Hi Everyone! My name is Lila Noble, I am a transient student currently at GTE from Elon University. I am a Junior with a double major in Biology Foundations for Medical Sciences and French.
I’m originally from Wilmette, IL, a suburb of Chicago. I am in the SLS (Serve, Learn, Sustain) French program, and I love living in Metz, France. Coming abroad with GTE is my first experience in Europe, and I am so excited to explore this new chapter in my life.
At Elon University, I work for Elon Outdoors as a trip leader and a TA in the biology department. Outside of the classroom, I’m the treasure of the Elon Club Swim Team and a member of Alpha Chi Omega on campus sorority. I also have a love for French culture. I have been studying the French language for about ten years, and I am also the president of the Elon University French club.
I also love traveling and writing about my adventures. I have a travel instagram account @LilaGoesToFrance.
I’m super excited to be the GTE guest blogger, and I am so excited to share all of my adventures with all of you.
I am an overzealous traveler and in my desire to see the world, I seemed to immediately forget about the historical city right in front of me after arriving at GT-Europe. My mind immediately raced to my first trip: a tour of Luxembourg and Belgium. I booked my buses and trains, my lodging and museums, and then received an email that conflicted me: the Mirabelle Festival was this weekend! And so, I cut my (absolutely wonderful) Belgium trip a day short, and booked a 6:00 am bus back to Metz on Sunday in order to experience one of Lorraine’s most important traditions firsthand.
Out of all of Metz’s traditions, the Mirabelle Festival is certainly the most famous. Mirabelles are a tiny golden plum that have been harvested in Lorraine for a few hundred years. The two variations are the larger, more bruised Nancy Mirabelle, and the smaller, more tart Metz Mirabelle; the latter of which is the subject of the festival. Mirabelles aren’t only eaten at this festival, they are cherished. There is mirabelle art, concerts dedicated to the mirabelle, and any assortment of food or drink that you can imagine made from mirabelles. Now, why are Mirabelles so beloved? In order to understand, let me paint a bigger picture for you.
Metz was founded as Divodurum by the Romans, and quickly became rich due to its grapes and the wine that those grapes made. Divodurum prospered for a while, until it didn’t. During the Year of the Four Emperors in 69 AD, the pretender emperor Vitellius inexplicably sacked the city, massacring its citizens. The Franks invaded in the 3rd Century AD- and the city was sacked and destroyed again by Attila the Hun in 451. Metz slowly recovered, and soon prospered once more: as long as humans lust, there will always be a market for grapes and wine.
Metz then proceeded to survive the middle ages through many sieges, battles, and attacks, but happened upon incredibly tough times in the 1800s: the city fell to the Germans in 1870, and a horrible infesting pest called the grape phylloxera destroyed the region’s grapes. Throughout history, when you lose a major source of your economic prowess, as well as a major crop, a few things generally occur: famine, recession, and poverty. A replacement for the grape was necessary to quell these horrors from being realized upon Metz, as well as Lorraine as a whole; and so, a small yellow plum from Anatolia was imported, where it thrived in the conditions of Lorraine, particularly in Metz and Nancy. Mirabelle quite literally means “looks beautiful”, if you take the etymology of the word; while there is no definitive evidence of why it was named this, I like to think it looked beautiful to the people of Lorraine, as a savior to the destruction of the grape vines and as a beacon of hope in a time of perennial darkness.
Thus it began: every year, around the time of the Mirabelle harvest, Metz would have a festival dedicated to the crop. Rows and rows of tents filled the local park in Metz, and a concert pavilion was constructed to hold singing events; carnival games were set up, food stands were propped up, and the festivities commenced. In the tents, you could buy an assortment of goods: pretzels, wines, juices, and arts and crafts such as handcrafted bird boxes, watercolor paintings, and comic displays; but most of all, you could buy almost anything Mirabelle based that you could think up. There was Mirabelle beignets, Mirabelle cola, Mirabelle gummies, Mirabelle candies, Mirabelle jam, Mirabelle juice, Mirabelle cakes, Mirabelle ice cream, and just about anything else you could imagine that Mirabelles could be used in: there was a stand specializing in Mirabelle fusion into Guinean food; there were Mirabelle floats twice the size of any man; but most of all, there were people proud of their city, celebrating themselves and their heritage through the means of the small yellow plum that not so long ago gave hope to the people of Metz.
