Bordeaux Blog: New Year Resolutions

The French life of an almost 21 year old: I think one of the hardest things in life is managing to stay positive. But staying positive during hard times can make you a stronger person

Staying positive is hard, especially with the news of tragic events being broadcasted at everyone’s indispensability, it’s becoming more of a daily topic now a days.

Jardin Public in early November, the weather stays nice for much longer than England

2018 hasn’t started off on the best foot for me, with a family death making it increasingly hard to remain positive all the time. And having to fly home only a week after I'd returned to France after Christmas was difficult as I was trying to get over homesickness.

But I've learnt that just a few alterations to your day to day or week to week life can improve your happiness. For me, I had a difficult first semester out in France, struggling with silly little things and then homesickness, but getting my exam results last week has really boosted my self-esteem. As well as interacting more with course mates and meeting new people in and around Bordeaux, I’ve started to really appreciate France again. There were times in first semester where I can honestly say I hated the place. But now looking back, I really regret this, as all I needed to do was take a step back and watch the city, watch the people and fall in love again, as Bordeaux really is a lovely city, with great people.

So I am posting this, hoping that the next few weeks will be just as fun as my last. I have finally realised after being here for one semester that being on a year abroad isn’t dependent on the people you hang out with, but with what you make of it. If you sit in your room all day and sulk, you’re not going to enjoy your experience, so get out and enjoy the culture, join a new society or go to a language exchange as you’re bound to meet someone just as lost as you.

Keep posted for more updates on useful facts about Bordeaux (and random ones) as well as the typical life of an English girl trying to be French in a foreign city. 

Much love

Ellie xx