While I learned a lot of French in class, speaking to French locals solidified my knowledge of the language further.
Studying abroad through the Columbia Summer in Paris program was my very first time abroad! You can guess I was nervous yet excited, it was the first time I got to independently explore a new place let alone a whole country. What I most appreciate about my experience were the friends I made through classes and our passion to meet new people and discover new hidden gems. My best friend Valerie and I would make it a goal to explore something new every weekend. We’d go to a different part of Paris each time: whether it was relaxing by the Seine, visiting the lively streets of Bastille, or walking through the Jardin du Palais Royal, we met amazing locals and made phenomenal memories. I think making friends was the most important part of the experience. We all pushed each other outside of our comfort zones and supported one another in exploring Paris and speaking French. A lot of these memories are so vivid because they were spent with people I got super close with. I think my favorite memory has to be when I visited Montmartre with Jaxon. It was definitely one of the most breathtaking moments of my life. The views were phenomenal, and we spoke a bit of French here and there! Thinking back to all these memories, I would definitely emphasize the importance of exploring. While I learned a lot of French in class, speaking to French locals solidified my knowledge of the language further. After all, you’re in France to learn and have fun— why not do both at once!
