Here's What I Think....

Latin QuarterTo go to Paris or not to go, that is that is the question. I am a little unsure in recommending this site to students. I mean I love Paris. The city is beautiful and so very rich on history and is history freak’s (like me) dream. BUT… (yes here comes the but) I felt the academic program here was very dull. I was a little unsure about my courses when I first chose them, but nonetheless excited. Now, I have to say that I did not like any of my courses. They don’t have a wide range and neither a very good selection. School is completely informal and I did not have that have that scholastic atmosphere to challenge me. There is usually that feeling of I’m going to get that A. Now it’s like I’m going to just do the best I can. Seriously, I only liked this course this semester because it called for me to take in my surroundings and enjoy the city and the people. It challenged me by allowing me to reflect on my experiences here and take my time in enjoying everything. I mean the school encouraged us to go out, but didn’t ( I feel) do a fantastic job in getting to the people, namely French students. But the nevertheless they were still a great help and always there when needed. I strongly recommend that you find housing through the school and not through ANY agency in NYC. I will not name names. Learn all that you can about the exchange rate with the euro and the dollar. Avoid using your card as much as possible, French or American. Do NOT have a negative balance, I repeat do NOT get a negative balance. They strongly dislike them here. Even if it is small, pay it!!! Don’t be lazy, go to museums have fun and enjoy the history. You are in Paris, enjoy it. Vive la France !!! Avoid McDonalds!!! Don’t travel as much wait till Spring Break or if you decide to do a lot of weekend trips, stay during Spring Break, trust me you’ll be glad you did. Save your money, go make grocery don’t eat out as much. But also enjoy the food, its wonderful trying something new. GO for the bread and chocolate, if you are religious DO NOT give them up for Lent. I did and it was literally, well you know;) A few places I like: I live in Monoprix (which I call the French Wal-mart); The Latin Quarter, which is accommodating to students, meaning cheap but quality stuff, including student discounts at the UGC theaters. I suggest Crepe Cluny (absolutely amazing crepes and apple cider) Cesar Pizza ( real Italians making the best pizza outside of NYC!) Japanese restaurants up the street (amazing Cali Rolls) as well as the Senate House and the Jardin de Luxembourg. Champs-Elysees, for amazing shopping and for Black students, finding a hair place is hard, but I found Polished Hair Care at the Arcades des Champs on the Champs-Elysees. It is owned by a lady from San Francisco named Nicole. She’s expensive (as everything is at the Champs-Elysees), but she does her job well. It’s a multiracial salon so all are welcome. Also, you will find the Arc de Triomphe up the street. I still have much to discover and less than a month to do it but I will!!! Please, whatever you do enjoy the city. Don’t take what you can learn for granted. There will almost always be a greve going on, protests to join in. Academic Forums at the Sorbonne. Oh yea practice your French!! Some Parisiens WILL discourage you, OVERLOOK THEM though. When they speak English to you, SPEAK FRENCH to them. Above all just have fun, but stay focused on school you are here to learn.