Alumni Q&A: Kari Levin — Pau, France

Name: Kari Levin

Program site/ Term: Pau, France – Spring 1996

What culture aspect about your study abroad program do you miss most?

I loved meeting students from all over the world, and the caliber of my professors and the genuine interested they had in my learning.  I am still in touch with a couple of them and it has been lovely.  My literature professor catalyzed a lifelong love of French Lit and nearly twenty years later I still read French novels!

What do you wish you would have known before you left?

I wish I had been better about throwing myself into more of the opportunities that were available.  Do more than you think you should! In terms of packing, take half or less of what you think you need.

How has the experienced helped you in your career?

Experience living abroad has given me an edge when I apply for jobs with international staff and/or leadership.  Same for being able to speak another language.

Did study abroad influence your career plans? How?

I knew that I needed to be world-based instead of city-based.

If you could go back and do one thing differently about your program, what would that be?

I would have stayed for a full year.

What advice would you give to future students planning to study abroad in France?

Use the pharmacies, speak French all the time, travel, eat, work hard in class, eat all the things!