Super Semester in Paris with HCJYF

As a double major in Biochemistry and French at Bowdoin College, I was only able to go to Paris with HCJYF for one semster since I could not complete more than one lab course in Paris. This option, available only to science majors, turned out to be wonderful. I got a great sense of French culture and still enough time to dramatically improve my French. I was even able to take a Molecular Biology and Genetics class at a French Universtiy - in French! It was a challenge but a great experience that I don't regret in any way. It was one of two French University classes I took - with other French students. I found the French academic system...interesting. I attended Paris 6 and Paris 3. I found the coursework challenging as it was in French but the instruction and organization was much less than what I was accustomed to in the U.S. Class sizes were large and professors basically didn't have office hours. I was able to meet other French students, though not too many, as I found it difficult to befriend them. I felt the courses through Hamilton, with other American students, were great. They were realatively *easy* which I feel is important because there is so much more to studying abroad than academics. Plus, my University classes made up for their easiness. The HCJYF program was overall great, especially compared to some of the other programs in Paris that I heard about. Everyone in HCJYF had wonderful housing IN Paris which made transportation a lot easier. The meal plan was great too. I was only responsible for my lunches and 1 dinner a week. I had other friends who had to pay for a lot more meals than that which adds up really quickly in Paris! Also, the cost of the plane tickets was included in the college bill so I didn't have to pay for that out of pocket and was basically able to apply financial aid/loans towards it. I think one of my favorite parts about HCJYF was the traveling we did as a group! Our orientation in Biarritz was AMAZING. Relaxing at a beautiful beach and taking French classes in the day time while meeting French people at night. It was great. Then once we got settled in Paris, we began our excursions to other parts of the country which were also really fun and beautiful. We saw breath taking castles, vineyards, old theatres, cathedrals, etc. Day to day life was really nice in Paris. I mean, Paris is GORGEOUS so just getting anywhere felt like an adventure with much to see along the way. Classes weren't too stressful as I mentioned above so I didn't feel anxious on a daily basis like I do sometimes at Bowdoin. We also found that the night life in Paris was really fun! However, even just walking around in Paris at night is amazing as the city is absolutely stunning with the Seine and the Eiffel tower light show on the hour. I'd say the biggest challenge was generally learning to deal with the French people/culture. They close shops for lunch and on Sunday and generally seem to do everything somehow less efficiently. And they strike... However, I found at the end of the trip that their values are simply different than ours. They are focused more on family and less on work. Difficult for Americans to adjust to, but a vauluable reminder of what's really important. Overall, I really enjoyed myself on the HCJYF program and had a wonderful experience!