When I first heard about studying abroad in Paris, the first things that came to mind were the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the cafés on nearly every street. Although this is what Paris is known for, being on this trip has shown me that Paris is also a city that has been shaped by its history and culture. My Thursday began with the Le Paris Noir – Right Bank Walking Tour and ended deep beneath the streets in the Catacombs. These two experiences helped me view Paris from a different angle compared to what is always seen on the internet.  

Our morning started with a metro ride to Blanche Station, where we met with our guide, Kevi. Prior to the tour, I did not know that such history existed on the streets of Paris, but Kevi demonstrated otherwise. Throughout the tour he explained how deeply Black Americans influenced Paris during the early twentieth century. Kevi talked about Pigalle and how it is described as “Harlem-sur-Seine”. He also stated how Black American soldiers, including the Harlem Hellfighters, helped introduce jazz to France during World War I. Although many returned home to segregation and discrimination, they were able to find admiration in France, where jazz became an important part of Parisian culture. It was quite interesting learning how something like music is able to connect people from different backgrounds while also shaping and influencing another country’s identity.  

As the tour proceeded, Kevi spoke about Montmartre. He taught us that Montmartre became an artistic center because it was once an affordable working-class neighborhood where artists were able to experiment freely. We were able to learn about Le Bateau-Lavoir and Pablo Picasso’s early years. Learning about this showed how artistic movements developed through collaboration. It was interesting to see how African art influenced many European artists, showing that creativity is often shaped through cultural exchange.  

A part of the tour that stood out was learning about the Black American artists and writers who found new opportunities in Paris. We were told about Henry Ossawa Tanner, Palmer Hayden, Buford Delaney, and James Baldwin. Their stories demonstrated that Paris offered many opportunities that were difficult to find in the United States. Because of these opportunities, they were able to develop their work in an environment with greater freedom.  

We learned about many people throughout this tour but the one who left an impression on me was Josephine Baker. I did not know much about her, but our tour taught me much more about her life, which was interesting. Josephine Baker became one of Paris’s biggest stars during a difficult time in history. She served in the French Resistance during World War II by helping gather information and later returned to the United States to support the Civil Rights Movement. She even spoke at the 1963 March on Washington. Josephine Baker did not just represent artistic success but also a commitment to justice.  

As our tour was coming to an end, we spoke about the more difficult parts of French history. We talked about France’s relationship with immigration, the country’s colonial past, and the long process of acknowledging the Vichy government’s role during World War II. Kevi took us to the front of a school where we saw the memorial dedicated to Jewish children who were deported. Seeing this made the events feel much more personal compared to reading about them in a textbook. This tour reminded me that there is a lot more behind the streets you walk on. You may think that it is a normal street, but you never know what has happened on it or the impact it has had on someone.  

After the tour, some friends and I visited the Paris Catacombs later that evening. After spending the day learning about the history above ground, walking beneath the streets of Paris and learning about history beneath the ground felt like a full circle conclusion. Walking through the tunnels lined with the remains of millions of Parisians gave an overwhelming feeling. It was both fascinating and unsettling. It reminded me how temporary life is and how although Paris is drawn as a city of beauty and romance, it also carries another reality.  

As my time in France comes to an end, I look back on my time spent here. Rather than showing us another famous neighborhood, we were challenged and inspired to think about whose stories are remembered and whose are often overlooked. Paris has inspired me in many ways and helped me view life from a different perspective. This city is defined by its landmarks throughout the internet but today has shown me that it is also defined by the artists, soldiers, immigrants, and activists who helped shape it. This perspective has become one of the most important and meaningful lessons I will take home from this study abroad experience.

       Memories are timeless, especially the ones we made in Paris over the course of 2 weeks. The simple task of walking through the neighborhoods of Paris had left us in awe, and the ambience of the streets were welcoming, almost surreal to believe. Each café, each boutique, and each establishment catered its own unique style. The diversity of Parisian streets were surely noteworthy, as well as the people who proved themselves to be welcoming and patient towards anyone who simply said “bonjour.” Being a tourist, engaging in a conversation was intimidating with a Parisian; yet, locals displayed a strong willingness to listen, to correct, and to communicate with us regardless of our terrible pronunciations or etiquette as Americans. Nothing screamed “tourists” more than a group’s fascination with architecture and the wandering eyes from place to place. However, the gawking was a newfound appreciation for something unfamiliar to us: the art of a new society, a new world we had never been more immersed and interested in until now. 

