A Guide To Studying Abroad in Paris
Image Courtesy: Mia Serrano-Salow
The summer of 2022 was the best summer of my life. I spent the entire month of June strolling along the Seine, eating fresh croissants every morning, and observing world-famous art like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. Although this sounds like a vacation, I was in Paris to study with FSU International Programs. Studying abroad has become my new personality trait, so what better way to never let anyone forget about it than to publish it? I have compiled the ultimate guide to making your way around Paris as a study abroad student. I hope you’ll mark these locations on your map!
(The image below captures the moment I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time!)
Image Courtesy: Cecilia Salow
I studied abroad in Paris to improve my French through local immersion while taking courses toward my French language minor. Through FSU International Programs, I took classes at the Catholic University of Paris with 14 fellow FSU students. Although we only took two courses, our week was jam-packed. We had one class every day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a two-hour lunch break, followed by another class from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When we weren’t in class, we went on excursions and ate at renowned restaurants with our director, Dr. Vincent Joos. Dr. Joos, a France native, made our experience so much more special because of his knowledge of the city. On our first day of the program, he led us on a quick metro trip to a beautiful farmers market where locals prepared street food and sold produce, handmade items, books, and more. Farmer's markets are all over Paris, so I highly recommend visiting one for a unique local experience.
Image Courtesy: Mia Serrano-Salow
I can confidently say I had the best food of my life in Paris. I thought the next meal couldn’t get better than the last, but it did. I also tried some foods I had never had before, like soufflé. For the best soufflé in Paris, make a reservation at Le Soufflé. It is so difficult to pick my favorite meal in Paris, so it comes down to a tie. Right by the Seine and the Musée d’Orsay, the restaurant Les Antiquaires serves amazing French cuisine. I had the “magret de canard,” or duck breast served with potatoes and a sautéed pear slice. This meal competes with a cheeseburger, which may seem unusual in France. It was from Dinand, a sister location to the celebrity-frequented restaurant Ferdi. I also had to make a stop at Ferdi to see what the hype was all about, which I now understand. This restaurant’s menu has cuisines from all over the world and is served tapas-style. What truly makes this restaurant unique is the ambiance. The dining room only fits about 30 people and every inch of the room is covered in children’s toys, books, posters, stuffed animals, and other trinkets. Even the bathroom is completely covered! It’s nearly impossible to get a reservation here, but if you’re able, I would absolutely recommend eating here.
Image Courtesy: Mia Serrano-Salow
There are too many memories to squeeze into this post, but I must include our group day trip to Claude Monet’s house in Giverny. The bright pink and green house, surrounded by miles of flower gardens, was home to Claude Monet and inspired his most famous work, the “Water Lilies.” In the house, you can also see hundreds of other original artworks by Monet in his beautifully sun-lit rooms like the one below. Just a one-hour bus ride away, this is a must-see experience.
Image Courtesy: Mia Serrano-Salow
If you are thinking about studying abroad, this is your sign to do it. Signing up for this program has changed my life for the better. I have met some of my best friends for life, and I will never forget the memories I created with them in Paris. I am counting down the days until I can return to Paris, revisit these locations, and explore those I have yet to experience.
Image Courtesy: Tim Lomeli
Strike Out,
Writer: Mia Serrano-Salow
Editor: Noelle Knowlton
Graphic Designer:
Tallahassee