Student Experiences

Kurt Wyllie 

  I studied abroad this past year in Paris and had an amazing experience. Initially having been hesitant to commit to a year, I took the plunge and did not regret my decision for one moment while I was there.  The French department was 100% behind me in my decision to do a non-affiliated program that fit my needs.  Spending nine months in an exciting cosmopolitan world capital was exhilarating, challenging and life-altering.  Conversing in French day-to-day with my host family, my professors, my fellow classmates and everyday people in stores and cafés, I truly gained insight into French culture and gained confidence in myself.  By living in a francophone environment and traveling to many places in the country with my program, I feel that I have affirmed my goals of an internationally-focused career and realized the importance of studying and immersing oneself in another language, country and culture.  Thanks to an incredibly supportive college, academic department and amazing program abroad, I had an experience that I will never forget. Paris will always be a second home to me from now on, and I cannot wait to return once again to fall under its spell.

 Tour Montparnasse is the only skyscraper in central Paris so the view from up top is quite vast.  Seeing the Eiffel Tower so vividly is the highlight, but one can also view Sacré Coeur, The Arc de Triomphe and the Defense business district in the distance.  Taking the quick elevator up to the skyscraper’s summit is definitely worth it, as evidenced from this shot, taken on a stunningly clear day.

     
Situated near the Champs-Elysées, Parc Monceau became a favorite place of mine during my year in Paris. Famous for its sculpture and lakes, the Monceau Park is a favorite of many young Parisians. I found the spot to be extremely relaxing - an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. I did schoolwork here, planned trips here and reflected here on the amazing experiences that I was having. This photo shows my favorite spot - the Corinthian columns - made to resemble Roman ruins. The lake here and the many ducks that frequented it made for quite an enjoyable spot.  

 
 
I got to hike barefoot in the bay surrounding Mont St Michel at low tide.  Unfortunately, when our group was about a mile out, it started to hail and rain torrentially and the bay began to fill with water quite quickly!  I made it back safely though; of course, the minute I arrived back on solid ground, the rain stopped, the clouds parted and the sky turned a brilliant blue.  It was quite an adventure to say the least!

 Notre Dame is certainly one of the most famous sights in Paris and believe me, it does not disappoint! A stunning cathedral, Notre Dame is perhaps best known for its central role in the Victor Hugo novel, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame". It is possible to climb those iconic bell towers and enjoy a stunning vista of Paris from above. But, the view also affords a close-up look at another famous aspect of the church - - the sculpture that adorns the building, specifically the gargoyles. I snapped this shot of one particularly pensive gargoyle who pose and demeanor certainly matched mine at taking in the view from the top above Paris. It was moments like this that really enabled me to take everything in and realize what an incredibly beautiful and historic city I was lucky enough to be living in and experiencing.