Just as peaches represent Atlanta, Mirabelles represent Metz, and this longstanding tradition only epitomizes what my peers and I have come to learn: even the smallest of cities can have the biggest of hearts. So whether you’d like to call it the Green City, Garden City, City of the Dragon, or City of Mirabelles, one thing is for certain: we at GT-Europe are all lucky to call Metz home.
It’s Pronounced Messsssssss… All I knew of Metz before arriving to GT-Europe was that the city had a massive cathedral, as well as a soccer team that jumped between the first and second divisions of France’s professional league system. I expected a small town, a quiet place with pretty sites but not much else to do. Naturally, I was hideously mistaken.
There is much and more to do around Metz. There are the classic museums, restaurants, cafes, and churches that have become so attributed to European cities, yes; but there are also festivals, craft shops, a thriving nightlife scene, river activities, parades, gardens, parks, carnival rides, and a stadium where thousands support their beloved soccer team.
You learn upon arriving in Metz that it isn’t pronounced with a natural Anglophone “tz” sound at the end: it is pronounced as “Mess”. The city doesn’t have a pleasant history with the Germans, so any instance of Metz being pronounced as “Metz” instead of “Mess” is very immediately corrected. This is fitting: the people here are proud. They are proud of their city, they are proud of their history, and they are proud of who they are.
The “Green” City So, what is Metz, and what is its significance? If you look it up online, the internet may tell you that Metz is the Garden City, or perhaps the Green City.
In Morocco and India, you will find the Blue Cities of Chefchaouen and Jodhpur, for their blue painted streets and homes. Udaipur and Toulouse are the Pink Cities, each for different reasons. Marrakech is the Red City, due to the color of its stones, soil, and the hues of the desert sun that shine so brightly upon it. Metz, where Georgia Tech-Europe is located, is dubbed by some as the Green City, named for the many trees, parks, and vegetation that grow in tandem with the imperial and classic architecture that line the city streets.
I confess, I feel as though “The Green City” is a misnomer. It is undeniable that Metz has greenery, but so do many other cities throughout France, let alone the globe. If you go to Metz, the countless trees and parks and plants will be pleasant, but it will not be what you notice the most. You’ll instead notice the enormous High Gothic cathedral, spotted with hundred of dazzling stained-glass windows, and dozens of mythical monstrosities in gargoyle form. You’ll notice the rows of Imperial German and Renaissance style buildings, built out of Jaumont, the dimmed golden limestone that gives the city its Medieval-blonde hue; and you’ll notice the dragons, the great green fiery beasts meant to represent Graoully, the legendary dragon of Metz who terrorized the townspeople for decades before being defeated, captured, and thrown into the river by the equally legendary Saint Clement of Metz.
There is a river front with views like something out of fairytales. There is a vast Imperial Quarter, dotted with quaint cafes and fortifications from centuries ago still standing as tall and proud as they had through the sieges and wars that passed beneath their walls; and there is incredible diversity throughout the city as well. You may find yourself in a cafe or a French brasserie one moment, then an Afghan or Turkish restaurant the next. With such an assimilation of culture, Metz is a city of people; with such an opulent history, Metz is a city of legend; with people with such love for their golden-hued city, Metz is a city of pride; with such glamorous architecture, Metz is a city of beauty; and with all of these things, Metz is a city of magnificence and tradition.
And luckily for us, we were able to witness one of Metz’s finest traditions firsthand in our first week on campus.
Before heading back to school, I imagine everyone’s feelings are the same: new ambitions, a plethora of excitement, and plenty of anxiety. When you are about to embark on a study abroad, all of those emotions increase tenfold. There is fear, there is change, but above all, there is the grandeur of exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures — a sensation that cannot be done justice by description alone. You must experience it.
