An Experience That I'll Never Forget

This study abroad experience was probably one of the toughest, most grueling, but most rewarding experiences that I was blessed to go through. I realize that many people aren't lucky enough to grab this opportunity like I did. I am bilaterally deaf and cannot hear without the help of cochlear implants. IES Abroad accommodated my full needs ranging from a sign language interpreter to preferential seating. IES Abroad Staff MADE sure I had everything I needed to succeed. And I did. That is my priority. I learned so much about myself, others, and the environment around me. IES made that possible for me. I struggled with learning how to be independent from my comforts, (Staying in and reading) but IES Paris staff taught me how to use the metro. Learning something so small, like navigating around Paris using the metro, was one of my highlights. I fully realized that I could get away, away from my comforts. My eyes devoured the Paris setting and all the richness of the Parisian lifestyle. One of the most difficult experiences that I encountered was hearing and communicating with the French. But with the help of IES Paris Staff, they provided me with an interpreter. I was able to get the full experience I wanted.