Coming back to America after a year in France is like going into culture shock all over again. Some things have changed and others not at all. There are many people and things I miss about France, but at the same time I am glad to be back. The year went by quickly, but there are many things I have learned not only about myself, but also my country.

America is looked upon as the most powerful nation in the world, but because of its position on world politics, such as the war on Iraq, it is often criticized for supposed misuse of this power. Because of its size, France is considered more like a state in Europe than an actual country.

Nobody acted snotty or threatened me because I was American, but I do have the feeling that if I had strong, open opinions that were pro-Bush or for the war on Iraq, things may have been a bit different.

Besides the issue of Bush declaring the war on Iraq, France and the United States have been friendly allies for a long time, especially during World War II. Differences were put aside this June as veterans from both the United States and France gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of D-Day, when U.S. soldiers came to the aid of the French to help them reclaim their own country from the Nazi rule. President Jacques Chirac as well as President Bush both attended to show their support.

I got the chance to witness people’s reactions in France, and there was little-to-no criticism of Bush during that period, especially among the older generation who had lived through the war. It was interesting to hear their stories of “when the Americans came.” They were always filled with excitement and suspense. I saw the gleam in my host grandmother’s eyes as she told of how happy she was that day because she knew the war was almost over.

While in France, I was asked many questions about the 9-11 attacks. People wanted to know where I was when it happened and how it had affected me. They showed great concern. Their reaction was often that at first sight it looked unreal like a movie, and then later, when they found out it was real, they were horrified. They had they same reaction in March during the Madrid train bombing attack. What mattered to them was that people were unjustly killed, which affected all humanity.

Something I can say for sure was the French were curious about American life and the way our politics work. My parents visited me during spring break, and my English class of French students invited them to speak. Many students asked questions about the upcoming elections and who was expected to win. These were hard questions to answer, but we tried to stay as neutral as we could. The majority of French students supported John Kerry, but they listened to us as we tried to explain that there are many different points of view in the United States.

Beth Ruhl is pictured with her best friend from school, Fleur Lavi Sandri. Both attended Lycee Descartes in Tours, France. Behind them is the Hotel de la Ville in Tours' downtown.

One of the more funny stereotypes that seemed to follow me from Kansas was that everyone here is a cowboy. I often received comments such as “Where’s your hat?” Then I would have to politely explain that not everyone here dresses like they are from a John Wayne movie, although some do.

The French watch American films, but it was amusing to see their love of Woody Allen, Charlie Chaplin and Jerry Lewis films, choices that are unique. As for music, the French listen to reggae like we listen to pop.

Although Washington, D.C., is the nation’s capital, the French prefer to compare Paris with New York because of its important cultural standing. They love to talk about something they saw on Broadway or a trip they took to Times Square.

Beth Ruhl stayed with four host families during her year abroad. Above is the home of her last host family, the Tardits. Her host father, Phillipe, is an architect. The house is in a small village called Montbazon just outside of Tours.

Reflecting on it, all this has probably been the most challenging, yet rewarding experience of my life and I can’t wait to share it with my friends, family, Bishop Seabury Academy, Rotary Club and anyone else who is interested.

Beth Ruhl will be a senior at Bishop Seabury Academy. You can contact her to hear more about her year abroad by e-mailing teens@ljworld.com or calling 832-6361.

Beth Ruhl, left, and her parents, Becky and Kirk Ruhl, tour the sites for spring break. Above, they pose like King Louis XIV at a chateau named Azay-le-Rideau, in the town of the same name.

Kansas and France do have something in common: beautiful sunsets. Beth Ruhl took this photo of France in March.

Monique Pasticier, right, invited Beth, a host mother, Helen Leloup, center, and Beth's parents, Kirk Ruhl, center, and Becky Ruhl (not pictured) to dine. The meal began with an appetizer made of carrot frappe, rillette (a ground mixture of pork) on baguette (bread), and then little pieces of bacon. Beth says a French meal is composed of mainly four or five courses, although bread is always present on the table from the start. It begins with a salad/ appetizer, then a vegetable/side dish, then the main course, cheeses and dessert.