I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Sète, France last year to present my research at the Sèt’Expo Sciences. I learned so much from when I first met my host family and practiced French through zoom to when I returned home from France. I got to stay with a host family, attend different classes at Lycée Joliot Curie and Paul Bousquet Lycée de la Mer. It was so interesting getting to experience different French schools and classes such as philosophy and their version of Science Research. I also got to tour Ifremer,an Institute for Ocean Science which I thought was an awesome experience. I was able to present my project to both judges at the Expo and French high school students. Not only did I grow exponentially asa French speaker, but I also got to understand my project on a deeper level. I also was able to connect and meet new friends with whom I stay in contact with.

I am honored to have this rare opportunity offered through Sete Program, giving me this rare opportunity to explore research in another country. It is the reason that I am motivated to continue exploring international research topics. I got to present in foreign language, which greatly strengthened my scientific vocabulary. I saw the work of students from the Lycée, with their own methods of research. Along with the great feedback from the researchers, I gained new insights and allowed me to refine my thinking in research. I experienced the nuanced culture of France through my welcoming host family, the students and the scientists. I still remember discovering the octopus pie dish and realizing how much more of the French traditions there was to know.

Although the idea of traveling to a foreign country to present my science research in a foreign language seemed daunting at first, the experience gave me long-lasting relationships, memories, and has shaped me as a person. The highlight of the trip for me was staying with my host family. My host family welcomed me warmly and gave me grace when I stumbled through sentences the first few days. My host family also gave me direct insight into French culture and practice with the language so that by the end of the week, I felt comfortable presenting in front of judges. The trip also further exposed me to French culture with visits to schools like Lycée Joliot Curie, where we shared research with French students, and Lycée de la Mer Paul Bousquet, where we learned about French vocational schools centered around marine professions. Overall, the Pleasantville & Sète Collaboration gave me a chance to exchange meaningful research with students across the world and learn about another culture that has shaped my worldview.