After my previous study abroad experience in Barcelona, my excitement drastically increased for this one, but tendrils of uncertainty remained. What if Metz underwhelmed? What if the classes were backbreaking, what if the people were unfriendly? As for the trips, how would I manage? My semester in Spain had spoiled me: despite being just outside of Barcelona, I was provided with quick and easy access to a world-class airport. From Metz, the commute to Paris’ or Luxembourg’s airports would be hefty, and trains would be the preferred mode of mid-distance transportation. How would I travel? Where would I go? How would I budget myself? Yet as I lifted off on my flight from New York to Frankfurt, these questions and doubts faded into obscurity. All of my worries seemed to be far away- I was headed on a new journey, and there was nothing to lose. Adventure awaits those bold enough to take a leap of faith; and any study abroad experience is a leap of faith. I was determined to make the most of what Metz had in store for me.
Any first day can be expected to have its issues. From canceled flights, to missing shuttles, to misplaced luggage, and finally to racing through Frankfurt’s airport, we certainly had ours. After landing, I managed to meet up with some Tech students at an elevator in the airport. Together, we slowly but surely found our way through the airport, made it to our shuttle, and embarked to the Lafayette dorms next to GT-Europe’s campus. I personally fell asleep immediately after entering my room; we were all jet-lagged, all exhausted. It had taken most students nearly an entire day to arrive at GT-Europe; for others, whose flights got canceled or delayed, it took upwards to 40 hours. My trip was fine, however; I had no issues with luggage, and my flight was quiet and uneventful, and I was thankful to be so lucky.
Campus Life & Metz Impressions
Campus itself is slightly outside of the city, but a quick bus ride, provided with our unlimited bus pass*, can get you into Metz quickly and comfortably. My first true experience with Metz was short, but interesting nevertheless. I went into the city with a few friends, and after meeting up with more students, we walked to the Cathedral of Metz, had kebab at one of the cities many kebab spots, and enjoyed the greenery and light that combined to give a breezy, sparkling atmosphere to the city at night.
The dorms themselves are small, but private. You will have no roommates at GT-Europe**, but you will be right next to tons of students who are just as anxious and willing to make new friends as you, so meeting people is easy. A big closet, plenty of shelf space, and plenty of cabinets line the apartment, and a twin bed with provided linens rests next to a window. The school provides you a Eurail pass*, free unlimited Metz bus pass*, and cafeteria pass*, as well as your European student ID: elsewise, it’s really up in the air as to what you get in your room. Maybe you’ll get some utensils, maybe some bowls, maybe some pots and pans. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get a fan. Nobody got a trashcan or trash bags this semester, so half of us went to Cora to purchase some, and the other half waited until the donated supplies exchange to obtain theirs. Overall, however, the most difficult day is the first day – the unpacking, the purchasing of groceries and supplies, the meeting new people and acclimating to your new surroundings. No difficult exam or nerve wracking presentation can ever live up to the pressure of the first day; but we survived, and set ourselves up for a wonderful semester to come.
Lafayette Dorm Room (left), GTE Building Lobby (right)
The campus and dorms are separated by a roundabout lined with trees and vegetation, and a nearby lake is surrounded by soccer fields, outdoor gyms, and student centers, as well as the actual GT-Europe campus itself. Classes are divided into color coordinated rooms on four levels of the GT-Europe building: a cubic, paned-glass building that resembles a Rubix cube at first glance. Most of the classes can seat upwards to 50 students if need be, but none of my classes have more than 15 students, making for a tight-knit classroom culture that allows us not only to get to know each other, but also for the professor to get to know us more than just on a superficial level. Laundry is quick and easy; bed sheets and linens can be exchanged for clean versions every week, and the washing machines are within the dorm buildings and very easy to access. Groceries of any sort can be found at the nearby grocery stores of Auchan or Cora, and an assortment of restaurants dot the area around campus: such as Mamma Mia Pizza, a pizza place that specializes in sprinkling olives on their pizzas, a Southern barbeque place that reminds me of a parody combination of Whataburger, Wingnuts, and J.R. Crickets from the outside, and of course, a McDonalds. Ultimately, I prefer to venture into the city if I am eating out, as there are so many food options to be discovered in just one walk through the city.
Orientation came and went without a hitch: classes started, and the jet lag which had plagued us replaced itself with a new familiarity to the environment we were in. I took the next few days to get to know everyone, clean my dorm, and of course, plan the first of my many trips: nearby Belgium and Luxembourg. And so, our GT-Europe trip begins: starting with the Green City of Metz.
