Personal Essay: My time abroad put immigration experience into perspective |
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After a challenging fall semester, I was grateful for the opportunity to unwind and let go of my inhibitions during my spring semester abroad in Strasbourg, France. But I soon realized this experience would force me to confront some uncomfortable realities about my identity, especially in relation to my parents.
I wanted to come to Strasbourg to improve my intermediate French and immerse myself in a multicultural, mid-sized European city. Although most locals I meet, on the tram or in cafes, are relatively friendly and cooperative with my choppy French, the inevitable moments when I’m met with less patience remind me of my parents.
They leave me feeling a sense of hurt — not for myself, but for them.
English is a useful crutch in France when my limited French fails me, as around 30% to 50% of French people speak English. When English fails, online translation services can........