      Museums hold hundreds and thousands of artifacts from our history, whether it is in the form of a painting, sculpture, statue, or a hand crafted object. Each piece of art signified a memory, acting as a time capsule of what once was. We visited many museums in Paris: Musée d’Orsay, Musée du Louvre, Panthéon, Versailles, etc. The places themselves held a story, one that cannot only be described but visualized as well. Some stories were as beautiful as the artwork, and many were tragic. Musée d’Orsay taught us the tragedy of Hitler’s reign and Nazi power. The clothes, the guns, the plaques with stories, the letters, and many other items collected to be displayed held a dark history we were learning from. Musée du Louvre, with many of its large and grand paintings also included both the beauty and tragedy of French history. Some art can describe themselves based on details we decipher from that era. The Louvre being the largest art museum in the world, had walls completely filled with art and thousands of pieces from the past that had been maintained for decades, centuries even. We cannot help as humans, to be mesmerized by beauty. Paris had captivated us, not only for its arts but the stories being told as well. 

     Artwork can be expressed in many forms, not only through brushstrokes and still objects, but words as well. Extending far beyond paintings and sculptures to include literary pieces/books, music, and other creative expressions that humans use to preserve emotions, history, or our personal creative flow. Particularly, literature holds the power of preservation, through words that can define and challenge society through a universal language. We learnt about people who advocated and lived for writing, like James Baldwin and Ernest Hemingway. Both influential writers inhabited Paris, shaping today’s literary world and contributing towards artistic freedom. We got to see the liveliness of Paris that we had only known by completing our reading about beforehand. The café that once had Hemingway working day in and day out, was preserved and still open to the public in Paris. One thing was certain about Paris: inspiration could be found everywhere and we  as students were truly inspired. 

     Time is fleeting, and we felt those fleeting moments on our last day together as a group. We had spent 2 weeks of constant adventure, accompanying one another to conquer the unfamiliar streets of Paris. We had learnt the metro together, shared new destinations, ate food we could not read off a menu, used citymapper religiously, and most importantly made memories that could never be replicated. We started off as strangers, but quickly became acquaintances who were willing to help one another and traverse through the experience as a whole. We will never forget line 4, stopping at Porte d’Orleans on the metro that would lead us back to our hotel, and through that empty cobblestone road we trekked down everyday. The toot bus, our first look as a group to see every major attraction we could possibly think of. Of course, how could it be a Paris experience without visiting the Eiffel Tower and being bombarded by scammers or people selling sparkly Eiffel towers for 1 euro. At night, wine would be the next big seller at the Eiffel Tower. We had made so many memories together, through the itinerary and not. Our best memories are not the ones planned, but the ones we do not discuss. The friendships that were silently being made, the conversations and niche jokes we had developed were the true memories that would stick with us. As time passes and we continue our lives making more meaningful experiences, when we reflect on this trip it will not be the monuments alone that we think of, but the people we met, the moments we shared, and the feeling that, for a little while, we had truly become part of the city. 

While my time here in Paris is coming to an end there were a lot of fun adventures that I have experienced. I was able to sleep in a little more today, which was really good. Regarding the lost time of exploring this morning, I got myself a tattoo. It was a once in a lifetime choice that I had made for myself. Then later on in the day we came together as a group one more time and enjoyed a very delicious 3-course meal. The starter was a goat cheese salad, main course was chicken with mushroom sauce and basmati rice, and dessert was chocolate mouse. 

The dinner was really great and I have no dislike for it, but there was a lot more better food that I had. The only reason that I say that is because I walked around and looked at different menus and tried different things. I believe that it tastes and feels so much better that you found it yourself. 

Using public transport was one big worry that I thought I was gonna come across. Having the endpoint of where you want to go is really easy, but getting there is the hard part. Over time though I eventually did figure it out. It was really convenient knowing how to navigate my way to the nearest metro and knowing where to get off. Sometimes if you’re lucky some metro lines could be a sauna or somewhat conditioned.

