AIFS Abroad: Study Abroad in France

Why did you decide to go abroad with your provider?

Caitlin: Being a double major in two completely different fields, Media Production and French, it’s hard to find opportunities that incorporate both subjects. What I loved about Global Experiences is that it gave me a chance to learn more about video production and French language at the same time through interning abroad.

Not only was it an awesome learning opportunity but also an incredibly useful insight into the world of work. Getting to work in an office environment, in France nonetheless, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I learned more about Global Experiences and how they are involved with your preparations and time abroad and decided this was a great program that was a great fit for my personal study abroad goals.

What is one piece of advice you'd give future students traveling with your program?

Caitlin: I would definitely urge anyone who goes with Global Experiences to take advantages of the social events and meet-ups. They are a great opportunity to explore your host city and take part in things you would not normally be able to experience.

Some of my best memories are the ones I made with my program advisor and the other students during these events. We did such a wide range of activities like going to concerts and sporting events to touring castles and museums. The events definitely help you get out and about and make the most of your time abroad.

How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc)

Caitlin: This experience has impacted me in ways I am sure I cannot even begin to comprehend yet. Personally, it showed me that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. Before I left, I could barely navigate myself through an American city but once you are forced to do the same thing, by yourself in a European city with a language barrier, you learn a lot about what you’re truly capable of.

Professionally, I know that interning abroad in an experience that’s virtually unparalleled with anything else out there today. Not only did I learn so much about the work world but I did most of it in a different language!

Academically, my French improved immensely throughout my time in Paris. There is nothing quite like being immersed in a different language and culture to really force you to learn things you can’t learn sitting behind a desk.

What was the best place you visited outside of your home-base city?

Caitlin: Studying abroad in Europe gave me the opportunity to travel a lot throughout the continent. I spent a weekend in Amsterdam, Madrid, Aix-en-Provence in the South of France, and a whole week in London. Although it’s hard to say, I would have to choose Amsterdam as my favorite place I visited.

The views, the people, and the atmosphere of the city was unlike anything I had experienced before. I got the chance to learn about Dutch culture and see Holland’s famous windmills and explore the one-of-a-kind city. There are so many beautiful canals that every street has its own, unique, waterfront view. I definitely did not get a chance to do everything I had hoped and am already planning a return trip.

Describe your favorite must-have food that you tried abroad.

Caitlin: Living in Paris for a couple of months had many perks but the best is by far the amazing food. Nothing quite beats walking down the street to pick up a freshly baked baguette whenever you want. If you are not in the mood for a baguette then walk next store to get a delectable French pastry.

For me, the decision is hard but my favorite must-have food is a croquet-monsieur. A traditional French sandwich of ham and cheese with more cheese melted on top, you can find it at almost any corner café. Finish the meal with a crêpe and the meal is complete!

Did YOU intern abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

I had a marketing internship in Dublin, Ireland after my Junior year of college. In high school I experienced my first living abroad trip. It was a student exchange in Germany for two weeks when I was 15 and lived with a German family in Munich. It was one of the most challenging, yet life changing experience I decided to do. In college I knew I needed more travel in my life, I just wasn’t sure how I was going to do it. I’d considered study abroad, but it wasn’t very appealing to me being in a classroom with a bunch of other US students. In my research I came across Global Experiences and it instantly clicked as making the most sense for me to live and work abroad.

Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?

Having this knowledge and experience speaks volumes about the type of person you are and your abilities. Cultural immersion and learning new languages in turn makes you more adaptable, open-minded, kind, aware, accepting - all of which are admirable qualities in a person as an individual and as an employee. Also, by putting yourself outside of your comfort zone, questioning yourself and your beliefs and overcoming challenges helps shape a more confident, well-rounded individual.

What was your favorite traveling experience?

This is going to sound strange, but everything that didn’t work out as planned are my favorite memories. On an adventure to Parc Güell my friends and I ended up getting lost and wandered upon a random field with a big hill/cliff. We decided to climb it and see what view would be at the top. When we reached the top we were welcomed by a panoramic view of Barcelona at sunset and at that moment that view was entirely ours in a great, unexpected kind of way. If we had never gotten lost that moment would never have happened.

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the Global Experiences team.

There are many times I feel proud to be a part of the Global Experiences team. It is each moment where I work with an individual and they reach the moment when they are officially on their way to one of our locations. Many of us know this feeling when you put the wheels in motion and you are on your way to something amazing. I know what they are about to experience and it is exciting to help people get there and reach something that previously was only a wish or a thought.