From UNO to France: Azumi Kuchma’s Study Abroad Journey
For Azumi Kuchma, studying abroad wasn’t just an option—it was an essential step in their academic journey.
As a third-year student with a double major in French and English, along with minors in Gender Studies and Creative Writing, Kuchma aimed to challenge their fluency in French. Rather than taking a more conventional path, they chose the immersive experience of studying abroad in Besançon, France, ensuring, as they put it, that it wouldn’t be “too easy.”
After navigating an extensive visa process and enduring weeks of waiting, Kuchma secured a spot at the University of Franche-Comté. Kuchma currently resides in CROUS, the national university dorm. Despite the dorm’s minor inconveniences—like unreliable Wi-Fi and sparse shared kitchens—Kuchma enjoys cooking meals, exploring cities with friends, and immersing themselves in French culture.
“Moving across the world into a country where I have to mostly rely on my third language has had a lot of difficult moments,” Kuchma said. “I have had to take a step back to remind myself that it’s okay that this is hard to go through and that I need to give myself grace.”
Although the initial adjustments were challenging, Kuchma's fluency in French has grown significantly. They even passed the DELF exam at the B2 level, certifying their ability to work in France if they choose. As of today, Kuchma is considering a future in the French workforce—either in translation or interpreting—or returning to the U.S. to pursue similar roles.
While nothing compares to exploring a new city, Kuchma credits UNO for preparing them to thrive in a foreign university—an unforgettable journey of culture, education, and discovery.
