1) Why did you decide to Study Abroad? Specifically, what made you choose to go to Paris?
I wanted to study abroad because I’ve grown up traveling around the United States with my family, and I wanted to broaden my horizons. Coming from a very small town, I never experienced much diversity, and I really wanted to change that while in college. I chose to study in Paris because I have a minor in French, and I wanted to improve my language skills. I also thought the city was the perfect home point in Europe to be able to travel to other countries.
2) What was your favorite part about Paris?
It’s hard to pick one favorite thing in regard to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The food was amazing, and I could happily live off of bread and cheese for the rest of my life. I loved the architecture. Around every corner was a new beautiful building. It made me appreciate being more present; I wasn’t on my phone as often because I was too busy admiring the city around me,
3) Describe a day in the life of a student in Paris?
Paris universities are different from American universities because students don’t have on- campus housing. That requires daily transportation to classes. Luckily, Paris has one of the best public transportation systems, and it’s very easy to get everywhere, whether it be by train, bus, or bike. Classes were lecture style, with a teacher in the front talking to roughly 60-100 students. I never had homework, my grade was just defined by my final exam and a final paper. After class you’ll find students gathering at the local cafes to sit on the terrace to enjoy an espresso or an aperitif, or find a quiet spot on the Seine to read. As a Parisian student you also get free access to nearly every major museum in the city!
4) What were your accommodations like?
I lived in Foyer Des Etudiants, which is similar to an American dorm style building, though I didn’t live on campus, and not everyone went to the same school. Students in this building came from around the world. I lived in a double room, and my roommate was from Lebanon. We each had our own bed, desk, and dresser and closet, and we shared a sink and a mini fridge. Toilets and showers were down the hall, and there was a small kitchen on each floor for students to cook in. My building also had a library free to anyone who lived there, as well as laundry, a piano, and a workout room in the basement. There was also a beautiful balcony on the top floor that had a view of the entire city, where we could sit and watch as the sun sets behind the Eiffel Tower.
5) Did you do any traveling while abroad in Paris? Where?
I made it my mission while studying abroad to travel to as many new countries as I could. The amazing thing about Europe is that travel is very easy. Going to a new country is like going to a neighboring state in America; everything is nearby and relatively affordable. While abroad, I traveled to Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, England, and various parts of Northern and Southern France. Each country was a unique experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
6) What is one thing you wish you could have done differently?
“Do it. And if you’re scared, do it scared.” During the start of my abroad experience I was very anxious about living on my own in a new country. For the first week or two I would call my parents every day and was too scared to walk farther than the street I lived on. Gradually, I began to walk farther, and discovered the wonderful nooks and crannies of Paris. I wish I had forced myself to go off of my street earlier, because then I could have had more time finding cute cafes or fun bookstores to spend my afternoons in, or a hidden park to sit under the sun with my baguette and a glass of wine. I did it eventually, I only wish I had done it sooner.
7) What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
When we didn’t have class, my friends and I would often have picnics in one of Paris’s many parks. We would stop at the nearest Monoprix and purchase a bottle of wine and some cheese, and then stop at a local boulangerie for a fresh baked baguette. We would find a grassy spot to sit, and spend our afternoons laughing and walking the streets of Paris. Other days we would admire the art in the Louvre, or spend hours sitting in front of Monet’s Water Lilies in the Musée de l’Orangerie. When the weather warmed up, we would sit or take walks on the Seine, passing various street artists and musicians.
8) What is one thing that anyone interested in going to Paris that they should know?
ALWAYS say “bonjour” when entering. It doesn’t matter where you’re entering: the grocery store, your apartment building, an office, the bus, a café… You always say bonjour when walking into a new place. It is a part of the Parisian culture, and they take it very seriously. Don’t be surprised if someone were to treat you with less respect if you didn’t say bonjour when you walk in. Not doing so is considered rude and is a clear indicator that you are not from Paris, and are not adapting to their culture.
9) What was something you didn’t expect to experience while abroad in Paris?
How friendly the Parisian people are. There’s an unfortunate stereotype that Parisians are rude and snobby. This could not be farther from true. Parisians just have a different lifestyle than Americans. They’re much more reserved and focus on one activity at a time whereas in America we have all become experts at multi-tasking. If you make an effort to be friendly with the shop owners and neighbors around you, you hear a lot of amazing stories from people and their travels around the world, and it’s a really special experience. Always be open to new people and experiences.
10) How has studying abroad impacted your life?
Studying abroad has made me a more confident person. Previous to this experience I had never traveled alone before. Now I feel more confident in being able to rely on myself. Going to a foreign country can be scary, but it will ultimately be worth it. Going outside of your comfort zone is the best form of personal growth, and you’ll make many new friends along the way.
11) Would you recommend that other students study abroad in Paris? Why?
I’m biased but I think everyone should study abroad in Paris. It’s a beautiful city and there’s always something to do. Paris is also perfect for students who aren’t fluent in French. While most people in the city will speak French to you, many people are also fluent in English as a second language. Because the city is so popular for tourists there is a plethora of language specific tours, restaurants, and activities that people can participate in. Paris is also perfect because it’s a central European city, so you can catch a cheap flight to nearly any other European city. And if there isn’t a flight, there are trains and overnight buses. If anything, everyone needs to go to Paris at least once just to try the bread; Once you have a true Parisian baguette with French butter you can never go back to normal bread.
