This is the second of three posts written by Maria Murad, a senior majoring in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Creative Computing, and French, about her study abroad experience.
Picture yourself entering a world where artifacts tell stories, history comes to life, and you get to be the bridge connecting different cultures through art. I applied to work at a local museum called “Espace Culturel Departemental 21, bis Mirabeau,” for a change. I had not originally wanted to gain experience in museum work, but once I learned about the history of Aix-en-Provence, I became intrigued by its artistic past. After an interview, I was offered a role to be their Cross-Cultural Liaison Intern for the summer.
Originally a private mansion, the building was renovated and transformed by the Département des Bouches-du-Rhône into a cultural venue to highlight the artistic and historical heritage of the area. The museum is a treasure chest of historical items and tales that bring the past to life, providing tourists with an exclusive look into the history of the region.
My role as a Cross-Cultural Liaison was both rewarding and challenging. Along with making display materials for visitors from all over the world, my duties included giving guided tours in both English and French, providing cultural insights, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. One of the most memorable experiences I experienced was when I gave my first tour to a group of American students visiting Aix; their curiosity and excitement were contagious. It made me so happy to watch their interest grow as I shared stories on the history of the museum, and its diverse set of artists alongside their modern pieces.
My experience has increased my awareness of the subtle cultural differences that make Aix special and has also improved my public speaking skills. Working in a completely integrated French environment was a thrill. It helped me see beyond the region’s rich history and culture. Aix-en-Provence is not merely a historic city; it’s a wonderland full of vibrant art that reminds us of the enduring beauty of cultural heritage!
I learned a great deal and developed a lot of skills from my internship. My confidence grew as I became more comfortable speaking in front of audiences and navigating cross-cultural interactions. I also gained a deeper understanding of the field, learning about cultural preservation, museum operations, and the importance of spreading history to a global audience.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson I learned was in my personal growth. It might seem cliche to admit, but I genuinely feel as though I gained a new sense of awareness. Whether it was navigating the streets of Aix-en-Provence or adapting to the nuances of French workplace culture, every challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone. This experience taught me how to be resilient and embrace new opportunities with an open mind. Living and working in a foreign country was not just about gaining professional skills; it was also about learning more about who I was and how the world worked. The environment in France was truly a breath of fresh air, offering a unique mix of history and natural beauty that refreshed the way I left.
My internship was made possible in large part by the Gilman Scholarship. It gave me the financial resources to participate in SMU’s study abroad program in France, the only program I was interested in that offered an internship. I could not have taken advantage of this incredible opportunity without this support.
The scholarship not only covered my program costs but also allowed me to focus on my internship without financial constraints. When I think back on my experience, I also see that the Gilman Scholarship provided a door to a world of opportunities rather than merely providing financial support. It made it possible for me to develop both personally and professionally, experience a different culture, and gain valuable work experience. Internships are an incredible way to gain hands-on experience, and doing it abroad especially made it memorable. It deepened my understanding of a field that I had no exposure to but ended up learning so much from. Needless to say, the Gilman Scholarship made this goal of mine a reality!