Until then, this is Matteo Ruffo, signing off.
*Subject to change by semester. Please check GTE website for most up to date information.
**Subject to change by semester and student choice of dorms.
With the European Championships in soccer raging on, the European continent is aflame. Will a polarizing Italy side defend their title? Will their sworn rivals Germany win it on home soil? Will the possession-crazed Spaniards win their record-breaking 4th title, or will the favorites France dominate once more? Will a trophy finally return to England after 58 years, or will Cristiano Ronaldo get his perfect send off with Portugal? Storylines of the utmost drama will be spreading through Europe this Summer. I couldn’t be more excited to return.
While the Euros will have been long-since concluded by the time I have arrived in Metz in August, I can feel the passion and liveliness that I will be returning to. When traveling, the world is your oyster. And there are endless possibilities for this Fall, just as there were last Fall.
Of course, I plan to share all of my travels with you. Whether it is getting accustomed to life in Metz, taking elaborate day trips around France, or traveling to far off places and showcasing curious cuisines, cultures, and festivities from around the world, I plan on documenting my experiences thoroughly through this blog.
I hope to visit Denmark and Sweden: particularly Copenhagen and Stockholm, very early on, as well as Krakow and Wroclaw in Poland, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands, so keep your eyes out for those trips! Whether it is pierogis or stroopwafels, I plan on showcasing street food and traditional meals in every city I go to, as well as giving brief descriptions of history, architecture, and culture for each. I also hope to report on as many soccer games as possible wherever I go!
Of course, I cannot give up my most devious of travel plans. I have some incredible trips planned, and I cannot wait to share them with you! But for now, we must wait. The winds are beginning to pick up- soon, we shall set sail.
Until then, I will be watching my Azzurri hopefully win back-to-back European Championships. One can only dream.
Until our next adventure, this is Matteo Ruffo, signing off.
Written by Georgia Tech-Europe Fall 2024 Blogger, Matteo Ruffo
Hi all! My name is Matteo Ruffo – I am a rising third-year aerospace engineering student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and I will be attending GT-Europe this Fall.
I am from Connecticut originally, just outside of New York City, and I am the son of Southern Italian immigrants. As such, I am an avid soccer fan, with my favorite team being SSC Napoli. Soccer is the main sport I play competitively, but I also really like American football and basketball, and play water polo and basketball recreationally. I read and write a lot, and I am currently reading A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin, the fourth book in his A Song of Ice And Fire series.
Ultimately, however, I love traveling with an unyielding passion.
I was fortunate enough for my parents to bring me back to my extended family in Calabria, the boot of Italy; spending Summers with my cousins and grandparents, we would take trips to Puglia, Rome, Milan, Florence, Tuscany, and Venice, and later on we did trips to Turin, Bologna, Rimini, San Marino, Sicily, and Pesaro, the latter of which I spent time playing for their soccer academy. I also had the fortune of playing in soccer competitions in Argentina, as well as visiting Iceland, Barcelona, Paris, and London in my youth as well. This nurturing brought up an immense love in me for traveling and geography, and both are aspects of me that to this day, I hold dear.
While I am immensely excited for the opportunities I will have at GT-Europe, it will not be my first study abroad program at Georgia Tech. During my freshman year, I embarked on a one-week study abroad to Rwanda with an energy and sustainability class I took, and in the Fall, I attended the Barcelona Fall Program with Georgia Tech, visiting countries such as Morocco, Jordan, Turkey, Hungary, Czechia, and Norway in the process.
I am extremely excited to embark on my second long-term study abroad, and I am equally excited for the opportunity to share my travels!
Hello from Atlanta, where I’m officially done with my summer courses and back home catching up on sleep! While I was homesick and excited to be back in the States, my last week in Metz made me realize that I will likely not have an experience like this summer again; my friends and I couldn’t help but point out all the “lasts,” like our last train ride back to Metz, our last souvenir purchases, and our last trip to the grocery store. This summer has given me a deeper sense of curiosity and love for travel, and while it’s likely my last time studying abroad, I’m reassured by what my mom would tell me when I’d call her, upset about travel hiccups: “It’s not your last time in Europe, Cate.” And what’s more, the world is much bigger than Europe! This summer at GTE has shown me just a small portion of the world and has planted in me a desire to see as much of it as possible.
