Q&A with Hélène Baret

1. Where were you born?
Liège, Belgique

2. Where do you currently live?
Belgium

3. How many, and what languages do you speak?
3, I speak French, English and I'm learning Spanish

4. What made you decide to study abroad in the United States?
I wanted to have a new experience, to meet new people, to learn about the American culture (to check if the movies where the right version the U.S.!), and most of all get experience for my career. I study the international business.

5. Describe what studying in a different country was like for you.
That was great! I studied in Springfield, Missouri, and that state was great to live in. I went to Missouri State University, a wonderful university. They have really good programs and take care of the international students really well. So I gained knowledge and, at the same time, I discovered the U.S. I went to Memphis, San Antonio, Kansas City… I saw really great places. This study abroad program was also an awesome human experience. At church or at school, I met people I will never forget.

6. What are some lessons you learned during your semester abroad?
First, be tolerant. Sometimes, people don’t think the same way because of their cultures. When it happened to me, I just tried to understand why people don’t think like I do and I learned how to respect that difference. Actually, differences are amazing! You can get the good things from everyone and make your own multicultural mix!

7. What were some difficulties you encountered while studying abroad?
Sometimes, it was hard to understand the people. When [people] are talking together, they use slang or they talk about stuff typical for the U.S. but not for the rest of the world. That could sound stupid but it’s hard to socialize when you don’t understand some jokes or some stories about their favorite song for example (some are not the same in Europe!).

8. What were some of your greatest successes or memories during your semester abroad?
One of my greatest successes was to figure out at the end of the semester that I was able to study in another language. I mean, it looks huge sometimes to leave your country and go somewhere you don’t know anybody. When I left Missouri, I thought: “Yeah, I did it! And I would do it again!” That was a great accomplishment. In the greatest memories I have, there’s always a friend. I met wonderful people.

9. Describe your brief time in Rexburg and at BYU-I. What was that like for you? What did you feel on campus?
I came to Idaho to visit my brother and his family. My visit was wonderful. Rexburg is not a really big city so you get familiar with it pretty fast and I like that. The campus of the university is pretty nice too. For a European member of the Church like me, it was amazing to walk around and see buildings with prophets’ names! I enjoyed attending the devotionals. The students are so lucky to hear inspired people at school! I had the blessing to listen to Elder Nelson on January 26. I’m so thankful that I got that opportunity thanks to BYU-I. To study at BYU-I is a great blessing because you can increase your knowledge and, at the same time, grow spiritually.

10. What has it been like to go home? Has it been difficult to adjust back?
You never want such an experience to end! So it has been kind of hard to be back home. But it’s ok; I have a great family here in Belgium supporting me! And it feels good to be back in the old Europe!