The idea of studying abroad started as a childhood dream. Growing up in Cuba, the government made the concept of traveling to another country quite taboo, thus it always felt unattainable. However, I knew that if to retain control over the citizens they needed us to stay secluded and sheltered from the world, then there was power in immersing yourself in another culture. Having been a substantial goal of mine, during my junior year of undergrad I decided to participate in a study abroad trip to France. Throughout this trip, I was to study art, war and human rights. Seeing as how I had experienced a regime that often violated some of our human rights, I thought it was important to study this topic in-depth; hence the appeal of this specific program. 

 

Throughout this study abroad experience, we traveled to various cities across France. For most of our trip, we resided in Paris where we learned about the French Revolution, art movements throughout history, and World War II. I was ecstatic to learn how the French men and women had fought for their rights many times throughout history. However, it was even more startling to acknowledge the fact that the inspiring historical figures we learned about, had once walked the very same stone roads and had once stepped inside the very same buildings that had welcomed us that summer. Throughout Paris, there were little pieces of history waiting to be found, conserved like fossils in sediment. I, as a very inquisitive scientist, could not wait to uncover them and learn about the evolution of the French culture as we know it.

 

One of my most surreal experiences occurred in Lyon, where we met with one of the few Holocaust survivors still alive today. In school, you learn about the inhumane events that selected groups, like Jews and members of the communist party, had to endure during World War II and there isn’t one heart that doesn’t weep for those poor souls. However, when you have the opportunity to hear a survivor so bravely share his raw, emotional and real testimony, you can’t help but make it your mission to prevent a catastrophe like the Holocaust from ever happening again. It isn’t enough to feel for those who were abused. It becomes personal and you understand how important it is to engage in our society and protect all of our rights as humans. 

 

As I climbed the French alps, where one of the most pivotal WWII battles had taken place, I became inspired by the resistance fighters, who understood the significance of rising against tyrants. Although in this battle they were not able to defeat the German, they did prove to the world that they were determined to fight with all their might till the day they reclaim France. This determination was one of the decisive factors that gained them the support of the United States. 

 

In this trip, we also visited Normandy and Omaha Beach where the Americans landed once they had decided to intervene in World War II. The streets of Normandy were decorated with American and French flags, waving together in celebration of free France. The mission in Normandy was not an easy one, many Americans got stuck in buildings, landed in people’s homes and some even died through their journey here. At the time, Normandy was crawling with Germans, but they were determined and brave. Their contribution to the war was a great example of the importance of remaining globally engaged despite all the adversities. 

 

While in Normandy we visited the “Normandy American Cemetery”, where our fallen heroes now rest. As we visited their graves we gave small presentations about their lives and payed tribute to the impact each of their sacrifices had made in our world. During this time, we saw families mourn their deaths to this day. It was during this moment that I realized, though we idolize them and think of them as superhuman, they were as human as you and me. It was unnatural to risk their lives for someone else’s freedom, and it was traumatic to see their fellow friends die. However, they endured more than any of us can imagine. Not because they were confident they could, but rather because they were confident that it was our best shot to become free from the Nazi’s tyrannical ideals. Although the Nazis were more of an immediate threat to Europe, as a country we understood we do not exist in a vacuum. It was important to fight for human rights even if the fight was happening far from home. 

 

Although I visited France once in 2019, it felt like I had gotten to know it multiple times throughout its history. Throughout this experience I was inspired by the values embedded in the French culture to fight when our rights are violated time and time again. I became very globally aware of how issues and movements across the world affect each one of us. Because of this trip, I now understand it is crucial to remain vigilant and engage in global issues. My study abroad experience was more than I could have ever dreamed of.