Lasting Memories
To celebrate the small but incredible portion of the world that I got to see this summer, here’s a list of the top 5 memories and moments from my time at GTE.
5 – Day-hike in Lauterbrunnen
When my friend described the Swiss town of Lauterbrunnen to me, I immediately added it to my travel itinerary. During our visit, we spent a whole day hiking through the neighboring towns. After the first few miles, we took a cable car to the top of the ridge, where we ate lunch in the clouds and continued our hike. We built a snowman, identified the many wildflowers along the trail, and listened to the nearby cow bells jingling. We slowly made our way to the bottom of the ridge, getting back to Lauterbrunnen that evening after 12 miles of hiking. We enjoyed a dinner of bratwurst, returned to our hostel, watched Frozen 2, and were asleep by 9:30 PM, tired but content.
4 – Swiss fondue in the Alps
On another of our weekend excursions to Switzerland, we decided to cook our own meals since we were in a small mountain town with few restaurants. On our second night, we made Swiss fondue, as our Airbnb advertised that it came with a fondue pot and all the necessary utensils. I found a recipe online, and we went to the grocery store and bought all the ingredients. Everyone helped with the preparation, talking and playing music while we cubed the blocks of cheese and cooked the sausage. Despite my fear that the hot plate wouldn’t work, it proved successful, and our fondue was great! We had sausage, bread, broccoli, and potatoes to dip in it, along with the less traditional chicken nuggets. It was so much fun cooking together, and it felt more special to gather to eat something we had made ourselves.
3 – Asamkirche in Munich
Visiting cathedrals and churches is a popular tourist activity across Europe, and while I find them beautiful, many would agree that they start to blend together once you’ve seen a handful. That was the case until our trip to Munich. I had been told that I needed to visit Asamkirche, a Baroque church in the center of the city. When we visited, the façade was covered in scaffolding, so we had no idea what to expect. Upon walking in, I can genuinely say that we were all speechless. The gold ornamentation and detail was stunning, and it was nothing like I had ever seen before. We sat in silence for a few minutes, taking it all in. To anyone planning to visit Munich, Asamkirche needs to be at the top of your list.
2 – Cliff-jumping in Cinque Terre
After a brief but brutal hike from Riomaggiore to Manarola, we cooled off with some cliff-jumping in a popular ocean inlet. Above the swimming spot, spectators crowded to watch the jumpers and divers. After staring down at the water for 15 minutes and backing out several times, I finally worked up the courage to jump from one of the highest rocks; when I came up from the water, I heard cheers and clapping from the crowd above me. I guess my stalling had drawn their attention, and though I was more than slightly embarrassed, it allowed for a great memory. After several more jumps from various rocks, we dried off, changed into sundresses, and went to dinner with wet and salty hair.
1 – Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence
Though we only had a few hours in Florence—thanks to bus and train delays—we made the most of our time there. Before sunset, we headed up the many steps to Piazzale Michelangelo, a square on top of a hill overlooking the entire city. We were able to find a good spot to sit and wait for dusk. Performers were playing music and singing, and soon, people were dancing and singing along. Since it was our friend’s birthday, we celebrated with some tiramisu we had picked up from the grocery store. We were lucky to have a beautiful sunset that night, and I couldn’t help but feel that Florence knew we didn’t have much time there and wanted to make sure that it gave us its best. There was something in the air that night, and the contentment I felt as I sat there made that night the highlight of my summer.
Last Thoughts
Through GTE, I explored new places with new friends, challenged myself with intense academics, and most importantly, learned that I’m capable of anything. I was intimidated by the prospect of living in Europe for several months, and if I’m being honest, it took me a while to become excited for the summer. But once I arrived, the excitement overcame the anxiety, and I quickly learned that I had nothing to worry about. I’m capable of navigating train systems and communicating with others despite a language barrier. I can succeed in my classes while traveling on the weekends. I can successfully problem-solve when I miss a train or get lost. I can organize trip logistics, like booking hostels and train tickets and planning itineraries. I can shop in French grocery stores, even if I’m not exactly sure what I’m buying. Overall, I’ve proved to myself that I can do the things I thought I couldn’t. This has installed a new sense of confidence in me and has shown me once again that my anxiety underestimates me. While this summer has not been easy at times, it has taught me a lot about myself, and I’m so grateful for the experiences that it has given me. I’m especially thankful for the opportunity to share these experiences through the blog, and if even one person was impacted by my writing, then I’d say I was successful.
