SaraWerst

I am currently studying abroad in Paris, France, through Columbia University's Program at Reid Hall. Paris is a lively city and very diverse. Each part is unique in its interpretation of French lifestyle. I have enjoyed visiting museums both larger (Louvre) and smaller (Rodin). It is definitely a treat to spend hours in a museum observing pieces of art or learning about the immigration to France at the immigration museum.

The cafes are amazing, and there are quite a few with WiFi!

I am living with a family and have enjoyed my experience in their home. The family does not speak English, which has forced me to use my French on a daily basis. They correct me, and I try not to make the same mistake twice (this can be difficult at times).

The French university system was difficult to adjust to at first, because it is completely different from the system in the states. The professor-student relationship is more distant and in general limited to the classroom (there are no office hours). The courses I am taking at the French University are rigorous and require a lot of outside reading and research; however, they are very interesting! The students in the classroom are engaging and work hard.

There are so many fun things to do around Paris after a long day of classes. I have enjoyed exploring all different types of fun restaurants around the city: vegan, vegetarian, traditional French food, Indian, Greek! Despite the fact that I try to avoid the pastries, they look amazing!

I have definitely enjoyed my time in Paris and am pleased with the structure of Columbia's Program. I am challenged personally, culturally, and academically. I have the opportunity to observe and learn about the French culture. Furthermore, I think that studying abroad has allowed me to learn more about myself in a fun, creative, and big way! I highly recommend that every student study abroad and begin their own adventure!

Sara Werst

Junior- International Studies- East and Southeast Asia. Business- Economics

Columbia University in Paris - Reid Hall

Paris, France

(Back the ITS home page)

Katelyn O'Brien

Salut! I am studying in Cannes, France, for the Spring Semester. Here I am during Carnaval in Nice, which is a city about forty-five minutes from Cannes. There was silly string and confetti EVERYWHERE during the Carnaval. We were there for the parade, and it was a lot of fun.

I am here through the American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS), which thus far I have found to be an excellent program. Our director, Sandrine Passeron, is fantastic. We have made some excursions with the group, which consists of about fifty Americans. We have travelled to Paris, Monaco, and Provence.

I am studying at the College International de Cannes, where I live in a dormitory of international students and Americans. I have class with students from everywhere. There are some French students, and thus far I have been in class with people from Sweden, Japan, and Germany. It’s really amazing to meet people from all over the world, and most of the time French is the only language we all have in common, so we have to speak French!

I really feel that my language skills are improving, which makes me very happy. I love being able to speak French with people. The best part of studying abroad is definitely meeting new people, both from the US and other countries. Also, I can hear the waves of the Mediterranean Sea from my dorm room—it’s about a five minute walk to the beach! Studying abroad is one of the best experiences of my life, and I cannot recommend it enough. No matter what you have going on in your life at home, I think it is worth leaving it, just for a brief time.

Merci!

Katelyn O’Brien

International Studies, Classical Humanities, and French

Study Abroad-Cannes, France, Spring 2008

(Back the ITS home page)

Nice, France

Diogo Philippe Metz

Morocco is beautiful. It is not really a stereotypical Arab country due to its European influence. Many people call Morocco Israel West because of its European flair and because of its relatively large Jewish population. The people here are very nice and tolerant, accepting of basically everyone. For a student of ITS and PoliSci, it is a great place to better understand Arab states and their attitude towards Israel.

The different cultures are visible almost everywhere one goes. Many buildings have classical Arabic architecture on the outside, but on the
inside there is a Berber (or more correctly an Amazigh) family. Sometimes in the Jewish quarters, one can find houses with stars of David, but crescents hang from most of the windows.

I really enjoy the food here with hundreds of spices, tastes, and smells that are just out of this
world. The food is so delicious! I did contract food poisoning once, but supposedly one needs to get it to become Moroccan.

I also have a blog that you can visit to learn more about my experiences in Morocco.

