Choosing to study abroad the summer prior to my freshman year at MSU was the best choice I ever made. First of all, it was incredible to earn four credits by spending time learning about and exploring Paris. The program was approximately two weeks long and we only had a small workload to complete after our return to the States.

Our track focused on American influence in France, as well as how local Parisians and tourists impact each other. This was an extremely interesting subject that our group got to learn about through tours, history, museums, and much more. Furthermore, free time was allowed to explore the city in groups, permitting us to discover French architecture, culture, and experiences that peaked our interests.

This experience also allowed me to make connections with several professors and create lifelong friends. Our group spent many class sessions discussing deep and thoughtful topics and walking the streets of Paris together, which helped me grow close to my course's main professor. Also, I instantly clicked with many fellow MSU students who I have maintained friendships with into my college career. Being thrown together with total strangers forces you to become close quite quickly. Starting my first semester of college I felt much more at ease knowing I already had friends I could rely on.

One of my favorite experiences was walking through the Chateau Rouge neighborhood. This is a predominantly black neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris. We explored African clothing stores, restaurants, churches, and a small-scale art museum. It was such a cool and unique opportunity to learn about the diversity in Paris and see how minorities express themselves globally. Overall, I learned so much about myself, France, how cultures can influence each other, and made some friends along the way. This was an astonishing program and I'm eternally grateful to have gone on it.

Name: Julia Geesin
Status: Freshman
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Program: First-Year Seminar Abroad in France – Strangers in a Strange Land