I was raised in a traditional Chinese family, where my parents, despite having stable jobs, were committed to lifelong learning. The idea of studying abroad never crossed my mind until my mother encouraged me to embark on this journey, with the aim of enriching my experiences and broadening my horizons. Leaving my hometown for the first time, I ventured to France to commence an independent chapter in my life, where feelings of nervousness and fear about an unfamiliar country coexisted with curiosity and expectations regarding my potential in this new environment.
Adaptability became my primary challenge. As an international student, I had to overcome language barriers and adapt to different ways of life. Simple tasks, such as navigating supermarkets to figure out different kinds of local food, signaling the bus driver to stop or pressing signal button to cross the road, posed challenges. Initially, I sought comfort in staying close to friends from a similar cultural background. However, my first exposure to group work with students from diverse cultures initially made me feeling confused about our different thought processes. Through effective communication, I gradually accepted their perspectives and adapted to the collaborative environment. Despite these experiences, I found myself inclined to remain in my comfort zone, only exploring different cultures through travel within Europe. Additionally, my time in France presented also hard times that demanded resilience and action. Rather than succumb to fear and frustration, I took proactive measures to solve problems, ultimately completing my master’s study with newfound bravery.
Upon returning to China, the benefits of my European experience became apparent in my changed life attitudes and approaches. Despite facing challenges, my independence in Europe empowered me to find solutions and be resilient. I developed a tendency to use diverse perspectives to analyze situations and actively listen to others. This newfound confidence enabled me to confront stereotypes and biases, asserting my choices and seeking alternative paths. Facing life’s crossroads, instead of surrendering, I critically assessed my situation, utilized available resources, and embarked on a journey of self-improvement, enriching my life experience through these metaphorical thunderstorms. Transitioning from a mundane job, I invested time in reading, expanding my social network, and accumulating my teaching experiences as French teacher in my part time. Obtaining certifications in French proficiency and teaching, mastering coaching skills, and enhancing French teaching proficiency, I carved a unique path for myself. This transformative journey led me to commence a new chapter in Canada, where I aimed to further enhance my knowledge and skills in education.
In contrast to my initial experience studying abroad, I now felt more confident and courageous in integrating into the community. Volunteering and participating in Intercultural Ambassador Programs allowed me to embrace cultural differences and share my own cultural perspectives. Encouraged by my intercultural coordinator, I transitioned from using my English name “Jane” to proudly embracing my Chinese name, “Yujie,” which symbolized my cultural identity. Working as a research assistant for an intercultural narratives project and serving as an intercultural peer mentor ambassador allowed me to engage with diverse scholars and assist others in their intercultural learning journeys, I kept on fostering intercultural learning engagement on campus.
Reflecting on this international and intercultural experience, I transitioned from being a hesitant, self-abased follower to a bold and confident leader in my life. Connecting the dots of my past fears, confusions, frustrations, and depressions, I discovered a narrative of resilience, determination, and courage. My diverse experiences equipped me with the capacity to think critically and solve problems using my knowledge, skills, experiences, and networks. The seed of my experience in France took root in my self-discovery journey, growing into a significant aspect of my life upon returning to China and continuing to flourish in Canada.
This transformative journey has instilled in me the courage to embrace diversity and challenges without fear, fostering a commitment to continuous personal growth. I am eager to contribute to intercultural learning and integrate it into French language teaching, recognizing the importance of cultural and intercultural communication skills for language learners to enhance their life experiences and foster a holistic language-learning experience.