Up until three years ago, I had never traveled outside of the United States. Well, unless you count spring break in Cancun but I hardly remember the trip and the pictures tell a story I’d like to forget anyway.

But really, my thirst for wanderlust began Summer of 2013 when I traveled to Monrovia, Liberia. It’s always difficult for me to summarize this experience with words. I can never find the words to truly eloquent the raw and overwhelming imagery and the spectrum of emotions I felt on this trip. MIND BLOWN. Liberia, in one of its most destitute states. On the cusp of an Eboli breakout, had so much spirit, so much soul. It felt like home. I needed more…

Upon returning home, I received an email from a French Business School inquiring on my consideration for an international MBA. Although, I had never considered attending school abroad this email was right on time. I was still studying for the GMAT and was in the process of scheduling interviews and visits to a few other schools (none in foreign countries). I was convinced my trip to Liberia offered a sort of prognostication on life for me. The only logical next step for me was to go back to school, quit my corporate job, hop on a plane, and find myself in some foreign country.

And that’s exactly what I did.

I got accepted into EDHEC Business school in October of 2014. I had two options: buckle down and start during the January 2015 intake or plan accordingly and start during September’s 2015 intake. Now I’d like to consider myself a perfectly reasonable person. September’s intake offered me an opportunity to save up more money, practice my French (I knew none and I mean nothing), and to just have an overall more comfortable timeline to operate on.

I booked my flight for January…

When I say I knew absolutely nothing in French – I mean zero, zilch, nada (that’s Spanish). “Bone Jure” and “Or Vwa” was the extent of my French vocabulary. Fortunately for me, the school’s entire course material was taught in English. But that still didn’t negate the fact that every where else folks would be speaking French – and every where else meaning the ENTIRE country.

But I knew this was the right move…

I went to EDHEC Business School. My entire degree was done abroad so I didn’t work with a study abroad program. I coordinated my travel plans and arrangements myself (If I can do it, anyone can do it). The school helped out a little bit but not as much as I had anticipated. Really they just pointed me in the right direction by making a few recommendations. I depended heavily on former students and others who had moved months earlier. It didn’t help that I was under a very tight timeframe too. During the first week of classes I didn’t have a place to stay and I was living in a nearby hotel. It wasn’t as bad as it sounds though. The hotel was in walking distance to my school, so it actually worked out because I got an opportunity to see a few flats before I paid the deposit.

What made you choose this country?

The country chose me! My school sent a random marketing email and I actually had to google where Nice, France was located. However, I would suggest that anyone who might be interested in studying abroad to do significantly more research than I did. I fell in love with the idea of moving abroad and my school was the only school I talk with. Lucky for me this happens to be a top MBA program on the French Riviera. Made my decision that much easier. I traveled throughout Europe quite a bit and I researched many other programs. If I could do it all over again I would have looked at programs in Spain, Switzerland, Brazil and South Africa. It’s not that I’m unhappy with my decision but I think it’s better to make a more informed decision. I happen to get lucky and things just worked out.

What were your initial thoughts on moving there?

This question is kind of deep for me…

My mom did really well with idea of me moving out of the country, but once we got to the airport and everything became a reality she broke down. She was happy for me but this was the first time I’d be leaving home. She was just scared – you know how moms are. My dad tried to remain indifferent but was just as happy, just as scared and just as emotional as my mom but didn’t want to show it.

Too be honest I didn’t get nervous until I boarded the plane. I remember sitting there waiting for take off. The couple sitting next to me was speaking French. I started to think what the hell had I gotten myself into. I felt overwhelmed with anxiety and nervousness – riddled with self doubt. Am I really doing this? I started to wonder – am I smart enough? Am I brave enough? Did I make the right decision? What will my classmates be like?

Forget classmates, what will the country be like?

I expected to be nervous. I expected to be fearful. I didn't expect to question my abilities… my confidence… my talents… my intuition…my focus. I really believe self-doubt has destroyed so many more dreams than failure ever will. I’m okay with failing because at least I tried. Self-doubt on the other hand renders us incapable of trying. I wanted to get off the plane. The doubt felt like a toxic parasite feasting on my mind, body, and soul. It wanted to rip out all of my hopes, dreams, and aspirations – shredding them into inconsequential specs of nothing. This is a very dangerous place to be. Its like you've jumped in a swimming pool and now you've grown tired of treading water and all you want is the soles of your feet to touch something solid but you can only manage the tips of your toes. Drowning in your own self doubt.

Anybody thinking about studying abroad or with life things in general. Do not let your fears do this to you. Remember that if you are doing something that you find fearful…something that you find yourself afraid of, it's probably because you are about to do something that's extremely brave. You are about to do something outside of what you find comfortable. You are about to step into an oasis. Embrace it because it is going to be a great feeling and in the end you are going to benefit.

How did you adjust to the culture?

By always keeping an OPEN MIND…

This is extremely important. I had to be very flexible in my thinking. I remember my first meal in France. It was during our orientation and everyone decided to have lunch together at the on campus Brasserie. The entire menu was in French and I had no clue what I was reading. I recognized “Avec des frits” and that because it obviously looked like with fries to me. Well, maybe it wasn’t obvious but ever meal seems to have “Avec des frites” so I just assumed everything came with fries. The beef tartare seemed to be a popular choice so I went with that. Now keep in mind I had never heard of beef tartare let alone tried it. I was completely mortified when the server sat the plate down in front of me. It was raw. Yes, totally uncooked. To some of the more cultured folks, this would not be a surprise at all. In fact, they are probably wondering what did I expect? My right hand to GOD – I expected my beef patty to be COOKED!

But you know what? I kept my cool and ate the beef tartare. I ATE THE BEEF TARTARE! Well, half of it. And this set the pace for my entire experience. I could have complained. I could have sent it back. I could have ordered something different. But I think actually trying it and being at least open to the new experience helped me with so many other things. This was one of MANY uncomfortable experiences, like buying duck when I thought I was buying a turkey or saying a curse word in French when I thought I was being polite. And to be honest after the beef tartare episode, culture shock happened rather slowly for me. I started to embrace discomfort and that made my overall adjustment process easier.

I will say that jet lag sucks and coordinating times to talk with friends on six-hour time difference is annoying.

What was your biggest takeaway or learning?

Wow… to always remain curious. I’m naturally a little curious and an inquisitive person. I ask a lot of questions but living in a different country will completely blow your mind. The people, the language, the food, the experience is indescribable. I won’t go overkill on this one because it’s really something you just have to experience. Studying abroad is an opportunity to change your entire perspective on the world. I don’t know many other things offer this type of change.

Where can people read or see more of your travels?

I’m actually working on a blog space. Too be continued but definitely connect with me on social media. I’m happy to help with any questions or comments.

Twitter: @hoffhogan

Instagram: @hoffhogan

Facebook: Brandon Z. Hoff or HoffHogan

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Brandon Z. Hoff: France