I miss you everyday, Paris.

Studying abroad in Paris with CEA was one of the most amazing experiences, if not the best, of my life. There is not a single day that goes by when I do not miss it!

I dreamed of visiting Paris ever since I was ten, and finally got to go ten years later when I was twenty. Prior to my departure, I felt very nervous, anxious, and excited. CEA did a wonderful job working with me before I left, while I was abroad, and even after I returned. The team at HQ in Phoenix, AZ was available to answer every one of my emails and phone calls when I felt stressed about all the little things I needed to do before departing. They provided me with helpful information, and reassured me. On-site in Paris, the staff was wonderful. In particular, Anne-Cecile, is a gem. She greets everyone with a wonderfully positive attitude everyday at the CEA center, and seems to have an answer to all the students' questions. Anne-Cecile and I had the opportunity to even go and do some community service with an NGO called AutreMonde in Paris, which proved to be a unique volunteer experience, and still equally rewarding. Even when the attacks of November 13th occurred, I remember that the CEA team on-site immediately worked to ensure that students were unharmed and accounted for. They responded quickly to the situation, and offered students the support and resources we needed. I ultimately decided to remain in Paris following the attacks, and continued to appreciate every day and every minute that I had left before the end of my program. After returning to the states, I felt anxious to stay connected to my abroad experience. To this day, I still maintain a relationship with CEA and continue to dream of the day that I'll return to Paris!