Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Salut, je m’appelle Victoria Rowland Garrido, I am currently a Junior at Lake Forest College double majoring in Economics and French. I am currently studying abroad at Aix-Marseille Université in France.

France has ignited my soul and personality. I’ve been blessed to meet other Erasmus students who inspire me and push me to absorb new cultural habitudes from countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, and Greece.

When I am around the French, I am very excited and pleased to be able to communicate in their mother tongue and admire when I make mistake they are encouraging and supportive. I was very flattered to hear them mention my French is very good regardless of the mistakes. My French friends teach me French slang and expressions which I start to use.

Aix-en-Provence is in a breathtaking region of France, Provence. Strolls through town include passing boulangeries and savoring opéra cakes, pain au chocolat, tarts, and croissants. Going to the farmers markets Saturday mornings to purchase fresh figs or fruits, fromage like chèvre (goat cheese), vegetables, bread or walking through Cours Mirabeau and looking through the clothing market.

I swam in stunning waters in Marseille, Cassis, and Les Calanques, lost myself through wine vineyards and hiked the Montagne Saint-Victoire where Paul Cezanne painted the landscape numerous times, explored the city of Montpellier. I plan to visit Toulouse and Barcelona in the weekends to come. The public transportation systems here are very good and allow me to access all these mesmerizing places.

The university offers an extensive variety of sports allowing me to pursue one I’ve always wanted to try my whole life which is Beach Volleyball. I play and engage with more French students through this.

There aren’t words just smiles, lessons, and memories that will last a lifetime to express the gratitude I have for the Ingrid H. and George L. Speros Scholarship.

Visiting the Château d’eau du Peyrou with new friends: