"My classmates and I were able to go on frequent adventures: we climbed up to Sacre-Coeur, biked along the Seine, picnicked in front of the Eiffel Tower, and of course ate a lot of good pastries."
The French Immersion Program in Paris is undoubtedly the best educational experience that I have ever had. The program offers two courses at Reid Hall, both taught in French. The classes were tailored specifically to Paris and included frequent excursions all over the city. After only one month, I felt that I had developed a deep understanding of the history of Paris and a better command of the French language.
Outside of the classroom, I was so grateful that the program gave students the time to explore: from the Louvre, to Fete de La Musique, to the Musee d’Orsay, my classmates and I found ourselves all over Paris experiencing a variety of art and music. The study abroad program provided a truly healthy pace of student life. My classmates and I were able to go on frequent adventures: we climbed up to Sacre-Coeur, biked along the Seine, picnicked in front of the Eiffel Tower, and of course ate a lot of good pastries. The community at Reid Hall was truly phenomenal and I left with new friends and plenty of new memories.
Living with a host family was also an incredibly important part of my study abroad experience and something that I would strongly recommend to any Columbia student who has the chance to live with residents. Engaging in a homestay helped me develop my spoken French in everyday settings, but more importantly it gave me a real window into French culture. Participating in French traditions helped me better understand a different way of life while also reflecting on my own cultural expectations.
As a Pell Grant recipient, I wasn’t sure that I would have been able to study abroad in the summer. None of it would have been possible without the Global Learning Scholarship, which significantly reduced my tuition cost. I am so thankful for the generosity of all who help fund the Global Learning Scholarship, and I encourage all of my classmates with financial need to apply.