Diogo Philippe Metz

International Studies and Political Science

Morocco

(Back the ITS home page)

SaraWerst I am currently studying abroad in Paris, France, through Columbia University's Program at Reid Hall. Paris is a lively city and very diverse. Each part is unique in its interpretation of French lifestyle. I have enjoyed visiting museums both larger (Louvre) and smaller (Rodin). It is definitely a treat to spend hours in a museum observing pieces of art or learning about the immigration to France at the immigration museum. The cafes are amazing, and there are quite a few with WiFi! I am living with a family and have enjoyed my experience in their home. The family does not speak English, which has forced me to use my French on a daily basis. They correct me, and I try not to make the same mistake twice (this can be difficult at times). The French university system was difficult to adjust to at first, because it is completely different from the system in the states. The professor-student relationship is more distant and in general limited to the classroom (there are no office hours). The courses I am taking at the French University are rigorous and require a lot of outside reading and research; however, they are very interesting! The students in the classroom are engaging and work hard. There are so many fun things to do around Paris after a long day of classes. I have enjoyed exploring all different types of fun restaurants around the city: vegan, vegetarian, traditional French food, Indian, Greek! Despite the fact that I try to avoid the pastries, they look amazing! I have definitely enjoyed my time in Paris and am pleased with the structure of Columbia's Program. I am challenged personally, culturally, and academically. I have the opportunity to observe and learn about the French culture. Furthermore, I think that studying abroad has allowed me to learn more about myself in a fun, creative, and big way! I highly recommend that every student study abroad and begin their own adventure! Sara Werst Junior- International Studies- East and Southeast Asia. Business- Economics Columbia University in Paris - Reid Hall Paris, France (Back the ITS home page)
Katelyn O'Brien Salut! I am studying in Cannes, France, for the Spring Semester. Here I am during Carnaval in Nice, which is a city about forty-five minutes from Cannes. There was silly string and confetti EVERYWHERE during the Carnaval. We were there for the parade, and it was a lot of fun. I am here through the American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS), which thus far I have found to be an excellent program. Our director, Sandrine Passeron, is fantastic. We have made some excursions with the group, which consists of about fifty Americans. We have travelled to Paris, Monaco, and Provence. I am studying at the College International de Cannes, where I live in a dormitory of international students and Americans. I have class with students from everywhere. There are some French students, and thus far I have been in class with people from Sweden, Japan, and Germany. It’s really amazing to meet people from all over the world, and most of the time French is the only language we all have in common, so we have to speak French! I really feel that my language skills are improving, which makes me very happy. I love being able to speak French with people. The best part of studying abroad is definitely meeting new people, both from the US and other countries. Also, I can hear the waves of the Mediterranean Sea from my dorm room—it’s about a five minute walk to the beach! Studying abroad is one of the best experiences of my life, and I cannot recommend it enough. No matter what you have going on in your life at home, I think it is worth leaving it, just for a brief time. Merci! Katelyn O’Brien International Studies, Classical Humanities, and French Study Abroad-Cannes, France, Spring 2008 (Back the ITS home page)
Diogo Philippe Metz Morocco is beautiful. It is not really a stereotypical Arab country due to its European influence. Many people call Morocco Israel West because of its European flair and because of its relatively large Jewish population. The people here are very nice and tolerant, accepting of basically everyone. For a student of ITS and PoliSci, it is a great place to better understand Arab states and their attitude towards Israel. The different cultures are visible almost everywhere one goes. Many buildings have classical Arabic architecture on the outside, but on the inside there is a Berber (or more correctly an Amazigh) family. Sometimes in the Jewish quarters, one can find houses with stars of David, but crescents hang from most of the windows. I really enjoy the food here with hundreds of spices, tastes, and smells that are just out of this world. The food is so delicious! I did contract food poisoning once, but supposedly one needs to get it to become Moroccan. I also have a blog that you can visit to learn more about my experiences in Morocco. Diogo Philippe Metz International Studies and Political Science Morocco (Back the ITS home page)