My name is Hugo and I am a French student at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

I am starting my third semester in the United States, so I have been living here for a year now, and I must say that this experience has exceeded all my expectations.

When I arrived in the United States, I had some apprehensions, but very quickly, I felt at home.

As a student-athlete, I am part of the university's football (soccer) team, and this passion takes up a large part of my daily life. We train every day and regularly play games against other university teams.

Living on campus with my teammates really reinforces that sense of camaraderie. It’s like living in a big summer camp! We spend so much time together, both on and off the field, that we’ve become like a second family. It’s an atmosphere that I really enjoy.

The freedom I have here is incredible. Unlike in France, where the academic framework is often stricter, here I feel like I have much more autonomy. I manage my schedule, between training and classes, and it has taught me to be more independent. I find the academic side interesting, and to be honest, it is not particularly difficult.

The professors are quite flexible, especially with student-athletes, and as long as I take my classes seriously, I can manage to balance everything without too much stress.

Duquesne is a beautiful campus, with breathtaking views of the city of Pittsburgh. I love walking around here, whether it's to go to class or just enjoy the scenery. The city itself is surprising: it's human-sized but dynamic, with plenty of activities to discover when I have some free time.

If I had to give advice to those who are hesitant about studying abroad, I would tell them to go for it. This year allowed me to grow, not only as an athlete, but also as a person. I sincerely recommend the experience at Duquesne. It is a perfect balance between sports, studies, and a rich social life. One thing is for sure, I do not regret having left France for this adventure!