By Rachel Blair
As you all know, I’m studying abroad in Paris through the GW Fall Paris Business Program. It has been busy from the moment that I arrived in Paris, however I love it. A real benefit to begin the program is that we have an entire week to get adjusted to Paris, but with the help of two lovely ladies, Florence and her assistant, Emma. During that first week, we take French classes, so we can manage to figure our way around, go to wine and cheese tastings, go to museums, and many different famous restaurants, all paid for by GW. The best part about that week is getting to know the students that you are taking all of your classes with and spending most of your time with outside of the classroom setting first. I think that meeting people before being in an actual classroom setting allows for better flow of conversation and for real friendships to form. I’ve met some really amazing people through the first week’s orientation, both American and French.
Even though week one seems to be jam packed, the schedule was all clear for Saturday, giving us all an opportunity to do things that we wanted to do. My roommate/friend Camille and I decided that we wanted to touch a little bit of as much as we could in Paris that day. Her mom had bought her a book with about 50 of the most artistic places in Paris, and we went through that book and picked out what seemed to be the coolest and prettiest locations. So, for our first Saturday in France, Camille and I left our apartment at 10am and didn’t arrive back home until 8:30pm. It was an amazing experience, and what made it even better was that our friends Michael and Spencer joined us along our journey. It was great spending such a nice day outside the whole time exploring different areas of Paris.
Also, if you’re ever thinking of studying abroad in France, or staying in France for a long period of time, it pays to get a Navigo pass. The Navigo pass is for basically all modes of transportation in France and gives you unlimited access for 75 Euros a month. Once you have that pass, you feel like a real Parisian. It reminds me of the DC metro pass because all you have to do is tap, however, this one doesn’t need to be refilled until the end of the month. Also, you don’t have to tap out here like you do in DC.
Paris has been amazing, and I’ve already booked tickets to Germany and Iceland, and I’ve been planning to go to Amsterdam, Florence, and Prague. This doesn’t include the weekend trips provided by GW, like the 2nd weekend trip to Monet’s house in Giverny. Just in case you were wondering, his house looks just like his paintings. Even though I do want to travel to other countries, I’m also trying to find a balance in exploring Paris as well. For example, one night after dinner, Camille, Michael and I went to Sacre Coeur and watched the sunset and then explored that area. It’s easy to travel here, but you also don’t want to get caught up in the idea of traveling that you forget to take a second to remember where you are and that you don’t have that much time. Planning out my weekend adventures really puts it into perspective how much time I don’t have here, and how I have to take advantage of as much as I can, when I can.
If you want to travel abroad, not just to Paris, but anywhere I say do it. There is a whole world out there and so many amazing people that you should take advantage of it. Paris is just my little adventure, but anywhere else could be yours. I look forward to keeping you guys updated on my adventures!
My view is unreal. I still can’t get over it. This is what I wake up to every morning.
