GBG Fall2022 50th class CU-University of Bordeaux Reunion

How a Year Abroad Built a Lifetime of Learning and Friendship

Interview with Education Abroad Alumni Dennis Blum and Russ Feldman by Madi Gentry 

In 1971 a group of bright adventurous CU students committed to an exchange program in Bordeaux, France… little did they know that 50 years later they would rekindle their friendships in that same place they all once called home. Last month, 10 Education Abroad Alum celebrated their 50th anniversary at the place where it all started: the University of Bordeaux. I was lucky enough to speak with two of these Alum and gain a little more insight into their experience abroad and the impact it had on their lives following. Dennis Blum and Russ Feldman, two incredibly successful individuals, shared an experience in Bordeaux that would ultimately make them lifelong friends. It was wonderful talking with them and hearing some of the amazing stories and wisdom they had to share. 

I hope you enjoy reading!

Q: What were your initial motivations for studying abroad? Did you always know you wanted to study in Bordeaux, France?

• Dennis’s parents were immigrants from Europe and very much encouraged him to study abroad, so he knew he wanted to go at some point throughout college. Though he hardly spoke a word in French, Dennis was excited and more than willing to accept the challenge. 
• Russ’s motivation for studying abroad was a little more spontaneous. After a friend told him that he was spending the next semester in Osaka, Russ ran to the Education Abroad office to see if there were any programs offered in France. Low and behold, there was one spot left for the upcoming program in Bordeaux. 

Q: What were your biggest learnings and takeaways from your time abroad?

• Along with all of the adventures and travels, Dennis’s favorite part of his time abroad was learning to live with himself and to view the world through a different frame of reference; Language, he says, played a major role in this learning and ultimately made his experience so much more impactful.
• Russ was extremely grateful for the opportunity to be taught by the incredible professors at the University of Bordeaux. One of the biggest takeaways for Russ was getting to see firsthand how different cultures view the world in comparison to the American mindset that he was so used to: “you’ve got to understand other cultures to appreciate your own”. 

Q: How did your experience with Education Abroad parlay into your experiences following?

• The year in Bordeaux changed Dennis’s entire life; Everything in his career since has been internationally oriented and he still today works for an international consulting firm. 
• Russ’s professional career following had nothing to do with French, however his learnings from Bordeaux would remain with him throughout the rest of his life. He left with a broadened outlook on the world that made him appreciate how others feel and think, ultimately helping him throughout his career. 

Q: What concerns/fears (if any) did you have about studying abroad, and how did you overcome them?

• Dennis’s biggest concern was the language component. He tried his best to stay with the French locals and away from his American counterparts to force him to learn the language and though it took time, it worked: “Finally, in March, I started dreaming in French”. 
• Though he had already moved away for college and had been abroad before, Russel still experienced pre-departure anxiety; With a new language and new home, he knew he’d have to survive out of his comfort zone. “I overcame my anxieties by moving forward and not looking back”.

 
Q: What advice would you give to outbound study abroad students to help them make the most out of their study abroad experiences?
Both Dennis and Russ agree that the best thing an outbound study abroad student can do is fully immerse themselves in the culture and history of the host country. They both agree that a full year abroad allows a student to become a member of the society in the best possible way. They urge college students to plan ahead, try new things, research the country beforehand, and be open-minded about the life-changing experience ahead of them.