Studying abroad is a big change for many. Some may have already lived far from family for school, but for people like me I’ve always had the option to go home when I wanted. Living abroad has been a big adjustment for me. There were times in the first few weeks where I was really homesick, and the time difference only made it worse.
A Guide on Understanding Perspective While Studying in Paris. I’ve officially been living in Paris for a week and in that time I’ve had to unlearn a lot. Coming from New York City to Paris may not seem like much of a change in environment except for the obvious language difference. But I’ve experienced extreme culture shock in the few days of being here. This past week I’ve quickly adapted to a lot.
Restaurants: Dining at a café or restaurant in Paris is a very different experience from food service in the United States. The culture around dining moves much more slowly, so make sure to give yourself at least an hour and a half if you plan to go to a restaurant.
My relationship with my heritage is unique. I have always felt funny about telling people that I’m French-American. As silly as it sounds, I have never felt entitled to say so. I wasn’t raised in a bicultural household, although I am the product of two people from very different backgrounds; my mother was born in Queens, New York, and my father hailed from Paris, France.
A cheese plate is a customary part of a meal at a restaurant in Paris, in between the main course and dessert. The main course isn’t referred to as the entrée; instead, the word entrée actually refers to the appetizer eaten beforehand. The waiter/waitress doesn’t come by with the check unless you request it. In fact, it is considered rude to bring the check to your table before you are ready to leave.
1. People walking their dogs on the street without a leash. The dog somehow knows to follow their owner. At first, it’s alarming to see a seemingly stray dog all by itself; then you realize their owner is farther up the road. 2. Fuel pumps on the side of the road for people to put gas in their car.
During the month of December, as the longest night of the year approaches, France enters the traditional winter holiday season or les fêtes de fins d’années. This is typically a season when families come together to celebrate a series of holidays which span a period of about one month, beginning with the start of Advent (in early December) and ending with Epiphany or “Kings’ Day” (January 6).
Mental and physical health should be a priority wherever you are. It can be beyond easy to lose sight of your overall health when you are living out your dream in a foreign country. Take it from someone who has been living in Paris for months, ensuring you are in good health is essential to having a successful semester abroad.
SAI is very pleased to announce that the Paris School of Business (PSB) has just received international AACSB accreditation. This award is the culmination of a rigorous five-year review process and recognizes PSB’s commitment to engagement, innovation, impact, and academic excellence.
Before coming to Paris, my biggest anxiety wasn’t the language barrier I’d surely encounter with my mediocre french-speaking skills nor was it the fact that I was moving 6,000 miles away from my family and friends at my home university. Rather, my biggest apprehension surrounded my relationship– fearful that studying abroad and moving away from my partner inevitably meant breaking up.
Whether it’s an outdoor view from Montmartre hill overlooking Paris, a view from a hotel with an outside terrace, or a view from the top floor of a skyscraper, Paris has some special spots to take in the beauty of the city. Read on below for some more info on these well-known and lesser well-known views. 1)
What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? One of my favorite memories from studying abroad was the day me and my roommates tried to go visit Versailles. Since it was finally starting to warm up in Paris, we had planned for a day trip there so we could really enjoy it. But after riding the train for about 30 minutes we realized that we were going in the completely wrong direction.
I’m sitting on the outdoor terrace of my 5th floor Parisian apartment overlooking the locals flow in and out of the Volontaires metro station entrance, an older woman hanging up fresh white-linen sheets over her balcony, a couple cuddling close together sipping their noisettes at the local boulangerie, and children playing in the courtyard of the daycare nextdoor.
What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? A favorite memory of mine while studying abroad was my first trip outside of Paris. My roommate and I met my friend from my home university in Dublin for my birthday. This trip was my favorite because not only was it my birthday weekend, but we had been in Paris for a month and were honestly excited to be in a new country for a couple days.
For a weekend in early March, I went on an SAI excursion included in my SAI study abroad program. The location—Nice, in the South of France—was a wonderful change from the relatively gloomy and chilly Paris at this time of year! Since the hotel, meals, and a few activities were included, it was also a great break from necessary budgeting while studying abroad.
Paris is in a great location for weekend trips or even day trip to other areas of France. Flights on budget airlines such as Easyjet or Ryanair can you around Europe for a cheap price. The key to finding these budget friendly options is booking in advance and not waiting until the last minute. The TGV is another great option for traveling throughout France or to neighboring countries.
For spring break my roommates and I decided that we needed to travel to a destination full of nothing but, peace, quiet, and the beach; so to Nice, France we embarked. Our expectations for the week were surpassed, for never have I been to a place that soothed my soul in such a way. The vibe of relaxation was apparent from the start, when we boarded our flight to Nice from Rome.
Having visited much of Italy previously, I had some idea what to expect on my long weekend trip to Milan. Still, Milan managed to surprise me. 1. The way people dress may surprise you Like Paris, my host city, Milan has a reputation has a high-fashion capitol. However, also like Paris, this is not necessarily evident in the looks you will see on the street.
You have arrived in your host city and are ready to plan some weekend travel; now what? Use these guidelines to experience trips you will never want to end! One of the most important parts of planning a trip, outside of booking a flight or a train ride, is finding a place to stay. Plenty of people immediately count out hostels as an option, but there are some important factors to consider.
When I first arrived in Paris for my fall semester, I remember my roommate telling me how she had heard of Reverse-Culture Shock: Essentially, returning home was a more difficult adjustment than coming here. I couldn’t really fathom it – how could returning home to the place I had always been be so difficult?
The number of museums in Paris that pop up after doing a simple Google search can be overwhelming. Luckily as a student studying abroad I have ample time to see many of these museums, from the must see to the lesser known. The most infamous and popular museum in Paris, and perhaps the world, is the Louvre. The key to successfully and enjoyably visiting this extensive museum is going when tourists are low in numbers.
We caught up with SAI Paris Program Coordinator Jennifer, who fills us in on some fashion advice for those visiting Paris. BLACK. One word immediately comes to mind when you think of fashion in Paris. You will see chic Parisians dressed head-to-toe in black, walking the streets everywhere. Though this tends to apply more during wintertime, Parisians typically dress in darker colors (black, grey, or dark brown)
Montmartre is arguably one of my favorite places in Paris. It’s almost like you’re not even in the city– it’s just that different from the rest of Paris. So whether you are catching a show at the Moulin Rouge, or making your way to Sacre Coeur, take a moment to stop and see everything in between. YOU ARE HERE! So there are many places to start your walk through Montmartre.
Studying abroad has meant putting myself way outside of my comfort zone. I am quick to welcome challenges and believe that you grow the most when you choose to do something every day that scares you. I like to think I adapt to new situations with ease, but I have most definitely experienced my fair share of language and culture barriers.
Andrea, SAI Admissions Counselor took some time to offer some travel advice for students traveling or studying in Paris. The energy and excitement of the area was electric: a beehive of tourists and students strolled the boulevards, through the Latin Quarter, and along the Seine. It was a warm April evening, and the center of Paris was buzzing.
We handed over our Instagram account for the day to SAI Paris student Jordan. Jordan gives us a glimpse of a typical day in Paris. Bonjour! Je m’appelle Jordan! (@heyyjdawg) I am from Colorado, but am currently a Junior at Baylor University studying marketing. This fall I am studying abroad at the American University of Paris! And what’s a trip to Paris without a visit to the Eiffel Tower?!
We caught up with SAI Paris Program Coordinator Jenn, who is contributing to our blog this month. Jenn is highlighting one of the SAI-included weekend excursions. One of the SAI Paris Excursion destinations is the Medieval town of Annecy. Located about 30 mins south of Geneva and 90 mins east of Lyon, Annecy is in Southwest France not far from the Swiss border.
Paris, as you may know, is perhaps the perfect city for one of my favorite pastimes: People-watching. The (literal) thousands of cafes, with outdoor tables facing the city streets, make it all too easy to stare at strangers as they stroll to and fro. Within these first two weeks of my Paris adventure, I have invented a game to make people-watching all the more amusing, which I call: “Spot the Tourist.
We recently caught up with SAI Ambassador Alina, who answers some questions about her time in Paris. What advice do you have for new study abroad students? You’ll be wasting a ticket if you travel abroad and stay in your comfort zone. Try all the local food you can. If you’re going to Paris, I personally suggest to get your fill of pain au chocolats (croissant-like bread filled with two sticks of dark chocolate)
While studying abroad in Paris this semester, I learned 14 things. Here they are: 1) Be as much of a tourist as you can in whatever city you are in, abroad or at home. It is so important to soak up all that a city has to offer and to experience the “must-do’s”- they’re must do’s for a reason! 2) But, know when to live like a local.
Last week, I took a train with five other girls down to Annecy, a cozy town nestled in the south of France. It sits 22 kilometers south of Geneva, at the northern tip of Lake Annecy. The area is known to be one of the oldest inhabited sites in the Northern Alps. Recent digs dated a lakeside village to 3,100 years before Christ.
There is a common perception about studying abroad that views the semester as a prolonged vacation. People believe that students spend all of their weekends traveling to the major European capitals, such as Paris or London, but this only allows two days for scrambling around the city and fitting in only the most cliché of tourist sights.
We handed over our Instagram account to Alex for the day. This is her day in Paris. Hi everyone! My name is Alex Lehnhard and I am a Junior at the University of Alabama, studying accounting and finance. This semester, I am studying abroad in Paris at the Paris School of Business. I’ll be taking over the SAI Instagram today to show you what it is like to be a student in the city of lights!
We caught up with SAI Paris Program Coordinator Jenn, who is contributing to our blog this month. Jenn is including her favorite recipe for winter: Vin Chaud Aux Epices, a spicy, warm French classic. In France like in other European countries, as soon as the weather starts to cool off, cafés start serving vin chaud (hot wine). Simple hot wine can be found on the menu, as well as vin chaud aux épices (hot mulled wine)
We handed over our Instagram account to Talen for the day. This is his day in Paris. Hello everyone! Today I have taken over SAI’s Instagram to bring you a day in the life of an SAI student studying in Paris. My name is Talen and I originally study International Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Here in Paris, I am studying at the American University of Paris.
We handed over our Instagram account to Diane for the day. This is her day in Paris. Bonjour, my name is Diane Calderon. I am a junior at the University of Texas at Arlington studying abroad this fall semester at the American University of Paris. Let me show you what it is like to study abroad in Paris. Sometimes when you are running late or have a really short break between classes, a chicken baguette will save your life.
I am halfway into the semester and I can’t believe how fast time is flying by. No week is ever the same because classes have new activities, new challenges and trips that turn a typical class into a new learning experience. The classes that I have enjoyed the most this semester have been sculpture, photography and Paris history through architecture. Sculpture: I was scared for this class because I have never done sculpture before.
Growing up, I remember making trips down to Florida with my family and enviously thinking to myself “Wow! This place is so wonderful. People live here and I am just here to visit.” The sights and the sounds of all the amusement parks and beaches captivated my young mind. How could there be any place on Earth more beautiful than Florida? Well, there is and I experienced it this semester on an excursion with SAI.
The whole idea of just coming to Paris has been a challenge itself. But now sitting down in a café in Rue (street) de la Convention, I can say that I finally made it; my dream has come true. My first week in Paris was full of adventure and learning experiences with my family. It totally gave me a boost of confidence being able to explore the streets of my new city with them.
There are several important things to keep in mind when ordering coffee in France if you don’t want to look like a tourist. First of all, DO NOT order Coffee To Go! Getting coffee to go used to be unheard of in Paris but with the presence of Starbucks and other shops catering to tourists, we are starting to see more and more coffee To Go.
Let me start by saying that studying abroad has been one of the most terrifying, wonderful, indulgent, adventurous, stressful and rewarding experiences of my life. Yes, it is possible for your semester abroad to be all of the above in the best of ways.
Part 2: An interview with Jennifer Wright, SAI Paris Program Coordinator Professional Perspective. This article is a sequel to the personal perspective of dual citizenship through the eyes of a French and American citizen. In case this is the first one that you are reading, I will give a short summary to catch you up. I recently had the please of interviewing Jennifer Wright, the Paris Program Coordinator for SAI, over Skype.
