Blogger
Abyan
Abyan's Bio
Abyan is a 20-year-old junior at the University of Virginia double majoring in foreign affairs and economics. She was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, her parents live in Bangkok, Thailand and she is studying abroad in Lyon, France. Phew, talk about international.
Her main goals for studying abroad are, "To be able to converse in French with ease, to challenge the boundaries of my comfort zone and to just have a time I can look back on with a certain, ''je ne sais quoi?"
About being chosen to blog on BlogAbroad.com, she told us, "I've been disconnected from the Internet for the past 36 hours or so. Given this day an age, calling it a long time isn't so absurd. So, after finally finding the McDonald's around this area, and opening my inbox, bewilderment, best expresses my reaction to being chosen. In terms of the opportunity I have, I graciously accept it with pride and enthusiasm."
We asked Abyan some personal questions before she left, and have pasted them below to help you learn more about the person behind the blog:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
Experiencing "le quotidien" or daily life, in France.
When it's used, the word can connote a certain banality or the mundane. But for me, truly understanding a culture comes from observing the nuances in how people conduct their everyday lives. I've been very lucky to have lived in different places for extended periods of time. And from what I've noticed, it's the little differences in how people enjoy each other's company, express their grievances, run errands, make a living, spend their free time, etc, that reveal the cultural context their in. Both Asia and North America have made their mark on me. Its due time I experience la vie European.
***Oh, and going to an Olympique Lyonnais match!!!
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
Homesickness. Being completely lost, physically and metaphorically. Culture shock. At some point or other, I've experienced all of the above while studying at UVa. To say I'm immune to these bouts of, 'wow-I-so-don't belong here' moments is a stretch. I'm not looking forward to it, but you do end up realizing that it's inevitable, and will eventually pass. So my biggest/real worry?
Winter. I'm not used to it, especially the fluctuating kind. To clothe oneself for the sake of 'seasonal changes' still upsets me.
What made you want to study abroad?
A change of scenery and need to challenge myself prompted the idea. The expense being equivalent to that of UVa convinced the parents. And not wanting to waste my 7 odd years of toiling through French grammar sealed the deal.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I can't lie. Visions of me strolling down the streets of Paris, donning the latest couture, á la Carrie in Sex in the City crossed my mind... once... or twice. But my advisor, advised, and mentioned Lyon, the second largest city in France. Conveniently, my university has an established program with l'Université Lumiére Lyon 2 catering to the needs of UVa exchange students. Soon after researching the place, visions of me frequenting renowned Lyonnais chocolateries and sipping its unbeatable wines took over. Lyon was calling me.
And it doesn't hurt that it's the gastronomic capital of France.
What are your hobbies and interests?
In other words what stimulates me? Food, wit, meeting randoms, good conversation and company, laughing, traveling, hanging out with the fam, art, cuttin' a rug on the dance floor, dressing up, human rights and poverty alleviation, people who are figuring out ways to protect the Earth, bookstores, concocting meals out of what's left in the fridge/pantry, faith and spirituality.
What are your favorite books and magazines?
In terms of books, everything that I've read has become a favorite. So I'll list some that I've read recently or am in the midst of reading. The last Harry Potter; an entire decade of my life... it's been good Harry. Caroline Moorehead's Human Cargo; a brilliant, brilliant account on the lives of refugees from all around the world. I recommend to... anyone. Sartre's Le Mur; apparently it's one of his most celebrated works. (Disclaimer: existentialism in French is not the easiest read) Blue Ocean Strategy; a business book from my sister's commerce class summer list.
Magazines: Allure and Glamour are fun to look at, Reader's Digest has those funny jokes and if I want to feel my years of education has amounted to something, the Economist.
What type of music do you listen to?
There are people who like music and people who like music. I'm a little in between. I listen to every kind, for every occasion, soundtracks of my life to be trite. Walking around Grounds to get to class or riding the SkyTrain in Bangkok, calls for some contemplative slow/indie-rock. For a tint of romance, Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli and Etta James do the job. Eye of the Tiger (yes, the Rocky theme song), RHCP and some techno/house makes running on the treadmill all the more epic. Yelping out Backstreet Boys with your girls, (or guys), helps for a good ol' stroll down memory lane. And of course, the I'm-ready-to-bust-out-some-moves music; usually the stuff clubs/MTV/ radio's are currently playing.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
Simpsons, Seinfeld, Daily Show, Discovery's Man Vs. Wild; the man literally strips down to his boxers in every episode, Six Feet Under, the Office (Ricky Gervais is the master of awkward), LOST, if I catch one or plan right, a good football/soccer match, and of late, the Flight of the Conchords.
Movies: Ocean's 11, Crash, Babel, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Sepet (it's a Malaysian film), Fight Club, Trainspotting, Lock Stock, Finding Neverland, Paris Je t'aime.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). I'd want to know how. How during his time, he mustered the courage and conviction to increase women's rights, defend the poor and promote justice, when all the odds were stacked against him. I'd want to know at what point, in the eyes of a disproportionate few "Muslims," ending one's life and innocent others, in the guise of absolute faith, became an act of chivalry and not cowardice?
If the Prophet were busy that particular night, I would ask Jellaludin Rumi to take his place. He speaks of Love; sexually, sensually and spiritually. No other man in the literary world has captured my heart more than this poet. I would just sit there and absorb his awesomeness.
If you are interested in hearing more from this international traveler, check out her blog.
