The Inevitable Ending
It’s midnight. I leave today; in 6 short hours I will be in a taxi, the city of Montpellier a mere blur outside my window. With final projects and final papers, I didn’t get a chance to think about this ending, about leaving. This has been arguably the fastest five weeks of my life. It ...
Navigating AirBnB
A mere ten years ago, AirBnB came onto the tourist scene, and it’s made quite a splash. It’s an easy way for people to make money, simply by renting out an extra room or a seasonal home. It’s also wildly convenient for travelers: flexible check-in times, the amenities of a home rather than just a ...
To Group or Not to Group
Living with the same 40-or-so-people means we got pretty close, pretty fast. After one week, it felt as though we’ve known each other for a month; after all, we eat together, we go to classes together, we go out together, we live within 50 feet of each other. Being with so many people all the ...
Describing the Indescribable
“Wow. Just wow.” “This is so beautiful!” “So cool.” “Insane.” “Guys! Holy cow!” These phrases, and variations of them, have been playing like a broken record since this program began. We recycle the same descriptions for every monument, ocean view, cityscape or ancient bridge we see. I myself am guilty of this. I was on ...
Arles in the Afternoon
“It’s noon now – be back at the bus at 3:30. Have fun!” Those were the parting words from our program leader before letting us run free in the old Provencal city of Arles. How do you get to know a city in three and a half hours? Is there anything you can really get to ...
When in Marseille
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Alps, which flow into the Mediterranean Sea, lies Marseille. Colonized by the ancient Greeks – and still home to some Greek ruins – Marseille is now the second largest city in France, boasting both enthralling history and breathtaking views. It is this city that I chose to visit ...
The Cheese Language
“Parlez-vous un peu Français?” “Yes, a little,” the burly Frenchman behind the cheese counter replied with a thick accent. And so I could finally, for the first time in two weeks, ask for recommendations on cheeses that I may like, that are local, that smell strong and taste stronger. My French is pas mal (not bad) ...
Midnight on the Seine
Paris is a city of many names: la Ville Lumière (city of lights), Paname, Pantruche, etc. If you google “city of love,” Paris pops up. Many say Paris is Europe’s New York City, but I don’t think a comparison can be drawn. Where New York City is all glass and metal, Time Square and the ...
The Excitement of Making New Friends
Experiencing new things is always better when you have someone to turn to and say, “isn’t this amazing?” And seeing as though studying abroad contains at least one new experience per day, someone to share them with is, in my opinion, essential. Personally, I love socializing; I get a rush when getting to know new ...
Engaging in the International Classroom
Traveling for class is a foreign concept to us. Sure, we may walk a few minutes to class, or even commute to campus, but traveling to a place normally visited for leisure with the purpose of taking classes is different to me. Therefore, I feel as though it didn’t really set in that we are ...
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