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Metz Part 2: Mirabelles

Written by Matteo Ruffo

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.

Metz Part 1: Magnificence

Written by Matteo Ruffo

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.

An Auspicious Arrival: Week One In Europe

Written by Matteo Ruffo

The Arrival

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. 

Last Days Abroad (For Now!)

Written by Cate McCoy

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. 

Thanks for following along this summer, 

Cate 

Cherishing Every Moment

Written by Andre Grossberg

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.

Peace Out!

Andre Grossberg, your GTE 2024 Summer Blogger

A Final Reflection

Written by Serena Khan

As I sit down to write this final reflection for my blog, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and a bit of disbelief. Studying abroad through Georgia Tech-Europe has, without a doubt, been the best decision of my college career. This journey has most definitely been a deep dive into personal growth and cultural immersion. I can now leave knowing I have made lifelong friends whom I can truly call family.

**Academic and Personal Growth**

This semester abroad challenged me academically in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I took five courses, four of which, though not directly contributing to my major, enriched my knowledge profoundly. From learning how to document my travels in a Creative Writing class to understanding the fundamentals of building a startup in the Startup Lab, each class pushed the boundaries of my usual curriculum back home.

Among these, my favorite class was French 1001 with Professor Sonia Serafin. Professor Serafin is an eccentric and caring teacher who goes beyond the textbook to engage with her students. She strives to ensure that everyone not only learns French but also enjoys the learning process. Her class was instrumental in helping us master the basics needed for getting around in French-speaking regions, and she was always willing to help students achieve good grades, as long as they showed effort and care.

Despite these enriching experiences, one area I struggled with was time management. Balancing coursework, blog writing, and travel proved more challenging than expected. This struggle has taught me valuable lessons about prioritizing and managing my time—a skill I aim to hone as I move forward from this experience.

**Navigating Social Dynamics**

Traveling with peers from various backgrounds tested and strengthened my interpersonal skills, particularly patience. Learning to travel with people whom I might not always agree with taught me the importance of compromise and flexibility. These situations, where it was easy to become frustrated, instead taught me to remain optimistic and seek solutions collaboratively.

**Cultural and Social Insights**

Traveling without the security of my family taught me to be more vigilant and resourceful, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone on numerous occasions (like when I lost my phone in Munich…). The ability to navigate foreign cities, deal with unexpected situations, and communicate across language barriers has given me a new level of independence and confidence.

The people I met have turned into lifelong friends who now feel more like family. These relationships have been one of the most rewarding aspects of my study abroad experience. Whether sharing a meal, exploring a new city, or simply studying together, these moments of connection have made my study abroad journey that much more special.

Some of my favorite places from this semester were Amsterdam, Lisbon, Capri, Rome, and Madrid. Each place gave me unique experiences and beautiful scenery. One of my most cherished memories was a pasta-making class in Rome. This unforgettable four-hour session taught us how to craft pasta from scratch and prepare tiramisu. It brought me so much closer to my friends, and the joy and laughter we shared during this experience will stay with me forever. Another memorable moment occurred when I accompanied my friends to a local piercer in Rome. It was a day filled with excitement and a bit of nervous anticipation as one friend decided to get a nose piercing, and another opted for his ears to be pierced. Sharing in their experience and seeing their reactions was so exciting and also emblematic of the adventurous spirit that defined our time together abroad.

**Lisbon and Lifelong Friendships**

A pivotal moment in my journey was an early trip to Lisbon with two friends, who I now call my sisters <3. This trip was one of our first experiences just as a trio, and it cemented our bond together. From then on, we were nearly inseparable on every group trip, always the closest and gravitating towards each other. The laughs we shared and the memories we created in Lisbon and beyond are irreplaceable. I consider these friends family now, and I am eternally grateful for their presence in my life.

**Balancing Academics and Adventures**

Most of my coursework was completed during long train rides across Europe which is a demonstration of the unique challenges of balancing academics with exploration.

These moments, spent writing papers with scenic landscapes whisking by, were unexpectedly beautiful and vastly productive. They taught me that the beauty of study abroad lies in the integration of learning with living.

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer future students is to focus on time management. Even though I was fortunate to have less rigorous classes, I know that students in engineering or computer science face more challenging coursework. Using travel time, like long train rides, for studying or completing assignments was a tactic many of my friends employed successfully. Additionally, forming study groups helps hold each other accountable and allows for shared learning. Everyone wants to enjoy their travels without the heavy weight of schoolwork hanging over them, so staying on top of assignments is crucial.

Another valuable piece of advice is to remain flexible and adaptable. Things won’t always go as planned, whether in academics or travel, but keeping a positive outlook and going with the flow can turn potential disappointments into unexpected adventures.

**Overcoming Comparison**

An important lesson I learned was how comparison can steal joy. Not every trip or experience could be shared with everyone, and sometimes I had to make sacrifices due to family commitments or time-constraints. It was crucial to remember not to let these missed opportunities overshadow the wonderful experiences I did have. Gratitude was key in maintaining a positive outlook and fully appreciating my own unique journey, without comparing it to others’.

