What inspired you to travel abroad?
I decided to go abroad because I really wanted to hone my language skills, and get out of the bubble that is my small college's campus for at least a semester.
Why did you choose IES Abroad?
At IES Abroad French Studies, I could take classes that would be relevant to my French minor, but also for my music performance major, since they have a partnership with a conservatory there.
What was your favorite part about Paris?
I loved the Paris metro—seriously. I live in rural farmland, and a large public transit system was a completely new thing for me! But I ended up loving it, and it is definitely the thing I miss most about Paris.
Austin enjoyed beautiful Paris views
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I not only made friends with the other American students in my program, but I met French students and really got to know them too, which was very special.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The IES Staff was always available for help with anything from academics to living situations, and everything in between.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had been more prepared for the differences between the American and French university systems. If I could have anticipated the problems that I had while I was abroad, I would have done much more to plan for them while still at home.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I woke up around 7:30, ate breakfast, and took the metro to school. Classes began at 9, and ended around 3. After that, I would go grocery shopping, go home and practice, or just explore the city with my friends. I would try to be home by 6 to start my homework before dinner with my host family around 8:30, which could run anywhere between 1 and 3 hours, depending on how many guests were coming! After dinner, I drank tea with my host mother before finishing the rest of my homework and going to bed around 11pm.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I frequented the same several restaurants and bakeries on the street by the IES building, so I loved going in for a quick snack with friends, where the owner knew my name!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived in a homestay with a family, and it was wonderful! I had a great family who were all very nice and supportive of my language learning, and who lived in a great and happening area of Paris, in the 3rd arrondissement.
What is one thing every future participant should know about IES Abroad before their program begins?
Definitely to be prepared to feel overwhelmed by the language barrier, whatever your French level is, for at least the first week or so. You'll settle into it, but those first few times you try and fail to order coffee make you really appreciate and recognize your progress later!
Would you recommend IES Abroad to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend IES Abroad, because they did an excellent job of helping students have an immersive experience without dictating too much of our activities or time.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the independence you gain. Before I flew to Paris, I had flown internationally a lot, but never by myself. That was just the beginning of many "firsts," where I did things for the first time without my parent's aid. It's definitely scary at first, but you also begin to realize that you can be confident and independent, and that's a pretty good feeling!
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I am much more open to other cultures now, and much more likely to watch or read world news, and not just US news.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is travel that allows you to embrace and experience just anything!
