WHAT'S ONE STORY OR IMPORTANT ASPECT YOU ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR TIME ABROAD?
How French people can be nice if you're nicer first! People always say that they are rude (and of course some of them can be, but just like Americans), they simply want you to make an effort and speak in their language, so try to be more polite with them.
HOW DID YOU ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WHILE ABROAD?
I tried to speak French as much as possible with my host family, and my French-speaking friends! I went to cafes with friends to practice my language skills, which helped me build confidence and improve my fluency.