After my first month in Paris I can confidently say I love this city. I am currently attending GW Paris - Université Paris Dauphine. As a part of the Global Bachelor's Program and going to high school abroad I have lived in many countries, visited more than 20, and met people from 80+ countries all around the world. That being said, I have never felt more like myself or at home in a city. Paris is a lively city with beautiful parks, fascinating museums, and a diverse population.
I have enjoyed living in a homestay! Although I am one of the only people in my program pursuing this path it has been such a great experience. I live in a nice neighborhood close to my university and Parc des Prince (Paris Saint Germain Stadium) and Stade Rolland-Garros (where the French Open is). I live with a family who are quite international living on multiple continents throughout their life. I am slowly working on them to speak French with me, as this was a large reason I wanted to do a homestay, but because they are so international it's more efficient for them to speak English with me. Although I am a bit disappointed, this allows us to have deeper conversations about France and French culture and I have learned a lot about the culture.
Most museums and tourist attractions are free for students under 25 in Paris/the EU. I have taken full advantage of this by visiting the Louvre (multiple times), Musée D’Orsay, L’Orangerie, the Picasso Museum, the Petit Palais, and many more! I have also been visiting stunning churches like Notre Dame (finally reopened!) and Sainte Chappelle, famous for its stained glass.
Although a month in, I wish I could stay longer than my study abroad. I have a couple trips planned to places like Morocco, the South of France, and Switzerland (all to keep practicing my French). However, as I’ve done a lot of traveling I plan to spend most of my time in Paris as there is never a shortage of interesting and fun things to do in the city!
Carenna Thompson
Spring 2025 – GW Paris - Universite Paris-Dauphine (GW Study Program)
Fall 2023 – GW Global Bachelor's Program - Belfast Semester
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs & Geography Double Major
The Global Bachelor’s Program