"This study abroad experience fostered my growth academically, personally, and professionally for my future career."
This summer, I had the invaluable opportunity to study in Paris for five weeks with support from the Global Learning Scholarship (GLS). Thanks to this scholarship, my financial concern was alleviated, allowing me to focus not only on my coursework but also on cultural and historical exploration, for which I am deeply grateful.
One of my classes was taught by a professor residing in Paris, and I had the privilege of studying alongside students from other Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Yale, as well as a graduate student pursuing their PhD programs. The discussions and exchanges with these peers significantly broadened my perspective and fostered the flexibility to embrace different values and viewpoints.
Beyond academics, I had countless unforgettable experiences that will stay with me for life. I fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting Monet's Garden in Giverny, where I strolled through the authentic water lily pond and witnessed with my own eyes the scenery that seemed straight out of a painting. Additionally, when I visited Marie Antoinette's "Petit Trianon" on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles and walked through the farm in her backyard where she used to play a famer with her children, history suddenly became tangible and deeply moving.
Paris itself offered daily discoveries. Engaging in conversations with locals in cafés and on buses, immersing myself in art at numerous museums, and stumbling upon one of the award-winning popular bakeries on street corners—each of these everyday moments significantly expanded my world.
This study abroad experience fostered my growth academically, personally, and professionally for my future career. If anyone is considering studying abroad, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take on the challenge. I promise that five weeks in Paris will become a wonderful treasure in your life.
