Third comes navigation. The ability to turn into a human map. Only learned by doing, failing, and repeating until the correct street is discovered.
Second comes language. A deep appreciation of every sleek and slender sound which is spoken. Immerse yourself in it; become a sponge.
Third comes lifestyle. To learn how to speed up and slow down on command. Observe carefully and take detailed notes.
My schedule allows for long, stretched-out breaks. No more than two classes per day, and only one on Wednesday. This is both a blessing and a curse, since I live too far away for it to be worth it to return home. With our urban split campus, it is impossible to ignore the bold cityscape which stares us all in the face. Over time, the buzzing and colorful streets transitioned from novel to familiar. My eyes clung to fountains, carved arches, flower baskets on balconies, and petit cups of espresso. I learned how to walk with purpose, how to savor my food, and how to manage time.
Small things, like studying with friends, conversing on the street before class, and going out for coffee or a bit to eat gave me somewhere to belong and something to do. I joined clubs, volunteered, and threw myself into the eager mass of students at the American University of Paris.
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