For Alba Turri, a student from the French Riviera in Nice, France, studying abroad was more than a dream — it was a lifelong goal. With roots in both France and Italy, Turri grew up immersed in two cultures, which fostered a love for languages, travel and international connections from an early age. That passion led her to study international cultures with a focus on English and Hispanic cultures, and eventually to an exchange experience at Cal State Fullerton.
“I always had this ‘American study experience dream,’” said Turri. “It was something I had seen in movies that seemed enriching and fun.”
When Turri was accepted to study at CSUF through a partner university in Paris, she was thrilled. The campus, location and vibrant student life made Fullerton the perfect base for exploring the melting pot that is Southern California.
California Adventures
Turri jumped right into making the most of her time in California. During her two semesters at CSUF, she took a road trip to Zion National Park, camped under the stars at the Grand Canyon with the Titan Outdoors club, kayaked through canyons, hopped on a train to San Diego and took a surf class to experience a bit of quintessential California lifestyle.
“Nature here is unbelievable — overwhelming in the best way,” said Turri. “I got to experience it all with other international friends, which made it even more special.”
As Turri explored, she was also amazed by California’s diversity through food. Particularly, she fell in love with Mexican food.
“I missed the good and fresh food back home in Europe, but I discovered the rich cultural gastronomy of California,” said Turri.
She also celebrated personal milestones, like turning 21 in the U.S. with an American-style cake, and experiencing her first Halloween at Universal Studios’ Horror Nights.
Academic Life
Turri enjoyed the academic experience in California. She found her courses at CSUF both engaging and welcoming and enjoyed the participatory nature of American classrooms, which was a shift from the lecture-based format she was used to in France. She said that her professors were “sympathetic and fun,” creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
“One of my favorite classes was about Hollywood and America,” she said. “It felt like a gathering of friends. We even had donuts in class.”
In addition to improving her academic English, Turri used the opportunity to strengthen her Spanish by interacting with classmates, which was especially helpful for her bilingual cultural studies program back home.
Growing Through Challenges
Although Turri did encounter some homesickness as an exchange student, staying in touch with family and friends helped ease the feeling of distance.
“I am so grateful for technology nowadays,” she said. “I would be in touch through social media, sending pictures of my experiences and trying to call when the time was good for them. We would sometimes even send written letters to each other, which made this challenge less difficult and more heartwarming.”
The challenges also helped her grow as a person.
“I learned how resilient I can be, moving to a whole other country and adopting its lifestyle,” she said. “I also learned that life is always changing and it’s better to dive in, like to try catching waves when I was out surfing in the Pacific Ocean.”
With determination, Turri achieved her dream of studying in America, living in California, and getting closer to fluency in English and Spanish.
Advice and Looking Ahead
“Enjoy every opportunity,” Turri advised fellow exchange students. “Try the food, join the school events, explore the landscapes and don’t hold back talking to other people. Each interaction can lead to a fantastic experience.”
She also encourages students to take advantage of university resources: “Clubs, trips, wellness programs, sports — there is a lot available for students.”
Now that her exchange program has officially ended, Turri is staying a few extra weeks in California before returning home to the South of France. She’s considering a master’s degree in Paris, but her international journey is far from over.
“I’m so open and ready to have another international experience, whether for study or to work,” said Turri.
To learn more about exchange program opportunities at CSUF, visit the International Education and Engagement website.