Most importantly, the scenery was very beautiful. There is never a point in the city where you can’t get a good photo. It is way bigger than what you see on just the postcards. Those are just iconic but inside of Paris is where the beauty of it really lies. Speaking of the landmarks and museums, it is plentiful here. After visiting and looking at them you really understand so much about French history and significantly about the French Revolution as well. You retain so much information, and it’s live in action so you wouldn’t have to just sit in a classroom listening when you can live it. All the structures and monuments are truly fascinating. It gets you thinking how all these years, the people of Paris built them.

Having everything organized by the World Strides team was very helpful. Without them we wouldn’t know how to get to places, or find a way around the city in the first place. One really cool thing that I noticed is that we would have to find our own way there to meet with the professor. It gives the responsibility to the kids and a test of getting around on their own. Also people in my group would help another one out if we were lost or needed a recommendation of something. After the time with the group is over, we have time on our own to do anything we want. The thing with that is there is so much to do you don’t know where to start. Noting that the goal of this trip is not to stay in the hotel and sleep and scroll away. I was almost a victim of that but then the city really reminded me of the things that are waiting for me. So when we depart from the class, I always start walking and walking. Doing that allowed me to see everything around and how it worked. Also the best part of doing that is I get to see some really cool shops and cafes without trying to spend time looking for one on my phone. 

Getting this chance to study abroad has been a blessing and I wouldn’t think twice of ever leaving. The city has so much to offer, that people back in the United States would not understand. Everybody here is a community and people get along really well here. For example I was hanging out with one of the people in my group one day. We stumbled upon a couple, who were really experienced with Paris for a long time. We talked to them for a good amount of time and they gave us some really cool spots to look at. So if you are ever worried about not being able to communicate with people that won’t be an issue. It is very diverse and everybody is welcomed so you won’t ever have to feel left out. 

I am really grateful for the group that came with me on this trip. It allowed me to make some new friends and really enjoy this moment with them. I would definitely recommend this spot to go to and it is just more than learning about the history of it. 

After 9 days experiencing France, we went to two of the most famous landmarks: the Musée d’Orsay and the Palace of Versailles. Both locations are very well known tourist attractions, but experiencing them in person was completely different from what I expected. Going to both iconic sites was a unique experience, making it one of the most memorable days of my time in France. The immersion in art, history, and culture was unforgettable.

We began the day at the Musée d’Orsay, a museum known for its incredible collection of Impressionist and Post Impressionist art. Before coming to Paris, I had seen many of these famous paintings in textbooks, online, and in classroom presentations. I was expecting it to be very much like that, but standing in front of them in person was an entirely different experience.

One of the biggest surprises of the day was how immersive the artworks felt. The paintings seemed much larger, more detailed, and more vibrant than they appeared through a screen. I could see the texture of the brushstrokes and artistic techniques in ways that a camera couldn’t capture. Looking at them with my own eyes, I felt like I was traveling back in time and becoming immersed in the paintings. It also helped me understand why people travel from all over the world to visit museums like the Musée d’Orsay. Art is meant to be experienced, not just viewed.

One of my favorite parts of visiting the Musée d’Orsay was seeing the paintings by Vincent van Gogh. Out of all the artworks in the museum, his paintings stood out to me the most. Before coming to Paris, I had seen images of his work online and in class, but seeing them in person was a completely different experience. The colors were much more vibrant, and I was able to notice details in the brushstrokes that I had never seen before. Standing in front of the paintings made me appreciate the amount of skill and emotion that went into creating them. It was fascinating to see a work of art that I had only previously viewed through a screen, and it became one of the highlights of my visit to the Musée d’Orsay.

A Simple Parisian Lunch

After spending time exploring the museum, I went outside and grabbed a simple lunch of a baguette and coffee. Throughout my time in France, I have come to appreciate how even the simplest food can feel special. There is something unique about French culture in taking a moment to sit down, enjoy fresh bread, and watch the city moving around you.

While the meal itself was not extravagant, it reflected one of the things I have enjoyed most about Paris, which is the ability to slow down and appreciate everyday moments. Sometimes traveling is not about the major landmarks but about the small experiences that make you feel connected to the culture. Sitting with a coffee and baguette after a busy morning at the museum gave me time to reflect on everything I had seen. It was a simple moment, but it felt very authentic and memorable.