**Future Aspirations and Gratitude**

This isn’t the last time I’ll be abroad. The experiences here have ignited a passion for international travel and work that I’m eager to explore further. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity—every challenge, every new friend, every unexpected adventure has contributed to a semester of immense growth and gratitude.

**Conclusion**

Though I initially regretted that this semester would extend my college career, I no longer view it as a setback but as a unique opportunity that has broadened my perspectives and enhanced my academic journey. As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue my writing and apply the invaluable lessons I’ve learned.

To everyone who has followed this blog, thank you for sharing this journey with me. If anyone reading ever has any questions about study abroad or college in general, feel free to ask me at skhan408@nullgatech.edu!

Closing Words

Written by Valerie Rosas

As I reflect on my semester abroad from the comfort of my own home, I think back to where I started. Everything has a beginning, and, as you know, mine began with a postcard. I hope to have inspired someone just as much, if not more, than that postcard inspired me. If a spark was not created through my words, then it may have been through my photographs.  

It has been an honor to be this semester’s Georgia Tech-Europe blogger. I was gifted with the ability to influence a diverse community, whether it be a second-year mechanical engineering major or a young girl in high school eagerly hoping and dreaming to be able to call herself a Yellow Jacket one day. It has truly been a privilege to be in this position and share my story on this platform. Even though my “story” in question only consists of the last four months of my life, it encompasses so much more than that. Under the surface, you can hear the voice of a grandfather telling his granddaughter that she has now seen and done more than any other member of their family or watch the tears roll down an immigrant mother’s face as she reassures her sacrifice was not done in vain. A low-income, first-generation Latina made it to France and back. This blog is her testimony. 

Since I have been back home, so many people have asked me how my experience was. I find myself struggling to find an answer every time. How does one answer such a grand question with a simple response about a four-month-long roller coaster of an experience? The answer is you can’t. I always end up going on a tangent whether I choose to focus on what my greatest takeaway was or what my favorite city was. However, the best way for me to properly portray how I feel about the experience is through the depiction of light.  

Light has many symbolic meanings dating back to ancient times. It has been thought to symbolize life, understanding, intelligence, etc. “Light is one of the oldest and most meaningful symbols, found in cultures and religions worldwide…… in Hinduism, light has a special significance, especially during Diwali or the ‘Festival of Lights’ when the triumph of light over darkness is celebrated,” according to The National Gallery in London. On the other hand, darkness is thought to symbolize things like emptiness, ignorance, sorrow, and death. As my time at Georgia Tech-Europe went along, it was like the brightness scale on my life went up. I saw things more clearly, in technicolor, and brighter. The personal growth I experienced in my life is being portrayed by light. The symbolic representation of the gradual increase in light and color slowly reveals how I have developed as an individual. 

I can’t stress enough how rich in value this experience was. I discovered what truly makes me happy, what I cherish the most as a constant in my life. Similarly, I noticed what I took for granted and the size of the void it would create. I learned how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Living abroad forced me to be more independent than I had ever been before, but it also taught me the importance of balance. Living alone showed me how to be self-sufficient and care for myself and my needs without being able to rely on others like my parents. On the contrary, being in that kind of vulnerable state requires that you also recognize when it’s time to seek help. Whether it was through highs or lows, we were rewarded with many fruitful lessons. There is merit in overcoming setbacks such as the fortification of resilience and strength. It took me what felt like an eternity to get acclimated to my new lifestyle abroad. Everyone around me looked so happy to be there when inside I felt like I couldn’t adjust to it. However, this showed me the value of intrinsic motivation and the power of a positive mentality that led me to believe I could face the unknown with a newfound confidence. Sometimes in life, the most intimidating opportunities can be the most rewarding and a leap of faith could take you there. 

Knowledge is Forever 

Written by Valerie

In my blogs, I have gone on and on about how this experience has turned me into a new person in the few months I have been at GTE. Even though I have talked about it plenty in the past, I could still keep sharing about it. However, this blog is provided on behalf of an exceptional educational institution for the brilliant minds that attend it. So, I would like to address a variety of applications a study abroad experience could have for your future. 

Perhaps the most obvious one would be that it could go on your resume. The Georgia Tech Career website has a detailed resume writing guide that I relied on heavily when making my first resume. Recently as I geared up for this season of applying for internships for the upcoming summer, I noticed their template had an optional location for any study abroad experience. Additionally, during the resume-building unit in my GT 1000 class freshman year, two of our team leaders explained the benefits of having that information on a resume through their own personal experiences. Their international study programs also created endless conversation topics between them and their interviewers. Overall, it puts some amazing attributes on display. 

In an internship or job as well as in daily life, you will be able to apply an enhanced set of skills. A broadened perspective and diverse cultural understanding will resonate when you are placed in a situation where you have to collaborate with any group of people. Whether it is in a classroom, in an office, or even in a grocery store, fostering respect and understanding with the people you are working alongside allows for successful synergy. Taking this concept a step further, I highly recommend everyone take part in the ICEBERG Intercultural Learning Series hosted by the Office of International Education. I participated in it during the fall of my freshman year, and I loved it! Not even knowing it at the time, I enhanced my mindset for the international experience I would soon embark on at GTE. As stated on the Georgia Tech website, “this program addresses various topics, including improving communication abilities, developing intercultural skills, and navigating cultural differences.” For the cherry on top, once you pass the program, you earn a blockchain credential that you can display on your LinkedIn profile! 