Congratulations to Christa Casolino for winning the SAI Spring 2017 photo contest! Christa is studying abroad with SAI in Florence from University of Missouri, and she submitted this stunning photo taken in Paris. “Walking On Sunshine”- This photo was taken in Paris, France at sunrise in front of the Eiffel Tower. Christa’s photo received the most “likes” and she has been awarded a wireless, waterproof speaker.
The Nice trip, organized by SAI, was one of my favorite trips during my study abroad experience. We were a group of eight students and our SAI coordinator, and I really enjoyed spending time getting to know each one of them. It is a great opportunity for all the SAI students in your program to socialize and talk about your study abroad experience so far. It’s also a great opportunity to make new friendships!
I love brunch, it’s my favorite meal of the day and my mandatory Sunday activity (along with church of course). Well if you love brunch as much as I do, I have good news – Paris is the place to be! After a Saturday night out with friends, my roommate and I decided we wanted to find a brunch place that would serve a “good breakfast” for a good price.
SAI is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Paris School of Business (PSB), which offers a wide-ranging international business curriculum in the heart of Paris. Founded in 1974, the Paris School of Business (PSB) is an elite “Grande École” management school, combining academic excellence, international awareness, and a focus on gaining real-world professional experiences.
While spending the Fall 2015 semester in Paris, I discovered many new places to eat. Here is just a sampling of some of my favorite spots: Le Petit déjeuner : Benedict in the Marais Benedict offers an array of breakfast and lunch options. My favorite was the avocado benedict! Another delicious option is the fish and chips! Benedict is also located in the Marais which is my favorite area of Paris.
Part 1: An interview with Jennifer Wright, SAI Paris Program Coordinator I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer Wright, the Paris Program Coordinator for SAI, over Skype. I had tons of questions about dual citizenship, including the process, strategies for adaptation, and both personal and professional inquiries. Jenn went above and beyond while answering all of these questions. I highly suggest sticking around in the hopes that your questions and interests are answered and explored below.
My first week in Paris consisted of good food, interesting adventures, and GREAT people. I met the rest of the SAI students participating in the AUP program as soon as I got to the airport. Endless to say we were all very tired after our long flights, but soon I realize that they were a group of lovely people. Afterwards, my roommates and I made our way to our new (and tiny) apartment.
This was our first excursion outside of Paris. We went to the town of Chantilly to see the beautiful Château de Chantilly. Since we don’t have classes Mondays, we decided to leave Paris for the day in order to explore a little more of France.
I am studying at the American University of Paris this semester. The campus is right in the middle of Paris. Surrounded my iconic landmarks and cafes. I truly like my classes and my professors. I am taking some interesting classes this semester including Human Right Law and Comparative Politics, but I think the most interesting class I am taking is called “Introduction to Art through Paris museums”.
La Seine (Seine River) is a long and important river in the north of France. I love the views around the Seine. So many trees are planted on both sides. I can see so many palaces to the north of the river, the Eiffel Tower to the west of the river and a view of Notre Dame. I enjoy the moment when I walk along the river, the wind following me.
Zhuyun was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Spring 2016 term. She is a current student at Cedar Crest College studying at The American University of Paris in France during the Spring 2016 term. 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT ZHUYUN 1. I have to have enough sleep and a good healthy breakfast to start everyday. 2. Sometimes, I want to be surrounded by a lot of people, but I also want to be alone. 3. I love smiling. 4.
There’s a Paris before the terror attacks that took place on Friday, November 13, and there’s a Paris after the attacks. When we heard the news we weren’t even in Paris. The American University of Paris, was holding Fall Break from November 11-15, which was a great opportunity for students to travel. Seven of us from SAI had met in Prague earlier that day.
We handed over our Instagram to a few students this month and asked them to take us through their day in their host city. This is Robert’s (Bobby) day in Paris (October 13, 2015). Bonjour everyone! My name is Bobby Caruso and today I’ll be taking over the SAI Instagram. This semester my dreams are coming true by studying abroad in Paris with SAI.