Hey! This is Andre, your GTE blogger reporting in for the last time! Sorry my blog is a little late; I was sick for a bit and then had to lock in for finals, but I wanted to be sure to get in my last blog before the start of the fall semester.
That was one helluva semester! I am writing this final blog sitting on the couch in my parent’s house and cannot believe it’s already over. I’ve been reflecting on my travels now that I have gotten a chance to rest and finally eat buffalo wings with ranch again. What I have decided I want to talk about for this blog is the goal of cherishing every moment.
This really struck me after my last crazy day in Paris (of course I can’t have a normal day anywhere). The story goes that after finishing my finals, I wanted to get in one last day in Paris before I went home. So, I woke up at 5 am Thursday morning to get the first train out. The only plan I actually had was to see the Olympic rings in front of the Eiffel Tower and go present shopping for my family.
First thing upon arrival I decided to check out the Eiffel Tower. I noticed some people taking photos of their clothing with the brand “Seek Discomfort,” from the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory. As a big fan, I came over and introduced myself asking if they were fans of the channel like me. Turns out they work for the channel and were doing a photoshoot for their new merchandise in front of the Eiffel Tower. They then asked me… yes goofy lookin ME, if I wanted to join the photoshoot. I dumbfoundedly accepted so they put a shirt on me, and I proceeded to be a part of their merchandise shoot for the next few hours. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and get to know the team, and I really tried to learn about them as people. From really trying to take in the moment, I got to learn why the people I look up to do what they do!
Andre modeling for Yes Theory (Clothes hidden as they haven’t been released yet!)
Later in the day I found myself at an outdoor mall and spotted a small skateboard course with a half-pipe (if you also remember I love skateboarding too!). I walked over and asked the people in front of the course what the program was, and it turned out they were offering free skate classes. I asked if I could sign up and they said sure, you can take the class in 40 minutes. I then found myself with a helmet on my head, a skateboard at my feet, in this impromptu skating class in the middle of Paris. While this was super fun, I then was told that the Adidas skate team was performing later that night at the course. I decided to come back later in the day. The skaters were, of course, incredible, and I even got to meet the founder of the skate brand “What it Isn’t”, Mark Gonzales, and a blind professional skater, Dan Mancina, both who I am BIG fans of. As you could expect, I was freaking out the whole time, but I took the time to slow down and love every moment of meeting exciting people and skating with strangers!
Andre with Professional Skater and Artist, Mark Gonzales Andre taking a skate lesson in Paris!
Anyways, to wrap up why I am sharing these silly stories, the last thing I thought I was going to do that day was be in a photoshoot for a famous YouTube channel and meet/watch some of my favorite skaters after taking part in a skate lesson myself. Life is so crazy, and it flies by so fast. As you experience it, take some time to really be in the present moment because it will never come again. Take a look at who is around you, how you are feeling, what you are doing. Even as I did these fun activities, I tried to really be present and appreciate what I was experiencing. And this goes for all my trips. In the mountains of Switzerland, I felt the wonderful breeze and view, and took a moment to appreciate the company I had. In the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona Spain, I took a moment to really take in the singing I was hearing and the smiles on the faces of the locals who guided us through the town out of the kindness of their hearts. And even in the Cora grocery store parking lot right there in Metz, I took a moment to appreciate the beautiful sunset and the fact I was literally across the world in France! In the crazy, the mundane, in travels, and at home, take a few moments to really appreciate where you are, because life is flying by!
Thanks for reading and allowing me to share for the past few months, wishing you all the best.
Traveling this summer has been an incredible experience, and it’s been so fun to look back on all the new places I’ve visited. Since my travel group’s first weekend in Paris, we’ve cruised on the canals in Amsterdam, cliff-jumped in Cinque Terre, hiked in the Swiss Alps, visited the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, and ate pig knuckle in Munich. What I didn’t realize is that I’d become super burnt-out from traveling, and despite trying to push through, my body reached its limit last weekend.