Walking Through the Palace of Versailles

Later in the day, we took the train to the Palace of Versailles. The palace was breathtaking, but my favorite part of the visit was walking through the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding it.

The scale of Versailles is hard to understand until you see it for yourself. The gardens seem endless, with detailed pathways, fountains, statues, and perfectly maintained landscapes stretching in every direction. Walking through the gardens made me imagine what it would have been like to live during the height of the French monarchy.

As someone who had previously only seen pictures and videos of Versailles, I was amazed by how fascinating and impressive the entire property felt. Every turn revealed another beautiful view, making the experience feel almost surreal.

Walking through Versailles also helped me better understand the history that we had discussed in class. Reading about the French monarchy and seeing photographs online provided useful information, but actually standing in the palace and gardens gave me a much deeper appreciation for the scale and power of the monarchy during that time. Seeing the architecture, landscaping, and attention to detail made history feel much more real than it ever had in a textbook.

One of my favorite moments of the day was simply walking through the gardens and taking in the scenery. The combination of nature, architecture, and history created an atmosphere unlike anywhere else I had visited before. Even with many tourists around, the gardens felt peaceful and gave me the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the landscape.

The Heatwave Challenge

Although the day was fantastic, there was one issue that made it particularly difficult: the heatwave. The weather was extremely hot, and walking for hours through the museums, the city, and the huge grounds of Versailles proved to be quite tiring at times. Staying cool and hydrated became just as important as seeing all the sights.

Even though the weather was uncomfortable, it also became part of the experience and one that I will never forget when looking back on this trip. Life has its ups and downs, and sometimes, even when we do not plan for them, those challenges make our travel experiences even more interesting. The heat made the day more exhausting, but it also made me appreciate the experience even more because it reminded me that travel is not always perfect. Sometimes the unexpected challenges become part of the memories that stay with you the longest.

Reflections on My Experience in France

As I look back on my time in France, June 23rd stands out as one of the most memorable days and highlights why studying abroad has been such a valuable experience. During our time here, we have learned a great deal about the history, culture, and artistry of France.

On this day in particular, visiting the Musée d’Orsay and Versailles helped bring those lessons to life. However, what this experience made very clear is that some things cannot be substituted for their true form. The firsthand experience of viewing renowned works of art and exploring historical locations far surpasses any image in a book or on social media.

Experiences like this are one of the main reasons why studying abroad is so valuable. Rather than simply learning about France through lectures and readings, I have had the opportunity to experience its culture firsthand. Visiting places such as the Musée d’Orsay and Versailles allowed me to connect classroom knowledge with real life experiences. These moments have made my learning more meaningful and memorable, and they have helped me gain a greater appreciation for French history, art, and culture.

Overall, this experience made me realize how important it is to be present and fully appreciate the opportunities around me. Being able to step outside the classroom and directly experience what I have been learning has given me a new perspective. It has shown me that some of the best lessons come not from textbooks but from real world experiences.

Conclusion

June 23rd was a day packed with art, culture, and great memories. From the wonderful experience at the Musée d’Orsay to the majestic gardens of Versailles, there was no shortage of amazing moments. Even the heatwave became part of the adventure.

As my time in France continues, I know this day will stand out as one of the best of the trip. Traveling does not only consist of visiting places; it consists of experiencing them in a way that gives you a different understanding of the world. The experiences I had at the Musée d’Orsay and Versailles reminded me that learning can happen anywhere and that some of the most valuable lessons come from seeing, exploring, and experiencing things for yourself.

When I first signed up for this trip, I didn’t know what to expect. I did not know anyone going on this trip and I did not know that much about the French culture. It wasn’t until I started reading the countless books that we were assigned that I started to understand why people loved Paris. Then as soon as I arrived, I truly understood why people love Paris, why people love this beautiful and influencing city. 

Today, we visited the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. When I was first told that I was going to be writing my blog this day, I had no idea what I was going to take away and learn from a cemetery. Cemeteries are everywhere and they can remind people about about the sad and depressing times that their loved ones are no longer with them. But I learned that even a dark and depressing time can turn into an inspiring love story or a hopeful and inspiring future. 