If you are studying abroad for the first time, like me, you probably have some worries. These may include feeling homesick, not knowing how to get around the city, or general concern about not seeing the best Paris has to offer. I can assure you that the only way you can have a truly unique and personal adventure is to explore on your own. It’s not hard!
Today marks two weeks since I touched down in Paris and the experience has been life changing, eye opening and remarkable. While I have been to Paris in the past, this was the first time I lived abroad and I have already learned so much. Here’s just a sample of the many things I’ve learned already. 1. Paris is as Beautiful as I Remembered it.
Each day, I leave my apartment and hop in the elevator, ready to embark on a day full of adventures. As soon as I step out of the elevator and onto the street, I am reminded of the beauty that Paris has to offer by the cobblestone streets, people walking their dogs, and the smells of the bakery around the corner, even the beauty of hearing native French is like music to my ears.
Shayna was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Fall 2015 term. She is a current student at Rochester Institute of Technology studying at American University of Paris (AUP) in Paris, France during the Fall 2015 term. Tell us why you chose to study abroad. Call it cliche, but I am so ready to get lost and be found. I can’t wait to see things I’ve only dreamt of seeing and do things that I never thought possible.
Robert (Bobby) was selected as an SAI scholarship recipient and blogger for the Fall 2015 term. He is a current student at Western New England University studying at American University of Paris (AUP) in Paris, France during the Fall 2015 term. GET TO KNOW BOBBY Tell us why you chose to study abroad. My decision to study abroad has roots back to high school.
I honestly cannot believe that the semester is already coming to an end. Time flies by so quickly when you’re constantly emerged in a culture where you’re learning something new everyday. It still leaves me in shock thinking back to the fact that I’ve been living in Paris since the end of August. Now that December nears, I’m mentally preparing myself for the end. I have to admit, it’s bittersweet.
As it is evident to most, Paris is a complete tourist magnet. It’s vital to experience all of the tourist spots, such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre, however, after spending over two months in this city I’ve absorbed a bunch of tips that allow me to see Paris in a different light and make me feel like a Parisian local even when in touristy areas.
I have now officially lived in Paris for one whole month! Throughout the time I’ve lived here thus far, I have gradually adapted to the Parisian lifestyle. For starters, the apartments and living spaces are much smaller and more compact compared to American homes. One thing that I found myself struggling with at the beginning was doing laundry. A typical Parisian home only has a washer, no dryer.
After a long journey all the way from the United States, I finally made it to the “City of Love.” From the second I stepped foot onto French soil, I was in complete awe. From the intricate architecture, to the fresh food markets on every street corner and the thousands of Parisians filtering through the streets, my eyes were wondering aimlessly. I knew from day one that I was going to love this place.
Sina is a current student at University of Tampa studying at American University of Paris in Paris during the Fall 2014 term. I’m so excited to take off for Paris at the end of August and make memories in the following four months that will last a lifetime. I am pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the SAI blog for my time studying in Paris. Tell us why you chose to study abroad.
I can’t believe my experience abroad is coming to an end. It seems like just yesterday I was hauling my 70lb bag up 4 flights of stairs. When I arrived to my apartment, I laid on my bed exhausted and jetlagged thinking; “it is going to be a rough 5 months on this hard mattress.” Now, when I travel I look forward to coming back to my little Parisian apartment, because it is my home.
I feel already that this guide should be taken as a grain of salt. Often when traveling I hear stories and expectations from others of what they have heard is amazing. Remember, that was their experience and this is yours. My favorite moments abroad so far have been spontaneous, adventurous, and unplanned. My first tip is to explore the streets with an open mind.
When I get up in the morning and walk to class, I pass by people walking to work and school. I see the friendly, neighborhood panhandler outside the bakery. I see the sun rising in the distance (sunrise is very late here). As I sometimes get lost in the daily actions, I have to remind myself that this is real. I am in Paris!
As I nervously stepped onto the plane, I had no idea what to expect. I was anxious and nervous. I worried about silly things like how I was going to manage to get my 70lb bag to my apartment, and not so silly things like what would happen if for some reason they didn’t allow my 17 bottles of insulin medication through customs. But once I arrived, everything just seemed to fall into place.
