All Rights Reserved. The interpersonal skills bolstered through the immersive experience proved otherwise, however. Wanting to make the most of his European stay, Cruz spent some of his free time visiting neighboring cities Strasbourg, Dijon, and Marseille in France, Fribourg, Germany; and Lausanne, Switzerland. Cruz said Dijon was his favorite thanks to a visit to the Jardin de l'Arquebuse, where historical French statues were scattered among a seemingly perfectly coiffed arboretum of trees and flowers.
Cruz lived with a host family who introduced him to local restaurants and attractions in the region. He added that he hopes to apply what he learned from the experience to further his post-graduate dreams of becoming a doctor in a Francophone country.
Kenneth Sunnergren, a second-year student majoring in political science and French, felt that his time spent abroad has given him an advantage over other Penn State students studying French. Sunnergren also noted that his conversations with his host family sparked even more niche language exchanges that made the study abroad experience even more rewarding. Cruz and Sunnergren both thanked the College of the Liberal Arts for helping to make the opportunity to live and study in France.
Cruz in particular mentioned the Chaiken Center for Student Success for offering him a Chaiken Student Success Award, which in combination with his other scholarships provided financial support and guidance that helped make the trip possible.
This story is one in a series of 10 about College of the Liberal Arts faculty-led course trips that took place this summer. Summer programs will be posted before the end of the fall semester. Read additional stories and learn more. Liberal Arts Liberal Arts students study abroad for immersive two months in France. October 16, By Danielle Mather. Last Updated November 9, Get the news by email Subscribe.
