Oh là là! A Guatemalan girl living la vie en rose

Stephanie Rodriguez always enjoyed learning from other cultures. When she was a high school student, the classes she enjoyed the most were Social Studies and Literature. Stephanie was interested in the possibility of studying in another country for college, but she didn't think it was possible at the time.

She graduated from a bilingual school, so she had the advantage of knowing English very well. She also had studied French as an extracurricular activity, but she never imagined it would help her to make it all the way to the world's fashion capital: Paris. Stephanie shares some insights about studying abroad below:

1. How did you decide to move to France?

A: I knew I wanted to get the experience of studying far away from home. I think it gives you the opportunity to affirm your independence and to learn about other ways of living that you couldn't have known otherwise. On the other side, I have always been a fan of French and Francophone culture: I really enjoy the music, the food, the movies... That's the main reason I started to learn that language when I was in the 7th grade.

One day, when I was a high school junior, I simply asked myself: Why not? I had studied hard and I was already at the B1 level (intermediate). I was given some guidance by my French tutors about moving to the country and applying to college and I managed to get accepted! I’m studying Political Sciences right now in the Paris campus of my college.

2. What do you miss about Guatemala?

A: The climate, for sure! I miss many things, my family, friends, that friendliness that definitely sets us apart from other countries. Back home, our fruits and vegetables are definitely fresher than anything I can buy in my neighborhood. When I first came here, I was really surprised about the amount of people I met that were interested about the Maya peoples. Here in France, people know about Guatemala because of the migrant crisis and the general insecurity situation, but they also know about the vibrancy of our country.

3. You've been living in France for three years now. Are the stereotypes about the French true or false?

A: French people don't go around in berets, although some definitely use them. I think the stereotype of the baguette is true, actually! I see people everyday carrying loafs of bread in their bags. I have done that many times. I've heard that many believe that French people don't have the patience to listen to foreigners try to speak their language, but the vast majority of people that I've met have been kind and understanding.

4. I understand you're graduating soon. What's next for you?

A: I want to stay here for a couple more years after my graduation. I've made some great friends and learned so many fascinating things. But I'd also like to return to Guatemala and share some of what I've learned here.