My Journey to France – A Dream Realized
By Hazel Lin
Studying abroad had always been my dream, and after a semester of hard work, saving every bit from my part-time jobs, I finally had enough to make it happen. With no agency to guide me, I handled all the paperwork and visa processes on my own—it was tough, but worth every effort.
Arriving in France was exhilarating and nerve-wracking; it was my first time abroad, and everything felt new. A wonderful surprise was finding a French host family who welcomed me warmly, making this experience even more memorable. In my classes, I met students from all over the world. While many exchange students treated their time abroad as a vacation, I saw it as a chance to immerse myself fully, attending every lecture, completing a full course load, and embracing European education.
This journey was more than just an exchange semester; it set the path for my future. Experiencing European academics and culture firsthand solidified my decision to pursue a master’s degree in Germany.
After returning to Taiwan, I had the chance to speak at Feng Chia University about my exchange experience, sharing what I learned and offering guidance to younger students. It felt rewarding to inspire others to follow their dreams of studying abroad, just as I had. This experience taught me resilience, independence, and the power of pursuing one's dreams with determination.
