#ipeparis

Surviving a Paris Heat Wave

This week was a little different from my previous weeks abroad. Rather than spending every day visiting museums or famous landmarks, much of the week was spent simply trying to survive one of the hottest stretches of weather Paris has experienced this summer.

Coming from North Carolina, I thought I was prepared for hot weather. What I quickly learned, however, is that the heat in Paris feels very different. The best way to describe it is that it is uncomfortable because many buildings don't have air conditioning, so you're constantly hot and have no chance to properly cool down. As a result, I found myself adapting local habits such as keeping shutters closed during the day, opening windows at night, and seeking out shade whenever possible.

The heat wave also made me appreciate how much of daily life in Paris takes place outdoors. Parks, cafés, and public spaces remained busy despite the temperatures, and it was interesting to see how residents adjusted their routines rather than simply staying inside.

Provins Day trip

My visit to Provins provided an opportunity to experience a very different side of France. Located southeast of Paris, Provins is known for its medieval history and remarkably preserved architecture. Walking through the town felt like stepping into another era, with stone buildings, narrow streets, and historic structures that have remained part of the landscape for centuries.

One of the most interesting aspects of the visit was seeing how different life can feel outside of Paris. While Paris is fast-paced, densely populated, and constantly busy, Provins offers a much quieter, slower environment. The town's medieval character remains visible in nearly every street and building, providing a glimpse into France's history that cannot be experienced in the capital alone.

London

One of the reasons I chose Paris for my study abroad experience was its location. Paris is one of the best connected cities in Europe, making it possible to visit other countries and regions with relatively little travel time. From Paris, most major European cities can be reached in under three hours by plane, and many destinations are connected by extensive rail networks. This week, I took advantage of that accessibility by traveling to London.

As an Arsenal supporter, visiting London was a particularly special experience. The trip coincided with the UEFA Champions League Final, creating an atmosphere unlike anything I had experienced before. Throughout the city, football supporters filled the streets, pubs, and public spaces, creating a sense of excitement that could be felt everywhere. Being able to visit the Emirates Stadium and see thousands of Arsenal supporters gathered was one of the highlights of my time abroad so far (even though we lost).

Classes

After a first week focused mostly on orientation and adjusting to life in Paris, classes officially started this week. One thing that immediately stood out to me is how quickly paced the courses are compared to what I’m used to at Michigan. Since the program only lasts six weeks, classes meet four times a week for about two and a half hours each session, so material moves fast.

At the same time, the class sizes are much smaller than what I typically experience back home. One of my classes only has six students, while the other has around thirteen. Because of that, discussions feel much more personal and interactive, and it’s easier to actually get to know both the professors and the other students in the program.

Another aspect of the courses I’m looking forward to is the number of activities and excursions built directly into them. For example, my Food and Culture class includes both a food tour and a wine tasting later in the program.

More Paris Exploration

As the second week went on, Paris started feeling slightly less overwhelming and a little more familiar. Even after just two weeks, I’m beginning to understand why people say Paris is a city best experienced slowly. So instead of rushing to see all the major landmarks, I’ve started exploring different neighborhoods and parts of the city more casually with friends. Frolicking around random areas of Paris has honestly been some of my favorite moments.

One of the most interesting places we visited was the Fondation Louis Vuitton. The building itself almost feels futuristic compared to the rest of Paris. Between the curved glass exterior, sharp angles, and massive open spaces inside, it felt completely different from the traditional architecture most people associate with the city.

Later in the week, we visited the Arc de Triomphe at night, which turned out to be one of my favorite experiences so far. Seeing the city from above while everything slowly lit up at sunset made Paris feel much larger than it does when walking street by street.

And of course, no late-night Paris outing is complete without grabbing food somewhere afterward.

We also continued exploring parks and different public spaces around the city. One thing I’ve noticed is how often people in Paris simply spend time outside. Parks are constantly full of people sitting, reading, talking with friends, or just relaxing in the middle of the day.

speaking of greenery...

