Study Abroad so far…
Okay, so as of right now I would come back in a heart beat. Not good.
Let me explain.
Nothing is the same. I mean NOTHING.
food (no seasoning)
language (not many people are fluent in english, unlike my perception)
transportation (takes FOREVER to get anywhere. I’m talking 30 mins to get 3 miles by subway not even walking)
no sun (no dopamine)
no American friends
not having the resources I have at home (like they don’t have places like target where you can get everything at one store)
speaking of. IF there was I wouldn’t even be able to do it bc I can’t carry it back all at once bc I don’t have a car
guys there’s no microwave or oven :((((
2. Since I am not originally from here I NEVER know where I am going. I am always looking down at my phone mapping to my next destination. I hate always feeling lost, especially in a foreign place with nothing looking familiar. (I am trying to work on this tho)
3. I have figured out buses and the subway sooo I am adding to things I can call comfortable.
4. I miss Sam. It’s in a different way than I thought. Since I am so busy I don’t miss him much during the day because I have so many other things to worry about, but at night I do. We do call which is nice but its just a tad different especially because of the time difference.
5. Not having my kitchen. I love to cook and bake and I think if I had an oven I would feel more at home because I could do things that I could do at home. However, I’ve learned that my hobbies are things that I could not bring with me and I will have to make new hobbies here.
6. School. OMG. Why did I think this was just a vacation? I knew school was going to start but the fact that it actually is is insane. And apparently it is a lot harder here. UGH.
7. It is so cold here for so long and barely any sun. I truly think if the sun came out more I would be happier.
8. Back to transportation. It takes me like a 15 min walk anytime I want to use the subway and then like 30 mins on the subway to go anywhere. IT TAKES ME 1 HOUR TO GET TO SCHOOL. It’s only a 15 min drive tho. It’s so insane. The grocery store is like a trek. It isn’t too far but having to go and carry back all my groceries and being limited to the amount I can buy because I have to carry it back is different. Maybe that’s why everyone here is so skinny.
9. Struggling making friends
a lot of people like to go out here and its not my fav thing to do
its hard finding people with the same hobbies as me
many people came speaking French or knowing another language or came with friends
everyone has traveled a lot previously so they can all relate on that topic and I just sit and listen since this is my first time traveling
since I haven’t made any American friends everyone also talks in celsius, kilometers and other things I don’t understand.
Okay now I am going to talk about things I have noticed.
NO OBESE PEOPLE
so strange but it makes sense.
the subways don’t have escalators or elevators very often so you have to use the stairs
paris is obvi a walkable city but its not just walkable its like you’re forced to walk. Sometimes its quicker to walk because the subways are so far out of the way
2. Coffee
coffee is actually so important to people here
there are coffee vending machines at school
however they don’t really have black coffee, its more like an espresso
3. They emphasize breaks
lunch breaks here are 2 hours and they don’t care if you need something they will wait until their break is over
I do love that about here
4. The subways are SO CLEAN
you will get fined if you put your feet up on a seat
even instead the subway is really clean and like zero litter
5. Very few homeless people
I’ve heard this is because it is winter and they are all in shelters but I seriously haven’t seen many
6. Cars here are small
there are crossovers but the backseat is so small
3 across in an uber is very tight
7. Food
they love their bread (croissants, baguettes, sandwiches made of baguettes)
I’m like WHERE’S THE MEAT
they do not season very much (I’ll go get something I crave and am never satisfied) so sad
8. Street signs
the street signs are on the corner of the buildings and not on poles like at home
honestly works so much better
9. The buildings are so tall (but not skyscrappery)
I struggle with this a lot because I never know where I am because I can never see monuments over buildings.
their streets aren’t a grid system so it is really hard to get lost especially since I can’t base my location off of a big building (ex. devon tower)
10. Subway ettiqute
sometimes you have to open the door yourself, they don’t always automatically open
there are fold up seats near the doors and if it gets packed and you’re sitting on those chairs you are expected to stand up and stand so there is more space for others
11. SO MANY CROSSBODIES
I think its because of pickpockets but also maybe so they can have their hands free and get more groceries lol
12. The elevators are really small
like teeny tiny maybe me and 3 suitcases
13. The french people like when you attempt to speak french
they lowkey give you side eye if you don’t try.
14. They never take your card here. They don’t even touch it.
they always bring a portable card reader here and you put your card in or tap. They have never not had tap here. Apparently it’s illegal in Canada and Australia for them to touch your card. So maybe it is here too? I can’t believe the US has Silicone Valley but not tap to pay IN WALMART. Walmart of all places should have it.
Okay thanks for reading. Can’t wait for the self growth even though it is so painful. Growing pains I guess. Please send me letters. You can reach out and get my address!!!
xoxo Emma Hunter