My Exchange Journey to France: A Little Story of My Life

Studying in France has always been one of my biggest dreams. Suddenly I found myself that I’m in the airplane!!

For six or seven years, I studied French and imagined what it would feel like to walk the streets of a French city, study at a French university, and live the language every day. And now, here I am, living the dream I once only imagined.

The First Moments

When I stepped out of the airport, I was so excited that everything around me felt unreal. I kept thinking, “Is this really happening? Am I truly here?” The first place I visited was my tiny 16-square-meter studio. It was empty, quiet, and completely new. I had to buy everything from scratch, explore the city, and slowly build my little home in France. I was tired, but so excited to start this chapter.

My First Days at the University

I had always seen photos of this university online and wondered if one day I could be there too. Standing in the amphitheater for the first time felt surreal — a small but meaningful dream coming true. Of course, not everything was perfect. I had some frustrating moments with the administrative processes. I got angry, I got disappointed, but even then, I was grateful to be here.

Falling in Love with Lyon

I spent my free time exploring the city as much as I could. Lyon surprised me every day with its beauty: the narrow streets, the colorful buildings, the river views, and the amazing architecture. My favorite place so far is the Notre-Dame Cathedral. It’s breathtaking, calm, powerful, and full of history.

Walking through the streets of Lyon makes me feel alive. Here, even a simple walk feels like discovering a story.

I met simple, kind friends and classmates who made my days lighter and more fun. Sharing little moments with them helped me feel at home, even when things were tiring or confusing.

A Journey I Will Always Remember

My exchange is still not over, but it has already become one of the most important experiences of my life. It’s not always easy, but every moment, the excitement, the challenges, the discoveries, is helping me grow.

Studying in France was a dream.