Studying Abroad in France

The do's and don'ts of France

"Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." 
             --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.  

I can still see this quote written on the blackboard of my French II high school classroom as though my teacher had imprinted it in all its chalky glory and swirly cursive lettering directly on my brain. Translated, it means “This is my secret. It is very simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes.”     

My teacher told us to keep this in mind as he presented us with the opportunity to enroll in a   high school program in France . The opportunity to engage in a language program in France allows students to be immersed in both the language and the culture while having the promise of a life changing experience. However, at the time I couldn’t see with my heart, I could only see with my eyes- and what my eyes saw was A LOT of money. Fast forward four years later, and again I’m presented with the opportunity to study abroad in France. This time I am closing my eyes, following my heart and choosing to spend the summer abroad in France.

Summer programs in France offer some incredible opportunities. Whether you are looking for language programs in France, France internships, or just a general French cultural experience, there is a program out there to meet your needs. Although I will not be spending a semester in France, I will still have the opportunity to see most of the key landmarks and have the important experiences more traditional study abroad programs in France offer. I want to be as prepared as possible so I’ve asked a few peers about their study abroad experiences in France. Here’s what they had to say.

“The Sacre Couer, Montmartre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, the Louvre, Musee D’Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, the Latin Quarter, and Versailles chateau are all must-sees!” says Monica Kramer, a recent college graduate who studied abroad in France as an undergraduate and is now pursuing her master’s degree in France.  

Another undergraduate, Hope Swenson, who had the opportunity to study abroad in France says, “it’s important to get a guide book and mark every where you want to visit and then when you have free time, pick a place and go. In Paris, I had art classes in the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. While there, we had a student pass so we could go as often as we wanted. I regret not going more!”

In addition to having a blast and making the most out of my experience, I want some tips on what not to do so I can avoid sticking out like a sore thumb! Monica and Hope composed this list of tips for me to be just a little more “French” and don’t worry, beret wearing did not make the list.