Paris Greenery

Before arriving in Paris, I honestly expected the city to feel much more dense and crowded with buildings and traffic. Instead, one of the biggest surprises has been how much greenery exists throughout the city.

Paris has clearly made an effort to reduce car dependency in many areas by adding more pedestrian streets, bike lanes, and public green spaces. Even many larger roads now include tree lined medians and planted walkways that make the city feel less overwhelming despite how populated it is.

Compared to many American cities, Paris feels much more designed around people rather than cars. Because of that, the city feels more alive outdoors. People spend hours sitting in parks, along the Seine, and in public squares instead of quickly moving from place to place.

Mastering the Metro

The Paris Metro has quickly become one of the most important parts of daily life here. At first, the entire system looked incredibly confusing, but after using it every day it has started becoming second nature.

Paris actually has multiple connected rail systems. The Métro consists of Lines 1 through 14 and functions more like a traditional subway with frequent stops throughout the city. Then there’s the RER system, which acts more like a regional rail or light rail network connecting Paris to outer districts and suburbs.

The RER trains are generally newer and often nicer, but they also stop less frequently. Most trips involve transferring multiple times between metro and RER lines. It’s pretty common to start on one line, switch to another, then transfer again before finally reaching your destination.

Brayden Moore

Chemical Engineering

Orientation

After finally settling into Paris, the program's first official week began with orientation. Most of the orientation focused on helping us adjust to daily life in the city and understanding how the program would work. We covered everything from class schedules and upcoming excursions to housing reminders, transportation, and safety information around the city.

While orientation itself was pretty straightforward, it was also one of the first opportunities to really meet my peers in the program. Since classes hadn't started yet, everyone was still in that awkward stage of trying to figure out the city, navigate the metro, and meet new people at the same time. The week ended with one of the highlights of orientation: a Seine River cruise through Paris.

Learning the Metro and Exploring Paris

One thing I quickly realized is that Paris is much larger than I originally imagined. Before arriving, I assumed I would mostly walk everywhere, but after a few days I learned very quickly that the metro is essential if you want to efficiently get around the city.

All students receive a Navigo card for transportation, but you still have to purchase and upload your MetroPass onto the card before using it. Once I finally figured out that process, navigating Paris became significantly easier. Walking between arrondissements can easily take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on where you are going, so learning the metro system early is almost mandatory.

Over the course of the week, my friends and I spent most of our time simply exploring different parts of the city. One of the most interesting things about Paris is how dramatically different areas can feel from one another. Some neighborhoods feel exactly like the classic image of Paris with narrow streets, cafés, and historic architecture, while others feel surprisingly modern. Seeing places like the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur, and the Arc de Triomphe was incredible, but visiting La Défense honestly surprised me the most.

Making Friends Abroad

One thing people do not always talk about with studying abroad is how strange the social adjustment can feel during the first week. Since classes had barely started and there were not many structured group activities outside of orientation, much of the socializing came from simply making spontaneous plans with people.

At first, it was a little difficult because everyone was trying to find their own routines as they adjusted to a completely new environment. But after meeting a few people during orientation, things started becoming much more natural. Some nights we would grab dinner together, and other times we would randomly decide to explore a different part of the city. Specifically, the food has become a major part of the social experience here. Some of my favorite moments so far have honestly just been sitting in restaurants for hours, talking with people.

Paris at Night

On Saturday night, my roommate randomly suggested going out at 10 just to get pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night. What we thought would be a quick trip somehow turned into wandering around Paris until nearly 2 in the morning. The strange part was that the later it became, the more alive the city felt. Cafés were still busy, people were everywhere, and entire groups were still gathering around the Eiffel Tower well after midnight. It honestly felt like nighttime in Paris begins at 2 AM instead of ending there.

So far, studying abroad has been equal parts exhausting, chaotic, exciting, and unforgettable, which honestly feels like exactly what it should be. Can't wait for next week.

