Returning to the United States after my time in Paris has left me a lot to reflect on about my experience abroad. I spent the rest of my summer in my hometown and often utilized the lessons I learned during my program. Even though I was only in Paris for four short weeks, I spent every day exploring new parts of the city and immersing myself in the culture. From program-led trips to museums such as the Louvre and Musee D’Orsay, to afternoons spent strolling along the Seine, there was never a dull moment. Additionally, the courses Writing in Paris and Culture Through Literature in Paris went hand-in-hand with the excursions my class took, furthering my understanding and appreciation of my lessons. 

In addition to my growth academically, I also grew personally. I have always been very shy and prone to avoiding potentially awkward interactions. However, my time in Paris forced me out of my comfort zone. I didn’t know the language and had to find some way to communicate with servers at restaurants, guides on tours, and other foreign students in our hostel. While this was challenging, it was also very rewarding. While the language barrier made conversation difficult at times, there was never a moment where I felt too out of my depth. As a result, I have become more comfortable in social situations at home.

My biggest takeaway from my time studying abroad is to be open to new experiences. Since my time in Paris was so short, I had to make the most of my experience. This sometimes meant doing things that were outside of my comfort zone, but I left the program with no regrets. Even if I tried something new and didn’t enjoy it, I could still say that I had been open to it. This has changed my perspective on experiences at Pitt, as well. Even though my time as a student at the university is much longer, I have a better understanding of the importance of trying new things and immersing myself fully in an experience. Another takeaway I have from this program is the importance of cross-cultural competence. Living in a different culture for a month gave me a deeper understanding of how people in other parts of the world live their lives. Even if it was something as mundane as dining norms, it is still important to understand the nuances between different cultures around the world. Overall, my time abroad in Paris taught my lessons that I will carry with my throughout my life. I grew to love the city in a few short weeks, and I can’t wait for the day when I get to return.