UKZN Student Sharpens Her French Language Skills in France

Bachelor of Arts student Ms Anelisa Ngubane spent a semester abroad at the University of Tours in Tours, France.

Ngubane, 23, who is majoring in Digital Art and French, said the experience significantly enhanced her command of the language.

‘My French vocabulary and learning style evolved especially considering I was taught French in France. I am looking forward to adding my experience to my CV and to having more doors opened to me,’ she said.

A self-confessed Francophile, she said she welcomed both academic and cultural challenges and enjoyed the process of overcoming them.

‘The language barrier was challenging because I was still a beginner in French – studying French in France was a bit like being in the deep end of a pool for me.’

The experience not only improved her language skills but also contributed to her personal and academic growth.

‘I now prioritise myself and my well-being. Not everything revolves around school and academics, as students, that line gets blurred sometimes. I’ve also learnt to not force things anymore – not everything will happen the way you plan it and that’s okay. I’m quite a perfectionist so this was certainly a very big pill to swallow,’ she reflected.

‘A big highlight for me funnily enough was the public transport and the safety – the fact I could just get on a bus at any time of the day by myself and be out and about and not worry about my safety helped ease my transition.’

While she embraced life in France, Ngubane remained proudly South African and missed home and her loved ones.

‘There was loneliness at times, but that is a given being away from home for so long. My biggest highlight was coming home – I definitely missed my country and its people, most of all my family,’ she said.

‘My time abroad opened my eyes to the fact that our struggles are different and because they’re different, we need to keep our ears and hearts open because you don’t know what other people are going through. There’s a big and beautiful world out there that extends far beyond the parameters of Pietermaritzburg. There is definitely more to life than what you know,’ she smiled.

Now in her final year, Ngubane said maintaining her academic performance while abroad was a challenge. ‘You get used to the sort of grades you get at your home institution and our learning system. The pressure to sustain my grades definitely took a mental toll on me because you have so many people rooting for you so you can’t fail,’ she said.

She encouraged students to embrace the opportunity of studying abroad with an open heart and mind.

‘Leave with no expectations, keep an open mind, prepare for the worst and hope for the best. And most importantly – appreciate and enjoy every moment while you’re there. Oh – and take lots of photos!’

Looking ahead, Ngubane is determined to pursue a path that brings both joy and fulfilment.

‘My plans for the future are to continue going down the road that offers the most enjoyment and success. Outside of that, most of all, I plan to be happy. Wherever I go, I’ll be happy – that’s for sure.’

Words: Raylene Captain Hasthibeer

Photographs: Supplied