Brayden Moore

Chemical Engineering

Landing

After months of planning, packing, and stressing about everything from flights to housing, I finally arrived in Paris. Even now, it still feels strange saying that out loud. For so long, studying abroad felt like some distant future event I would think about between classes at Michigan. Now I’m actually here, living in a small apartment in one of the largest cities in Europe for the next several weeks.

Honestly, the reality of being abroad didn’t hit me all at once; it kind of crept up on me throughout the trip. My flight included a layover in Iceland, and going through customs there was surprisingly quick and easy compared to what I’ve heard about dealing with customs directly at Charles de Gaulle. By the time I landed in Paris, the airport itself was actually pretty manageable to navigate. The hardest part ended up being trying to find the driver from my program who was picking me up after I got through baggage claim. Somewhere between hearing French constantly around me, dragging my luggage through the airport, and stepping outside into Paris for the first time after an overnight flight, it finally started to sink in that this wasn’t just a trip anymore; I’m actually living here now.

Adjusting to Everyday Life in Paris

One thing that has already surprised me is how mentally exhausting constant adaptation can be. Even small tasks like grocery shopping, understanding transportation, or ordering food suddenly require more attention than they would back home. There’s this strange balance between excitement and overstimulation that comes with being abroad. Every street, every store, and every interaction feels unfamiliar, which makes even normal daily routines feel significant and exhausting.

At the same time, Paris feels incredibly alive. Everywhere I look, there are people sitting outside cafés, walking through the streets late into the evening, or navigating the city with a level of confidence I definitely do not have yet. Back home, I spend most of my time focused on schedules and assignments, constantly thinking ahead. Here, I’m hoping to slow down a little and become more present in the moment.

Housing

My apartment itself is definitely smaller than what I’m used to in the United States, but I’ve already started appreciating how efficient everything is. Between the kitchenette, desk setup, and compact layout, I’m beginning to realize how differently people approach space and daily life here compared to the U.S. Looking out the window and seeing Paris instead of Ann Arbor still feels surreal.

Another difference I’ve noticed is how much more connected housing feels to the surrounding neighborhood. Instead of feeling isolated on a campus, I’m living directly in the city alongside local residents, cafés, grocery stores, and small businesses. Every time I leave the building, I immediately feel immersed in daily Parisian life, which makes the experience feel much more authentic than simply staying in a hotel or tourist area.

Looking Ahead

One goal I already have for myself is to avoid staying inside an “American bubble” while I’m here. Obviously it’s comforting being around people from my program, especially while everyone is still adjusting, but I also want to challenge myself to become more independent and adaptable. I want to improve my French, meet new people, and experience daily life here beyond just the tourist side of Paris.

I’m also interested to see how studying abroad changes my perspective as an engineering student. So much of engineering at Michigan feels fast-paced and structured, and I’m curious how living in a completely different environment and culture will affect the way I think about balance, independence, and even problem solving.

Right now, I still feel somewhere between overwhelmed and excited, which honestly probably means I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Brayden Moore

Chemical Engineering

Blog 8 | June 2025

Bonjour!

Studying abroad in Paris has been one of the best opportunities I have ever taken. I am beyond incredibly grateful to have called the city my classroom this summer. It is wild to think that just six weeks ago, I was scared of traveling to a new place by myself and nervous about adjusting to an unfamiliar language and culture. While I wouldn’t count myself as a local, I feel much more confident in navigating the city mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Moving Out

I am a bit late posting this final blog, but let me say that leaving Paris happened so quickly that it felt like a blur. On the final days that I was studying for exams, buying souvenirs, and packing away the apartment, I had not realized how rare it was for me to be experiencing Paris at nineteen. 

Now that I am home, I look back through my camera roll and feel eternally glad that I applied to study abroad and stepped out of my comfort zone. To keep an open mind during my journey, I often reminded myself, "I am never going to be nineteen in Paris again.” This mindset motivated me to say “yes” to things I wouldn’t normally reach for.

