Jenn Rihacek, Culture through Literature in Paris Summer 2024
Before I left for my study abroad journey, I found myself constantly searching the internet for tips and tricks for life in Paris. My research spanned from Parisian outfit inspiration to good French phrases to know. I wanted to make sure that I had covered all bases and that no matter what, I wasn’t going to come across as the “typical clueless tourist.” Since this was my first ever experience abroad, I found myself anxious about making silly mistakes; I didn’t want to come across rude or ignorant, especially being a visitor in such a culturally rich country. However, looking back at my experience, there is one thing that I wish I could go back and tell my pre-departure self: “it is perfectly okay to not know everything.”
In fact, I found that ‘not knowing’ was one of the most rewarding aspects of the study abroad experience. It is fundamental to your growth as both a traveler and as a person. When it comes to life in another country, there are going to be many cultural differences you will encounter as you acclimate. For me, I had never been in a country that used a different currency or primarily spoke a different language. In the beginning of my time in Paris, I tried to take the path of least resistance when it came to getting by. Out of fear of making a fool of myself or wasting people’s time, I avoided shops or restaurants that would require me to attempt to communicate. I barely knew any French, and I had little confidence in my abilities to properly pronounce phrases and words. It wasn’t until a positive experience with a local shopkeeper that made me realize that if I never tried to attempt new things out of fear, I would be missing out on a whole other side to life in Paris.
From that moment on, I refused to hold myself back by the “what-ifs?” Although it took me some time to feel comfortable going about my daily life, I actually learned a lot from making mistakes. By following the practice of being okay with feeling uncomfortable, I made some unforgettable memories such as seeing a ballet at the Palais Garnier, finding the best photo-ops of the Paris skyline, and even seeing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
It is also important to note that not everything on the internet is going to be exactly true to your personal experience abroad. For example, going into this experience, I often found myself worrying about whether or not locals would be kind to me, especially after reading several articles warning travelers of the “judgmental” or “harsh” personalities of Parisians. While I can recall a few unfortunate interactions with people, I often made deep connections with shopkeepers, commuters, hostel staff, and locals that encouraged me to explore the city as much as I could.
In the end, your experience abroad comes down to what you make of it. If you’re searching for that one golden piece of advice for your journey, I can leave you with this: get out of your comfort zone. By trying everything you possibly can, seeing all the sights, engaging with locals, and more, you will undoubtedly create a deeply enriching experience that will make your study abroad journey more than just another trip in the books; this is how you will create your once in a lifetime opportunity.
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