Bridging Cultures

Lessons from My Time in France

There are certain experiences that force you to see the world differently. For me, studying abroad in France wasn’t just about improving my French language skills—it became a lesson in identity and belonging. I arrived with the expectation of mastering the language and exploring the country, but what I didn’t anticipate was how deeply I would be challenged to reflect on what it means to belong, both in a foreign country and within myself.

As I navigated the streets of Bordeaux, mingled with locals, and attended my classes, I found myself confronted with a vastly different approach to identity than what I had grown up with. My independent study project would become more than just a research paper; it would be the lens through which I viewed not only France but my own sense of self.

The Independent Study that Shaped My Confidence

During my last semester, I was faced with a challenge: I needed to fulfill my Sociology and French graduation requirements. Instead of attending a traditional class, I was given the opportunity to do an independent study, allowing me to combine the two disciplines into one comprehensive research paper. This meant I had to create my own curriculum, conduct research, and write a thesis—all while navigating the French academic system.

I needed a professor to supervise my work, so I searched the University of Bordeaux directory and emailed a Sociology professor, asking her to oversee my project. It was nerve-wracking to approach a professor, especially in a language that wasn’t my native tongue. Still, I was determined. When she agreed, I felt both relieved and empowered.

Exploring French Identity

Once I started the research, I encountered a roadblock: I wasn’t sure what specific topic to focus on. After changing my thesis two or three times, I settled on the concept of French identity, something that fascinated me as I continued to immerse myself in French culture.

In France, identity operates differently than in the U.S. Here, we are accustomed to hyphenated identities like “Asian-American” or “African-American,” where heritage and nationality coexist. In France, however, the idea of identity is singular: you are simply French. No hyphen, no blending. French philosopher Ernest Renan once said, “L’oubli, et je dirai même l’erreur historique, sont un facteur essentiel de la création d’une nation.” (Forgetting, and I would even say historical error, are essential factors in the creation of a nation.) His words resonated as I studied how the French concept of identity prioritizes national unity, sometimes at the expense of individual heritage.

This perspective, as highlighted by philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, felt distinctly French: “L’enfer, c’est les autres.” (Hell is other people.) Though taken out of context, this sentiment seemed to reflect the pressure to conform in France, to suppress aspects of oneself that might conflict with the collective identity.

Through my research, I realized that while the French value a strong national identity, this expectation might unintentionally diminish the recognition of one’s heritage. Trevor Noah discussed this when he observed that immigrants in France often lose a part of their cultural identity, as they are expected to assimilate into Frenchness. It was an idea that both intrigued and unsettled me as I compared it to my own American experience of holding on to multiple facets of identity.

Finding Balance Between Cultures

Despite living in France and immersing myself in its culture, I remained aware of my own “Asian-Americanness.” While the French model of identity was fascinating, it didn’t change how I saw myself. Instead, I gained a deeper appreciation for both the French and American ways of viewing identity.

As French writer Albert Camus once reflected, “Il faut imaginer Sisyphe heureux.” (We must imagine Sisyphus happy.) This quote echoed in my mind as I thought about the balance between my dual identities. Just as Sisyphus finds peace in the endless task of pushing the boulder, I found peace in the duality of my cultural identity—holding onto my heritage while embracing new cultural experiences. In the end, both were essential parts of who I am.

Soul Insights

Stepping out of your comfort zone leads to unexpected growth. When I decided to pursue an independent study in France, I was taking a leap. I had no idea how difficult it would be to navigate a new academic system, find a professor to guide me, and write a research paper in another language. But each challenge led to personal and intellectual growth that I could never have anticipated.
Identity is fluid and shaped by experience, but roots run deep. Living in France made me reflect on what it means to belong. While the French emphasize a singular national identity, I couldn’t shake my dual identity as an Asian-American. I learned that it’s possible to embrace a new culture without losing where you came from.
Embracing a new culture doesn’t mean losing your own. My time in France taught me to appreciate the beauty in both French and American approaches to identity. Even though the French prioritize national unity, I saw the value in holding onto the different pieces of myself. I am both American and Asian, and those layers coexist beautifully.
Life’s challenges are opportunities for reflection and personal growth. Whether it was speaking entirely in French or navigating a new academic landscape, every challenge I faced became an opportunity to grow. These moments forced me to reflect on who I am and what I value, and I came out stronger because of them.
Appreciate the beauty in both where you come from and where you’re going. The greatest lesson I took from my time in France is that identity isn’t just about where we’ve been—it’s also about where we’re going. Our experiences shape us, and our sense of self can grow with every new opportunity, every challenge, and every moment of reflection.

Final Thoughts

Studying in France wasn’t just an academic experience for me; it was a journey of self-discovery. I learned that identity is not static—it evolves with our experiences, yet we are anchored by our roots. Just as I gained an appreciation for the French culture and language, I found a deeper understanding of my own identity, realizing that being both Asian and American is something to cherish.

In the end, the world is full of different perspectives on identity, belonging, and culture. It’s through embracing those differences that we grow. As the French writer André Gide once said, “Il n’y a pas de problèmes; il n’y a que des solutions.” (There are no problems; there are only solutions.) This mindset became mine during my time in France, reminding me that every challenge, every cultural difference, is an opportunity to discover more about the world—and about myself.

Soul Path Insights