Living a year abroad in the United States is so much more than just school; it’s a deep dive into a new culture and a totally different way of life. As a French high school student, I always dreamed of experiencing American high school, improving my English, and soaking up everything this culture has to offer. Now, after nearly three months in Indianapolis, that dream is finally happening.
When I first arrived, everything felt enormous—the roads, the buildings, just everything. The skyline of Indianapolis was a huge change from the architecture back home in France. My host family, which includes my host dad and my 9-year-old little sister, welcomed me with open arms, and I felt safe right away. They showed me around the neighborhood, which helped me feel more connected. It’s in these simple moments, whether I’m hanging out with my host family or making new friends, that I really feel like I’m starting to settle in and create a new home.
The American school system has been a major surprise. Unlike in France, where everyone follows the same curriculum, here I can choose my classes! I’m taking US Government, Yearbook, and, even though I don’t have a dance class, just knowing that it exists is pretty awesome. The freedom to explore subjects that aren’t available back home has been exhilarating. I find US Government particularly interesting because it gives me insights into how the American political system works, which is so different from what I’ve learned in France. Yearbook is a fun class too; we get to document our school year through photography and writing, and I love being creative and seeing the finished product.
Extracurricular activities are another huge part of the American school experience. There are so many options—sports, clubs, and traditional events like homecoming—making it easy to connect with others. Cheerleading has been a highlight for me. I had never done it before coming here, but the team spirit is contagious. At every practice, we support each other, and it feels great to be part of something. It’s like living in one of those American movies I used to watch in France. Learning the cheers and routines has also helped me improve my English, which is a nice bonus. Plus, the other cheerleaders have been super welcoming, making it easy to bond and form friendships.
Of course, these first three months haven’t been all smooth sailing. The language barrier was a huge challenge, especially at the start. Fast-paced conversations with all their slang made me feel lost sometimes. I remember sitting in class, trying to follow along and just hoping I wouldn’t get called on! Luckily, my friends and teachers have been super patient, and I’ve learned to ask for help when I need it. It’s been a great way to build my confidence, and I’m slowly starting to feel more comfortable speaking up.
And then there’s the food—American dishes are pretty different from what I’m used to. I miss French bread so much! Pizza and burgers are great, but nothing beats a good baguette. My host family introduced me to some of the local specialties, such as barbecue, which I enjoyed trying out. And I love spending time in the kitchen with my host dad to show him different French dishes, including of course crepes, a classic in France! It felt good to share a bit of my culture with them.
Even with the challenges, my friends back in France have been my biggest cheerleaders. They see my exchange year as an amazing opportunity, almost like living a dream. Their positive vibes motivate me and help me when I feel homesick. I do miss family meals in France and our little traditions, like celebrating holidays with specific dishes. But every day here is a chance to learn something new and meet cool people who enrich my experience. I often share updates with my friends, sending photos of my adventures and telling them about my new life.
Looking back on these three months, I can already say this adventure is filled with unforgettable moments. I’ve explored local museums, gone to sporting events, and joined my host family on weekend road trips to nearby attractions. Each experience adds something special to my year here. As I look ahead, I hope to travel more, discover other states, and dive into distinctly American events like Thanksgiving and Halloween. I’m really excited to experience these celebrations firsthand.
Building friendships has been one of the best parts of this journey. I’ve realized that friendship knows no borders, and it’s been fun sharing my French culture while learning about theirs. I love cooking traditional French dishes for my new friends and, in return, they’ve introduced me to their own customs and traditions, which has been a blast. I’m lucky enough to be able to see my friends on weekends and organize different outings with them. They want me to try lots of different activities so I can live my experience to the full! Being able to spend time with my new friends reminds me of the fun times I used to have with my friends in France, but with a unique American twist.
Every day feels like a new adventure, and I’m grateful for the chance to live out this dream. My time here has taught me so much about resilience and cultural appreciation. I’m learning to embrace differences and celebrate the things that make each culture special. I can’t wait to see what the next months have in store for me. I’m excited to share these experiences with my friends and family back home and hopefully inspire them to seek out their own adventures in the future.
