance to see it all while she earned credit towards her USask degree program while attending Université Paris Nanterre.
Learning new skills à la française
Majoring in psychology at the USask College of Arts and Science, Hofmann took courses at the Parisian institution that were applied towards her USask minor in French. Hofmann took part in a partnership program called the Mission Interuniversitaire de Coordination des Echanges Franco-Américains (MICEFA), in which USask students can study at partner universities in Paris for a term.
“I have always wanted to travel internationally but I was holding back because I’ve been focusing on school,” she said. “One day walking to class, I passed by the International Student and Study Abroad office in the Arts Building and decided to look into it. Next thing I know, I’m talking to an advisor and filling out the application!”
Her classes mainly focused on reading, writing and speaking French, and learning about French politics and regions of France. One of her courses involved a unique cultural component, where students got to learn about different regions of France and compare different aspects of it to their home countries – and even had a French pâtissier (pastry chef) demonstrate how to make some of France’s famous delectable desserts.
“If I had to choose a favourite course from this semester, I would have to say it was my French culture class via Université Nanterre as there was always something new and exciting to learn – whether it’s how to make meringue, or about how Black rights movements occurred in France, there was never a dull topic covered in that course,” she said.
Overcoming challenges, and finding ways to grow
In all the excitement of being in a new place far from home, the trip also came with some challenges. Facing language barriers, cultural challenges and with her usual social support network far from home, Hofmann said one of the most rewarding parts of travelling abroad was the ability to build a new community with those around her.
“There were many highs and many, many lows during my time spent in Paris,” she said. “There were times where I questioned myself and wondered why I put myself in such an isolating situation, where you’re not fluent in the language spoken around you and unfamiliar with the daily customs of the country and city’s way of life.
“This is one of the reasons why I loved being part of MICEFA because when the French way started to become overwhelming and the homesickness started to creep in, I had fifty other students who were once at my low or were currently also battling their homesickness and we then worked through it together.”
Along the way and in excursions from her studies, Hofmann met fellow USask students Aliyah Dasiuk and Emily Mann who were studying abroad in Norway and Sweden, respectively. Together, they planned an adventure to Copenhagen, Denmark. They met up with others who were studying abroad in various European areas and spent time getting to know each other, playing cards and talking.
“This moment really stuck out to me because it occurred right when the homesickness was starting to creep in, and being surrounded with people from home helped to fill the hole left from missing my friends and family,” she said.
A whole new world
Hofmann said having a chance to be immersed in a country that spoke mainly French “drastically increased” her confidence in her ability to converse with others in that language, and has helped advance her on the pathway to earning her minor in her USask program.
Her advice for students thinking about studying abroad? Take the chance even if you are afraid of being homesick or lonely.
“I know it’s very daunting to leave your friends and family behind to go to a whole new country, especially when you aren’t fluent in the language, but just take the leap of faith!” she said. “I was so terribly nervous to be so far away from my family and friends but the friends I made while abroad have become family and I still talk to them almost every day. I also really encourage people to go places where you do not know the language because the best way to learn is to immerse yourself.”
After her study term concluded, Hofmann ended up planning a backpacking trip to continue exploring Europe, and her international travels took her from France to Denmark to Germany. After her adventures, Hofmann will be back at USask to study this fall.
“This past semester was like dipping my toes into the water of international travel and has opened my eyes to possibly pursuing further education abroad once I complete my bachelor’s degree,” Hofmann said.
— Submitted by USask Media Relations
