Caroline Crocco is one of the many incredibly successful, well-rounded Marist College seniors who has fulfilled a lifelong dream of studying abroad. A double major in Business/Finance and French, those who know Caroline know her for her many talents. Never will we see the day where she doesn’t have a smile on her face, living each day to its very fullest! We got a chance to talk to her about her unique study abroad experience; one that has forever changed her life.
Her Campus: Your abroad experience was really unique! Can you tell us a little bit about it?
Caroline Crocco: Yes! I still talk my friends’ ears off about abroad every day! During the spring semester of my junior year, I studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France. Every day presented a challenge, but I felt so fulfilled, and happier than I’d ever been in my entire life. I lived with a host family, which offered a first-hand look at what life in southern France is actually like. I took a mix of classes in French and English, and took field trips to Paris, and other Provençal villages. I tried to travel as much as possible, and feel so lucky to have seen ten countries throughout the semester. However, I also wanted to make sure I spent a lot of time really enjoying France and immersing myself in the culture. I chose to study abroad there for a reason, and wanted to enjoy every second of it. (And let’s be real- I couldn’t bear parting with French bread and pastries.)
HC: What inspired you to go to France, and specifically to the area you went to?
CC: I started taking French classes in middle school and quickly grew to love it! Ever since then, I always wanted to visit, but didn’t have the opportunity until college. I did a lot of research and found a study abroad program in the Provence region of France, specifically in the charming city of Aix-en-Provence. I was incredibly hesitant about committing though, because I knew I would be the only Marist student attending. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to leave the country for the first time and live in France for four months without a single companion. I considered other programs that Marist had to offer, such as Florence, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to go to France even if it meant going alone. I specifically chose southern France because I wanted to experience a real taste of French culture. I dreamed about Paris and the Eiffel Tower for so many years, but I figured that Paris would compare to New York City. In my opinion, those big cities are great to visit temporarily because they are so exciting with so much to do and see. But I felt that a smaller city would provide me with a more authentic idea of French culture. Plus, I couldn’t argue with the warm temperature and 35 minute commute to the Mediterranean Sea!
HC: Tell us about the homestay experience.
CC: I had an incredible host family that greatly influenced my study abroad experience! I lived with a mother, father, and daughter that welcomed me into their home with open arms. My host mother was a great cook and made a lot of traditional French meals. I loved that aspect of the homestay because if I were living in an apartment, I would be relying on the 2 (I’m not kidding) American recipes I know how to follow. We spoke French around the house, which was sometimes a huge challenge. There were times where I would try so hard to listen carefully, but still couldn’t understand what was being said. However, my language skills improved drastically from start to finish and this would not have been possible had I not lived with native French speakers. I also loved the opportunity to speak to my host family’s friends that came to visit. Each friend offered me another perspective, and another story to learn from.
HC: Would you have preferred living in an apartment with friends?
CC: No, I still believe that the homestay experience was the best fit for me. However, living in an apartment with friends is a great option for other students! Students that live in apartments become each other’s family, so I think the bonds created in that type of arrangement are very strong. Also, I think that the apartment option is good for students that are nervous about the language barrier. I do know some students from my program that didn’t know a word of French and successfully lived with a host family that didn’t know a word of English. However, not everybody is looking for that kind of experience and that is perfectly okay too!
HC: How do you keep your abroad experience part of your life?
CC: My time in France is kept alive with my scrapbooking addiction. Over the summer, I completed a massive project of printing 1,600 photos and organizing them into four huge photo albums. I also just finished my scrapbook which contains receipts, brochures, and business cards from all of my travels. I know I’m a hoarder, but this experience was so important to me that I made it a priority to preserve everything. I’ve also been inspired to continue with French and keep building on the progress that I made when I was in France. I read the French versions of Harry Potter and the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, and follow French social media pages. I also decided to bump my French minor up to a second major, and take advantage of all the classes that Marist has to offer during my last year of college.
HC: Are you still in touch with your host family?
CC: Yes I am! I have emailed my host parents a few times, and send messages back and forth to my host sister a few times a month! I think it is fun to have an international friendship! We learn from each other.
HC: What was the transition like living with your family to living with a family in a different country?
CC: My host family was very welcoming which made me feel comfortable from day one. The hardest part of the transition was definitely the language. Sometimes it was really hard to follow conversations, or find the right words when it was my turn to speak. Luckily, that became so much easier as time passed. Otherwise, I found it very easy to adjust to living with a new family. Even though they spoke a different language, they were similar to my real family in so many ways. They are hardworking, sweet, and enjoyed spending time together as a family. It was comforting to be a part of their family when I was so far away from my own!
HC: We have to ask, what’s your favorite thing about Marist?
CC: I love the out-of-classroom learning that Marist offers. Over the past four years, I have participated in three extra-curricular business competitions, and have had four competitions built in to my curriculum. These experiences forced me to think independently, use my creativity, and taught me how to confidently present to an audience. Also, I love that professors here prepare students for the real world. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone, and have been forced to rely on instincts because “I know more than I think I do.” (Business capping anyone?). I am very sad that I will be graduating in May, but I am thankful for four great years!