Year abroad in SEK, Les Alpes

Context

I spent a semester studying abroad in the French Alps starting September 2024. The school was small, and everyone lived in a residency just two minutes from campus with only part-time phone access. Being away from our parents pushed us to be more independent. Classes were small and interactive, taught in both English and Spanish depending on the subject, with two French levels for both grades. I was the only student from the younger grade placed in the higher level. Every week, we would visit a senior residency and entertain the people there, and play games with them. We explored the Alps at least three times a week for PE, and I won the fastest time in a 3km race among all the girls, setting an all-time record. Field trips took us to Mont Blanc (where we did a breathing exercise to feel the oxygen difference), Geneva, and even Italy for a week of history and culture. Since the school was in a remote part of France where most people only spoke French, we had to use the language daily.

The program blended academics with hands-on learning, working in the mountains to study alpine ecosystems, for example. There were students from all over the world and I maintained good relationships with everyone. I was on track to take the B1 DELF after four months because of my level, but due to a complication with the teachers I ended up completing the A2 instead.

What I learned

The biggest lesson was independence. Being away from my parents with only part-time access to my phone meant I had to manage my own time, make my own decisions, and solve problems without someone telling me what to do. I also learned to budget because we got a fixed amount of money every week, so I had to plan my spending carefully.

Academically, the hands-on approach changed how I learn. Instead of just reading about chemistry or biology, we tested things outside, did experiments like the egg drop, and even climbed Mont Blanc for a biology experiment. Visiting places like the Duomo in Milan made history feel interesting for me in a way a textbook never could.

My French improved through daily use, both in class and because most people in the area only spoke French, so I had no choice but to practice. And living with students from all over the world taught me about cultures I'd never been exposed to before. I came back more adaptable, independent, and better at connecting with all kinds of people.