Lastly, the problem-solving and adaptability skills you will have fortified by the time you return from GTE will prepare you to confidently tackle any challenges you may face in your life. Like many wise people before me have said, material things can come and go, but your knowledge will stay with you forever. 

The Power of Fear

Written by Valerie

Time and time again I have talked about different fears in my blogs. My own fear of flying is a prevalent one but also one you might expect from a student studying abroad for the first time. In fact, I’ve found that by simply making the decision to study abroad, a lot of fears are brought to light. 

One of the heaviest concerns may be the financial responsibility associated with a semester abroad. Will you be able to afford it? Will you get a scholarship in time, if at all? What kind of savings will you come back to when it’s all said and done? All of these are valid concerns that are very real to students. We are adults now, and even though many students can still rely on some support from their parents, we are ultimately responsible and carry the burden of the cost. 

Another fear many students experience but don’t mention as often is the fear of missing out. You have a solid friend group on campus with whom you participate in all of those wonderful Tech traditions. There is a vast support system consisting of your best friends, advisors, counselors, and mentors that you are used to having close by. They are going to continue their life while you are away. Then what? Will they forget you? Or what if you come back and things aren’t the same anymore? You will inevitably change on your journey abroad but likely not in the ways you may expect. Personally, I feel like I’ve had such a vast amount of personal growth within such a short period of time already. Despite having many highs and plenty of lows, there was always a lesson to be learned. 

While I know fear has a negative connotation, I believe it can also be acknowledged for its positive attributes. Fear can protect you from unwanted situations. A gut feeling may cause you to avoid a potentially harmful situation. Another positive attribute of fear is that once you overcome it, it’s one of the most satisfying feelings you can experience. You are proud of what you have accomplished. You have now opened a door full of new opportunities.  

Valerie – Blog 1

Written by Valerie Rosas – Fall 2023 blogger

Everyone knows when they want something, whether we choose to accept it within ourselves or to others is a different story. I have known for a long time that I wanted to study abroad when I got to college. Approximately six years ago, a close family friend studied abroad in Japan and then in Italy a little while later. Even though the friend is over ten years older than me, she has always treated me like an equal and has been a role model for me my whole life. Her experience abroad sparked my interest the second I received my first postcard from her sent from Venice. Fast forward to the strenuous times of college applications when we had SAT prep, campus visits lined up, and university-hosted events to attend, I remember when I first heard of, what was at the time, the Georgia Tech Lorraine program. That moment was when I knew that program was going to be the one that got me to study abroad. 

Once that was decided, then came the hard part. The logistics surrounding the decision were a hassle, to say the least. I needed to decide what the best time for me to go was with respect to my academics and career goals. Also, who was I going to go with? Most importantly, how am I going to fund this semester? These were my main worries. My thought process for picking the fall semester of my sophomore year was the following: the first two years of college would be reserved for the more fun activities like studying abroad, joining non-academic clubs and organizations, cultivating friendships, and exploring what campus has to offer while the last two years will be geared more toward reserving the summers for internships, gaining leadership positions on and off campus, and acquiring useful skills like certifications or languages. I also wanted to see Europe in the summer, fall, and beginning of winter to get a little taste of what every season looks like. Secondly on the list of worries was who my companion on this trip was going to be. I was not, nor do I think I will ever be ready to be a non-French speaking woman alone in Europe. That being said, I applaud and encourage everyone who decides to study abroad without depending on anyone else because I think everyone should pursue their dreams without having anyone or anything holding them back. It is a matter of knowing yourself and what is best for you. There are so many people in the program that you may not have come in knowing anyone, but you will definitely leave knowing plenty of people. Lastly, the financial commitment that is associated with studying abroad is a concern that hangs over all of our heads. Administrators, teachers, and others around me told me not to worry too much about it. Scholarships and financial aid can take care of it they said but that doesn’t take away the responsibilities we as students have on our shoulders. Scholarships have to be earned and what about spending money to sustain ourselves here for the duration of an entire semester? What about bills? Or helping support our families? None of that simply stops because we are not in the country. This may not be everyone’s situation but if you are a low-income or first-generation student then it is likely this will apply to you. It did for me which is why I want others to be understood and feel related to when voicing their concern about the stress that a financial burden like this can cause. 

Nevertheless, I am here. I didn’t let the stress consume me or detain me from my dream. “Where there is a will, there is a way,” could never be more true than in this situation. There will always be obstacles or reasons in your life that will make you feel like it isn’t the right time to do something like this for yourself. The problem is that it will never be the right time because nothing is perfect. This is the time to exercise those problem-solving skills and find a way to make it happen. Now having been at Georgia Tech Europe for a little over two weeks, I can tell you that there are still problems, but they are simply different ones. The trick is to not let that overcome the beauty, excitement, and happiness in all the situations you end up in. I encourage you to follow me on my journey throughout my semester at Georgia Tech Europe so you can make the decision for yourself if this is the right fit for you.