<p>Has anybody recently studied abroad? If so, where did you go and how were you treated? Did you often find yourself being lectured on the evils of America or find yourself having to convince people you weren't some "ugly American" stereotype? Did that seem to increase in various areas if you went hostelling? Im probably going to be abroad in either Fall 2006 or Spring 2007 preferably in Vienna or Munich - and theres no telling where things will stand then. Just wondering what the climate is like now.</p>
<p>I spent 9 months in France, just got back two weeks ago.</p>
<p>I found that yes, the French usually do want to Bush-bash, but they're very friendly towards Americans and hold no resentment toward the people themselves, only the government.</p>
<p>Nine months? Sweet! I'll only get a semester. How's the reverse culture shock coming?</p>
<p>Well I came home to Mexico City for the summer (my mom lives here) so it was a huge difference, but I wouldn't call it a shock. Still, though, Europe is AWESOME and I really want to go back. I'm off to the US in the fall and if one person says something about the French, man ... LoL. </p>
<p>A semester will be great, just make the most of it! Time flies when you're travelling and having fun.</p>