On the final day of the trip, students gathered in the Jardins du Luxembourg for some reflective writing. As students responded to prompts in their journals, they later shared their reflections with the entire group. Below are some responses to the prompt: I used to think… about France, now I think ….
I used to think of France that it really just was Paris. I failed to realize that France consists of many diverse regions with different cultures, beliefs, etc. I also used to think that they were more close to how they were depicted in film and TV; either snarky or entitled, anti-immigrant, etc. In truth, it’s a beautiful country with diverse and complicated people all throughout the country. Though everything is much smaller and closer than in America, the country has a rich culture which is continually enriched by the acceptance of new ideas, practices, and more brought in by foreign born French who are increasingly welcomed in modern day France. French people are just as nice and welcoming as any other; they simply take longer to warm up to you. In America, you can wave to a stranger on a street and enjoy a light, intriguing conversation. Here, you often avoid strangers and keep to yourself. When walking out in public. It’s different, it’s not bad and one way is not necessarily better, but it is different.
-Elisha ’25
France is a place set in leisure and therefore obtains a culture in which you have to slow down to understand. No one around you seems to be in a rush, no matter the situation. Take a look around you and you will notice the small attributes that build French culture instead of the monuments towering over you. Whether it’s the bicycles that seem nearly out of control, the crepes being carefully made outside of a small crêperie, or the popularity but rush free atmosphere of the metro, every little thing in France builds its meaning.
–Neva ’27
About France I used to think that the fruit would be juicier, the people would be happier, and that the country was mostly white. Though many of my opinions of France remain the same, like how the sunshine’s brighter, I stood corrected with my presumptuous picture of France. I was shocked the first time I bit into a peach in France that it tasted like a peach. I was expecting the flavors to be bursting in color though realizing how most things remained the same in France lowered the pedestal I set the country on. Visiting the different cities in France allowed me to see the amount of ethnicities that France offers a safe haven to. France isn’t just chic woman in the streets, but it also consists of countless voyagers seeking a better life. A lot of the time people think that traveling to a new place will cure something within them though; the people in France still struggle from poverty, and mental illness like any other country. I no longer see France on the picture of great cuisine and a romantic culture. I see France as a country, with the same resources as the U.S and the same issues as the U.S.
-Skye ’25
About France I used to think of a country full of snobby people, thanks “Emily in Paris”. But after almost a full month in France my opinion of the French people has completely changed. I have met some of the most interesting and kindest people during my time here. Almost all were patient and willing to work through my developing French, and never once were they frustrated. It is thanks to my French ability that I have been able to communicate and get a deeper understanding of the French people.
-Rory ’26
There were talks of the coldness of French people. How they aren’t kind to foreigners. Over these four weeks, those ideas were proven wrong by me. From the niceness of my host family and their willingness to make sure I was as happy as I would be at home to the welcoming gestures of the waiters and the patience with my broken up French. Aside from a few unpleasant interactions, France has showed me a much slower life where community is heavily emphasized. I greet people with a smile and a smile gets returned. It goes to show the importance of forming your own opinions and understanding of something new and different.
-John ’25
Before coming to France, I used to think it was all tourism, pastries, modesty, and disdain for Americans. After nearly a month here, I’ve realized that the French are similar to us, if not better. Conversations are long, food is good, and there are many laughs to be had- in the museums, on the metro, with host families, and in the hotels. I would wake up and go to sleep exhausted from doing a lot everyday, but I never woke up or went to sleep stressed. It’s as if the goal of everyday in France is enjoyment.
-Aye ’25
Before coming to France, I used to think it was all about the Eiffel tower and the Louvre. Now as I have officially spent over three weeks here, I think French culture is much more than that. Through the people, small shops, restaurants, and even jazz clubs, I have been able to experience only a fraction of how life in France really is. It’s more than men with mustaches and berets, it’s how you personally view the different aspects of the country and what they have to offer.
-Rowan ’25
I thought before coming to France that the people were cold and unwelcoming. However, now I think that France has a mix of both, of course not everyone is always friendly, however, there are wonderful people here who want to help you grow, sing happy birthday to friends, and laugh alongside you.
–Tene ’25
I used to think France had a culture that was closed to immigrants after watching the news and studying in class, with the population being mostly white people yelling at anyone trying to speak French as a foreigner with baguettes and cold demeanors….and although the baguettes and initial chilliness might be true, the mean manner and lack of openness to immigrants are not. Many people were super nice and happy to help me practice French. The French people are welcoming; they just take a lot more time compared to Americans to warm up to you. Once they do, it is very fun doing “Bisous” with them. Especially in Marseille and Paris, the population is actually very diverse with people from all over world, including, to my surprise, my fellow Chinese. France has such a rich and amazing culture that I am so thankful to have been able to study and experience throughout this voyage!
-Alice ’25
