Getting to Know You

“If you say you know French well, you must know the people also,” said Meera Jagannathan, returning to school for the second time as a double major in English and French with hopes of eventually earning her Ph.D. to teach at a university. So she spent a semester studying abroad in France at the University of Grenoble.

Meera lived in the dorm, with a private room and bath, instead of living with a host family. Her own family was the reason she chose dorm life over living in a home. You see, Meera fits the category of “nontraditional student” because she is married and has two adult children. Meera says her husband called everyday and her children would call at different times of the night, which could have proven to be an inconvenience in a home.

Her dorm experience in France reminded her of her native India in one way – respect. She felt completely comfortable and welcomed while living there since the French culture teaches students to respect their elders. That interaction with students turned out to be the best thing about living in the dorm because they willingly helped her with essays and taught her the latest slang.

However, the students weren’t so open in the beginning. Initially it was hard to make friends because the French people are very reserved and cautious about entering into new friendships. Meera, concerned that she would never make friends, sent a “sad and depressed” email to her mentor, Melanie Hawthorne, professor of French in the Department of European and Classical Languages. Hawthorne encouraged her to be patient and persistent. After many weeks of visiting the same places and coffee shops, the French students finally began to warm up to her. She later realized that what people misinterpret as being cold is simply the French way of being sincere in their friendships.

Meera also came to realize that a part of the study abroad experience included influencing the [French] perception of America. She says the French think of America as an intolerant place where the people are lazy and frivolously spend money.

Her own life gave her credibility that another student from the United States might not possess. “As a new immigrant, I was a bridge between the two cultures because I could explain to them the reality of America,” said Meera.

When asked how the study abroad influenced her own education, Meera quickly answered that it vastly improved her reading. Since there is not much English printed in France, Meera found herself completely immersed in the culture and French language. As a result, Meera now reads in French, meaning she does not have to consciously translate French text to English in her head.

Meera firmly believes that a study abroad experience is incredibly valuable – no matter your age. She encourages other students to take part in a similar experience. “But don’t expect it to be the same. Expect the differences, and embrace them.”

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Contact: Blair Williamson, 979.458.1347, bwilliamson@libarts.tamu.edu