As I begin my eight hour flight back to America, I decided that there was no better way to kill time than to complete my final blog post entry! With all of this time ahead of me, I have had the chance to reflect on my time abroad and everything that I have experienced in…
Author: Zoé MacKenzie
Finding Community in Paris
One of the reasons why I chose to study in France is because it is part of my heritage. My mother was born in northern France, and was the only member of her family to immigrate to the United States. She rebuilt her life in America while the rest of her family remained in France….
Communicating in Paris
Throughout my time in Paris, I have noticed several differences of communication styles compared to what I am accustomed to in America. Perhaps the most notable difference is the directness of conversation. During my first week here, this communication style initially struck me as rude. The nature of many interactions were straightforward, and it felt…
Comparing Paris to Pittsburgh
Since my arrival, I have experienced numerous differences within the culture and ways of life here. It is interesting to observe the infinite aspects that are so fundamental to the day to day customs in Paris, as they differ greatly from the lifestyle I am used to back in America. Take, for instance, the concept…
Meet Me in France: An Introduction
Bonjour tout le monde! My name is Zoé MacKenzie, and I have just completed my junior year at the University of Pittsburgh. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Sociology, with a minor in French. In addition to this, I have recently been accepted into the University’s 4+1 program through SPIA,…