Paris has taught me to enjoy the little things and to not take advantage of the opportunities that we have. We never know how much time that we have left on this earth and walking through the cemetery helped me realize how real that statement can be. Some of these people died at such a young age. These people died when they were only a couple years older than I am right now. Despite the tragedies of people’s losses, the French find a way to remember a happy memory, even if that happy memory only lasted a short amount of time. They view the love story of two people who never ended up together as a happy memory. Instead of a tragic love story, they view this as a happy time where two people once loved each other despite every reason why they shouldn’t be together. These two people only loved each other for a short amount of time, but everyone remembers their love story. This is just one of the many examples of how the French culture can be very inspiring.

This whole trip has been an eye opening experience for me as well. It has taught me so much about the French culture, their lifestyle, and most importantly the art that they create. This whole trip has been about the American writers traveling to France. These writers move to Paris for its beauty and to experience certain freedoms that they couldn’t experience in the United States. As I am spending more and more time in Paris, I understand why these writers moved to Paris. Paris has such a special literary culture that the United States never had. There are small bookstores and cafes on every corner that people can meet to talk about their latest literature. 

Paris has inspired me in more ways than I can count. Every day there is a new experience or a new surprise that I face that changes my view of Paris. I am so thankful that I decided to come and will forever remember this incredible adventure. 

My study abroad experience in Paris, France has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Through exploring the city, navigating daily life in an unfamiliar country, and stepping out of my comfort zone, I have gained a type of confidence and independence that I didn’t think was even possible. I’m so used to my familiar routine at home that I often forget how much the world has to offer and explore. If you had told me a year ago today that I would be studying abroad in one of the most beautiful and historical places in the world, I would have never believed you. As the last week of my time studying abroad is approaching, I have come to love Paris and everything that I have had the privilege to learn throughout this experience.

As I boarded the boat for our Seine River tour, I immediately understood why this tour is so popular. From the water, the city looks even more breathtaking than it did from the streets. Historic buildings can be seen from both sides of the riverbanks with people gathered along the water to enjoy the beautiful city. The peaceful atmosphere allowed me to slow down and appreciate my surroundings, something that is often difficult to do in my busy life.

One of the sights that we got to see on the boat tour was the Eiffel Tower. It is even more amazing in person than in photos that I just can’t help but admire every time I lay eyes upon it. Although I had visited the Eiffel Tower multiple times already, it is still as exciting if not more seeing it from the middle of the Seine River. Another unforgettable sight was passing Notre-Dame Cathedral. Despite the challenges the landmark has faced over the years, it still remains one of the city’s most treasured symbols of France’s past. The unique architecture, inside and out, displays centuries of French history, art, and culture that truly represents the resilience of Paris. Throughout the boat tour, I was surrounded by museums, monuments, historic buildings, and centuries-old bridges that each contribute to the story of Paris. The city is full of life where culture and history are present in every direction that you turn.

Our tour guide was amazing and kept the energy of the ride alive especially on such a humid day. He spoke both French and English while going back and forth between languages in such an effortless way. He was very welcoming and informative of all the sights around the Seine River and even gave some recommendations on spots for sweets that locals love.

As beautiful as the sights were, my study abroad journey was more than just sightseeing and the historical element of the course. It also involved growth and learning how to navigate life independently in a new environment. I have since mastered the Paris metro which at first felt a little overwhelming with all the different lines and transfers. There were times when I took the wrong train, got off at the wrong stop, and had to ask the Parisians around me for help. However, after being in Paris for over a week, I can confidently say that I know how to plan my routes accordingly and navigate Paris on my own. I learned how to adapt when plans changed and remain patient when faced with obstacles.

While I enjoyed riding the metro from place to place, I much rather enjoyed walking. Everyday I was walking thousands of steps through the city and exploring all the neighborhoods along with cafes. The famous landmarks were incredible to see, but some of my favorite memories came from wandering the streets. I never knew what I was going to see next and that’s what made it so exhilarating. I discovered bookstores, markets, and hidden corners of the city that I would have not known about if I had solely relied on the metro. There is so much more to Paris than what is seen on social media or on the front of a postcard. These moments allowed me to see that Paris has so much more to offer than what meets the eye. Though my chapter in France is coming to a close, the memories, experiences, lessons, and friendships I gained abroad will remain with me for years to come.