I was looking forward to our trip to Lake Como, and I set my alarm for 5 AM the night before so I could catch the first train of the day. But when I finally woke up, it was bright outside and much later than 5 AM. My phone was spammed with missed calls and texts from my travel group trying to wake me up. I was able to catch an afternoon train, which—thanks to my bad luck—broke down on the way. After lots of timetable searching and calculating my odds of getting stranded in a station alone overnight, I accepted that I would not be going to Lake Como. I switched trains in Strasbourg and headed straight back to Metz in tears.
That evening, I went grocery shopping, cleaned my room, and did laundry—all the things that I was putting off for when I got back from Italy. The next day, I slept in and took a late train to Luxembourg, where I spent the evening exploring the city. Before heading back to Metz, I grabbed some food from a kiosk and sat at a lookout while I ate. The next day, I trained to Nancy, where I visited the gold-embellished central square, sat in a café to do my fluid mechanics homework, and laid in the park and read. Then, once again, I headed back to Metz, refreshed from my restful weekend.
Though I was initially upset about missing out on Lake Como, I ended the weekend feeling that maybe my bad luck was good luck after all. I had gotten to catch up on sleep and try out solo traveling, and I only spent about 30 Euros for the entire weekend!
When studying abroad, it’s easy to get caught up in the grand plans of all the places you want to go and forget to make one plan that’s super important: a time to rest! While skipping a trip can be a hard decision to make, staying behind to catch up on sleep or schoolwork can make your future trips more enjoyable and less stressful. Rest doesn’t have to mean staying in bed all day, though there’s no shame in that. Instead, you can sleep in and spend the day exploring Metz or go on a day trip to another nearby city. GTE is in a convenient part of Europe and is close to lots of beautiful places that are only an hour train ride away. There’s so much nearby that often gets overlooked; go explore it, and you might find that a calm weekend is exactly what you need.
There’s a common stereotype that classes are easier abroad. Since my time here in Metz, I’ve learned that—in my case, at least—the opposite is true. I don’t think it’s necessarily the classes themselves, though the curriculum in my major-required courses has been tough. Rather, I think the most challenging part of classes abroad is managing your time.
In Atlanta, I tend to use the weekends to catch up or get ahead on schoolwork. While spending my Sundays in the library isn’t overly relaxing, I end up having more free time during the week, which I use to read, climb, or sleep. But while abroad, the weekends are my only time to travel and thus provide little time for schoolwork. I’ve had to make big adjustments to my routine to allow enough time for my assignments, and even then, I’ve had a hard time keeping up with everything. While I’m still figuring out what does and doesn’t work for me, I’ve learned a few things that have helped me with studying while abroad.
Just like in Atlanta, I’ve found that it’s super important to separate my study space from my living space. While I always try to convince myself that I can be productive in my room, that tends to rarely be true. Instead, I find that I’m most focused outside of my room, where I’m not tempted to lay in bed and read my book or take a nap. On campus, my favorite spot to do schoolwork is in the quiet study room on the second floor of the GTE building; I like the natural lighting and the fact that I won’t get hit with a ping-pong ball, which can sometimes be the case in the first-floor lounge. When I do choose to sit in the lounge, it’s in the mornings—not only is it a bit quieter then, but I can also enjoy the croissants and coffees that are provided!
My other favorite place to study is a café called Fox in downtown Metz. It’s a favorite of GTE students, and you’ll often run into some peers there. The décor is super cute and cozy, and their drinks and baked goods are perfect study treats—my go-to is a golden chai latte. By turning my study session into a day-trip, I’m able to be more intentional with my time and can better focus.
While the weekends usually provide little to no time for schoolwork, the train rides are an aspect of traveling that can be spent productively. It helps to consolidate my study materials—I simply pack my laptop, one notebook, and one folder with only the notes and papers I need for any current assignments. This makes it easy to work on the train without papers spilling everywhere while trying to find the right notebook. Another benefit of working while on the train is that the rest of my group is usually working too; in this way, we can hold each other accountable and maintain a productive environment.
Overall, I’ve had to put in effort to make good use of my time. While it hasn’t been easy, I think that the skills I learn here will allow me to better manage my time when I’m back in Atlanta!
