Alone, isolated from friends, struggling with finances, and constantly worried about his loved ones back at home, Abdul spent days in bed, sleeping through online classes and not communicating with anyone. A student at IMT Atlantique in Brittany, France, Abdul lost more than fun nights out with friends and in-person lectures when the pandemic forced the city into lockdown. "It was difficult to live another day at that time."

When Zinedine Zidane “chestbutted” an Italian opponent during the 2006 men’s World Cup final, he struck a blow for all footballers who have been victims of racism. Joe Simeone explores how Zidane’s action exposed the dominant French idea of “universalism” and the racism it is designed to hide.

By Alexandra Nicoletti

In this reflection on the experience of living and studying abroad as an American in France, Alexandra Nicoletti explores the complex process of cultural translation involved when the #MeToo movement crosses the Atlantic.