The most meaningful experiences are rarely the easiest ones. 

It is so easy to romanticize studying abroad in Paris and only consider the world-famous landmarks, the new friendships and the life-changing experiences. What is often left out are the challenges: the exhaustion of walking miles and miles each day in the blistering heat wave, the unfamiliarity of being away from home, the physical and mental strain of adapting to this new environment. However, as we have learned through our required texts, The Sun Also Rises, A Moveable Feast, Giovanni’s room and The Paris Bookseller, growth is often accompanied by discomfort. During my time here so far, my struggles have mirrored the experiences the writers of these books portrayed. Through visiting places such as the Palace of Versailles and immersing myself in a different culture, I have come to the realization that the struggles of studying abroad are not obstacles to the experience but rather, an essential part of it, transforming moments of exhaustion and homesickness into opportunities for growth, connection and new understanding. 

This realization became especially clear during our visit to the Palace of Versailles. Like most other days in France, today came with blistering heat, sore feet and physical exhaustion. After the past few days of 100-degree weather I was honestly dreading the heat today. But as I was walking through the Palace and arrived at the Hall of Mirrors, I saw the crowds of people taking in experiences that cannot be appreciated through our books. Ultimately, the discomfort of today became what made the experience memorable. When I went silent and took in the experience, I realized how much I have already changed as a person. 

Beyond the physical challenges, studying abroad has also brought moments of homesickness and uncertainty. Being separated from the familiarity of my everyday life has forced me to step out of my comfort zone, that I wouldn’t have done otherwise. I learned how to maneuver the metro stations with my newfound friends, adjust to unexpected changes and embrace uncertainty rather than being conflicted by it. Even though these may seem like small accomplishments, I have gained a greater understanding of myself and confidence that I can now work through hard situations. Each challenge I have faced has required me to rely on myself while also learning to lean on the people around me. 

The friendships I have gained through the experiences on this trip will forever shape my identity. Sharing long days of homesickness, sight-seeing and navigating new places while supporting one another through moments of exhaustion has created bonds that I truly think with take me further than just this trip. Similarly to the writers who gathered in Paris for connections and inspiration, I find myself in them searching for connections. I have discovered that the most meaningful parts of travel come from the people who we shared these experiences with rather than the place itself. 

I will forever be grateful I was influenced to go on this trip. Paris forced me to leave my little bubble, while both mentally and physically challenging myself in ways I have never done before. While navigating the streets of Paris, I am left wondering what other opportunities of growth I may have missed staying within my comfort zone. If this experience has taught me anything it is that the most life changing experiences come when we are willing to embrace uncertainty and take a risk.

History is imperative to understanding both the culture, and people from around the world. In many ways, it may be one of the most valuable lenses through which we can understand contemporary society and the individuals within it. For this reason, historical context is essential when traveling internationally. With this in mind, one of my goals for this trip has been to learn as much as possible about French history, and consequently, French culture. By better understanding a nation’s history, you can see the forces that created the culture that subsequently shapes the people. This sentiment is reflected in James Baldwin’s work, an author that we have been studying throughout our trip. An integral aspect of his writing is the idea that you are a product of your environment. The country you come from influences your perspective and therefore, behaviors. Understanding history, then becomes a way of not only understanding events, but by extension, understanding people. 

Throughout our trip we have had the opportunity to delve into French culture, from the food, art, and my favorite, history. Today we had the opportunity to explore France’s history at the Musée de la Libération. This museum is dedicated to the recording of the French experience during World War II. This museum focused on the French resistance, following several figures, including; Jean Moulin, Philippe De Hauteclocque, and Charles De Gaulle. Of these revolutionaries, I was most drawn to Jean Moulin. Moulin was a prefect for the French government, and from this role he provided clandestine aid to the Republican forces of the Spanish Civil War. Already, he was very much involved in the protection of democracy, and this continued into World War II. During Germany’s occupation of France, Moulin unified numerous resistance groups against the oppressive and horrific regime the Natzis implemented. This was an incredible difficult endeavor considering that opposition to Germany’s occupation could result in torture and even death. Moulin’s insurmountable bravery is a testament to the determination of the French. 

