Typically, a semester in France would be an opportunity to explore Europe. However, because of the pandemic, country hopping is discouraged. Instead Natalie Vu '22 is city hopping through the French countryside. The biology major, and French minor, is studying this spring from the Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM), an international business school located in Lyon. Vu's mother grew up in France and her grandparents still live there, so her semester away has also included much missed family time.
Most of Vu's classes are online, so she hasn't been able to meet many of her classmates, but the pandemic-altered schedule has freed up more time for travel. There are evening curfews, but Vu doesn't believe COVID-19 has hindered her experience. On the contrary...
"I believe the restrictions have motivated me to learn more about the French community and even become part of it."
"So far, I have been able to explore many different cities throughout this country that have made me fall in love with France more than I could have possibly imagined. Marseille, Nice, Paris, and Montpellier are just a small handful of the many beautiful cities I have gotten to visit here, and I’m looking forward to seeing even more! I cannot believe two amazing months have already passed, but I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the rest of my semester!"
Natalie Vu '22
