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With over 400 education abroad programs available at 91�Թ���, Lindsey Folcik (IAFS ’17) carefully chose an exchange program to the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Bordeaux (Sciences Po Bordeaux). Her����in fall 2016 helped make her plans reality. For Folcik, every day in Bordeaux was a new adventure. She started the semester with an intensive orientation experience at Sciences Po Bordeaux, connecting her with fellow international students. Initially nervous about her French abilities, Folcik found herself thriving in French language courses. In addition, she enhanced her French speaking skills by interacting with native speakers outside the classroom, and embracing opportunities to practice in cafés, shops, and local transportation. Folcik also gained a deep appreciation for the French influence in everyday activities that she often overlooked back in Boulder.

“Back home, I go to a coffee shop for a large cup of coffee to wake up, but here in Bordeaux, I sip a tiny, caffeine-packed espresso which taste pretty darn good and does the job well done,” shares Folcik.

She values the historical and picturesque places she has been able to experience first-hand during her semester abroad: walking past the Cathédrale Saint-André during her morning commute to school and watching the evening sunset reflect on the Miroir d’Eau in front of the Place de la Bourse. Most recently, Folcik has returned from Bordeaux with a new confidence in her French language skills and a deeper understanding of European politics and history – which will accompany her as she enrolls in law school for fall 2017.