"The intensive, immersive nature of studying Art and Music Humanities in Paris has given me a deep appreciation for experiential learning and has inspired me to consider how I might contribute to academia myself."
After two years at Trinity College Dublin in the Dual BA program, I knew I wanted to continue studying abroad before starting at Columbia. The Columbia Summer Core in Paris was the ideal chance to experience another European city while completing Art Humanities and Music Humanities courses that would be hard to fit into my packed fall schedule.
Although the financial reality of studying abroad presented a significant barrier, the Global Learning Scholarship helped significantly to alleviate that pressure. The GLS didn't just make the program financially accessible; it completely eliminated the stress that financial constraints would have placed on my experience. Instead of worrying about funding, I could focus entirely on my academics and fully take advantage of everything Paris had to offer. This financial support was the key that unlocked six weeks of intensive, immersive learning that has truly shaped my academic trajectory.
Studying Art and Music Humanities in Paris turned the entire city into our classroom. We studied paintings and sculptures in class and then visited the original works in museums. We learned about operas and then saw them in the classic Parisian theaters. This wasn't just a couple of classes; it was total academic immersion.
A highlight was studying Monet in class and then visiting L'Orangerie to see his Water Lilies series. Standing in that circular room, surrounded by larger-than-life paintings, I could move close to look at individual brushstrokes or step back to appreciate the sweeping movement that flowed through each canvas. There was truly nothing like experiencing these masterpieces in person, and it transformed my understanding of art from an academic concept to a visceral experience.
This program opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing a career in academia. Watching my professors deliver meaningful, impactful lectures while condensing an entire semester's worth of material into six weeks, all without sacrificing quality, was inspiring. Their passion and expertise made every topic exciting and interesting, and I hope to one day be able to teach in such a compelling way.
The experience also taught me valuable life skills about navigating the world as an American in Europe. Learning to communicate across language barriers, understanding local customs, and confidently asking for directions or ordering in cafés built my confidence as an independent traveler and global citizen. These seemingly small interactions contributed to a broader understanding of cultural exchange and adaptability.
The intensive, immersive nature of studying Art and Music Humanities in Paris has given me a deep appreciation for experiential learning and has inspired me to consider how I might contribute to academia myself. For any student considering studying abroad, I cannot overemphasize the value of learning in the very places where history was made and art was created. The GLS made this dream a reality, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have experienced Paris not just as a tourist but as a student fully engaged with its rich cultural and artistic heritage.
