CIEE French and Critical Studies in Paris, France

Give us a little intro

I studied English at Boston College and graduated in 2002. I was born in Brookline, Massachusetts (hometown of Conan O'Brien) and grew up in New York City. My go-to dance move is a mimed record-scratching DJ with headphones.

Why did you pick this program?

I picked this program because it was in Paris, offered an in-French option, which I took, and was geared to the high-intermediate student. I liked that they had an intensive language session before the actual program started, so you could get your bearings and improve your language skills once there and in advance of proper classes.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

I tell them to take as many target-language courses as possible and familiarize yourself as much as you can with the culture. The more prepared you are for diving into the immersion of in-country studies, the better. Listen to music, find someone at your university to talk to and watch movies.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I'd advise that person to apply for housing with a family or professional. It's much more social, you'll have a built-in native friend(s) and maybe you'll make a lifelong contact.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

My favorite story is shooting film and taking photos under the Eiffel Tower with my friend Kevin as a memento and way of sending me off at the end of the first semester when him and our group of friends (L'équipe=The team) were staying on for the year. He made me write down something I wanted to let go of and we burned the paper. We put the ashes in a film canister and walked the Eiffel Tower to the second level. Me, Kevin and our other accompanying friend Mason's first time up the landmark tower. We then scattered the ashes over the railing.

Is it worth it taking classes at your study abroad country's actual university if you're in an enclosed study abroad center with its own classes?

Yes! I was in a program with a center and its own classes, but I benefited greatly from taking a literature class (good for credit in my major) at University of Paris-III. It was tough, but I was in an environment with "real" French students. I also, through attending a branch of the University of Paris, had the chance to audition and was accepted into the Choir of the University of Paris, where I served as Tenor for the semester I was there.