As De Gaulle once said, “The flames of the French resistance must not be extinguished and will not be extinguished”. Although he was speaking specifically of the struggle against the occupation, his words embody something larger about France itself. 

From the French Revolution to World War II, the people of France have been known for a revolutionary spirit and the willingness to challenge oppression. From my experience here in Paris, I can attest that this is a pervasive trait of French culture. In fact, while riding the metro home, an announcement came over the speakers. A woman’s voice informed us, “Attendez-vous à des retards en raison d’un mouvement social local.” I turned to my friend and asked her to translate for me. She said, “it seems like the train is delayed due to a social movement”. I couldn’t help but recognize the continuity between France today, France several decades and France hundreds of years ago. Whether in moments of national crisis or acts of civil activism, there remains a strong cultural inclination towards collective activism and protection of the nation’s deeply rooted ideals. 

Having the opportunity to write about the first day of our only free weekend during this two-week study abroad experience gives me the chance to share not only what I did today, but also to reflect on my first week in Paris as a whole. My first time traveling by myself gave me a calm sense of independence.
Paris is truly magical. Every day, I find myself in awe of the city’s architecture, historic buildings, incredible food, statues, and captivating language. It is impossible not to fall in love with this city. On our first day, we attended an orientation about Paris and what it means to live like a Parisian. While I appreciate the cultural insights, I will admit that I am unapologetically a tourist. I will happily stop to take a hundred photos of a stunning street because nothing here ever seems to get old.
Today began later than usual, allowing me to spend the day away from our scheduled academic activities. I traveled by metro and train to Roissy-en-Brie with my best friend, Anielia to visit her family. One of the highlights of the day was meeting her aunt and uncle in their beautiful home. Although they spoke very little English, and we spoke almost no French and only a little Khmer, we still found ways to communicate. It was my first real conversation with people living in France. Despite the language barriers, their warmth and genuine desire to get to know us made the experience incredibly comforting and memorable. It reminded me that kindness and hospitality can transcend language.
After visiting her family, we spent the afternoon at the Luxembourg Gardens. We wandered through the grounds without any particular destination, taking our time to appreciate every corner of the gardens. We captured countless photos, enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, and simply lived in the moment. To end the evening, we treated ourselves to Asian food, which provided a small sense of comfort as I had been feeling a bit homesick.
Looking back on the week, I realize how much I have already experienced. Upon arriving in Paris, we took a bus tour. Sitting on the second floor of a bus was something I had never done before, which introduced us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Place de la Concorde, one of the most famous public squares in Paris. We have also visited sites such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. While seeing these famous locations is exciting, learning about their history through our class excursions has made them even more meaningful.
One fact that particularly stood out to me was learning about the Eiffel Tower. Originally, the tower was intended to be a temporary structure and was supposed to be dismantled after its initial purpose had been served. However, as it became increasingly popular and useful, it remained standing and eventually became the symbol of Paris that we know today. It is difficult to imagine the city without it.
Our studies have also allowed us to explore the deeper cultural and historical layers of Paris. We visited Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris, established in 1686. We also saw the area where Ernest Hemingway once lived and explored historic bookstores that continue to preserve Paris’s rich literary tradition. These experiences have shown me that Paris is much more than a beautiful city. Understanding the stories behind the landmarks, streets, and buildings gives them a greater sense of significance and makes every visit more meaningful.
This study abroad experience has taught me that travel is not just about seeing famous places; it is about connecting with people, understanding history, and appreciating different cultures. Whether I am visiting a world-famous monument, walking through a garden, or sharing a meal with people from another country, each experience contributes to a deeper understanding of Paris and its people.
There truly aren’t enough hours in the day to explore the entire city. The sunsets at 10 PM, and the city is lively all the time. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to visit Paris at least once in their lifetime. No photograph, movie, or description can fully capture the beauty and atmosphere of this city. It is something that must be experienced firsthand. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study abroad here. I know the memories and lessons from this experience will stay with me long after I return home. Paris has changed the way I see the world. I already yearn to return here and hope to one day actually be able to say I’ve seen all of Paris.