WOW Reflection 

Looking back on my first blog, I have come to realize how quickly I progressed towards my goals and focus areas. My “loose bucket list” ? Yep, that was just the icebreaker to the city. The real test was how well I would do in the six weeks I was given in Paris. Six weeks ago I wanted to focus on my independence, exploration, and career development.

“Independence - This is my first solo international trip, so I want to learn how to navigate and quickly adapt to difficult situations with confidence.”

I think that I am much more confident in traveling and navigating by myself. I honestly believe that if I was given the opportunity again, I would do more solo-traveling in order to truly see how I adapt completely on my own. One thing that definitely helped me through this journey was not being afraid to ask for help, even with an existing language barrier.

“Respect and Explore - I am ready to expand my curiosity academically and globally. Being in France, I can take this time to jump out of my comfort zone, but gain experience in a reasonable Parisian manner.”

Studying abroad presented an amazing opportunity to chase my curiosity and learn outside of what I am used to. I got to discover my new favorite things, learn about a whole new country while I was living there for six weeks, and keep up with my academic career by earning college credits. I’d like to say that I made the most of my time while studying abroad as my free time was dedicated to exploring new things, places, and monuments.

“Discover and Grow - I applied to this program before I declared civil engineering as my major. I am hoping that this experience, especially the architecture class, will help me reflect on what I like, whether that's civil engineering or not. Who knows, maybe I’ll even find a new passion here!

I am so grateful to have taken my humanities 300-level course abroad. I think that learning about the History of Paris: An Architectural Perspective has allowed me to see how influential society and civil engineering is when it comes to the beauties of Paris and the world in general. I am excited to keep studying in this field and use the knowledge that I picked up from this course in my academics.

Advice

Before I even landed home, I was ready to study abroad again. I’d recommend studying abroad to anyone and everyone! I’ve listed some practical tips in case you study abroad in Paris as well:

Do the things you want to do earlier rather than later. Tourism gets quite crowded in the final weeks or even during the day so I recommend planning ahead. I found it to be less overwhelming when I woke up a little bit earlier to get shopping or sight-seeing done as the streets are pretty empty at 9AM-10AM.

French pharmacies are amazing! Although I didn’t get sick much during my stay until the final day, my friends have told me that the pharmacies are very stocked and educated. Some US medicines aren’t legal in France so consulting in the French pharmacies are very helpful when you want to quickly recover from an illness.

Be flexible and compromise. While six weeks feels like a long time, you cannot achieve everything while you’re there. Many events will conflict so you’’ll just have to be able to adapt on the spot and be intentional with how you spend your time.

Social and spatial awareness are key when you’re in a new place. I’m not saying you have to blend in with the crowd or locals, but it is important to recognize your behavior in public places. For example, many French metros and restaurants are relatively quiet.

Bring the vacuum sealed bags when you pack! I probably overpack but these were very useful when I started buying random souvenirs that had to go into my luggage. Other packing essentials: portable charger, outlet converters, some spare Euros cash (Most places take cards so I didn't even touch my Euros, but I’ve been told they are useful in emergencies), a hand fan, and a tote bag. 

I hope you consider studying abroad! Thank you for reading my last blog of the summer. And merci beaucoup to this lovely city for hosting my summer of 2025!

LeAnh Vong

Civil Engineering

Blog 7 | June 2025

Bonjour!

The last full week abroad is over! I am genuinely sad that my time here is almost done, but I am also ready to go home. My final week in Paris is technically next week, but I thought I’d share some of the concluding moments that this week has brung along my journey. This week I felt like a local and occasionally acted as a tourist, but what’s wrong with being a tourist?

Finals

We ended our History of Paris: An Architectural Perspective course this past Wednesday with a presentation of our choice that related to an urban system in Paris. My group presented on the Roland Garros Stadium. It was interesting to dive into the history of Paris and the French Open while the tournament was recently held here in Paris!

Afterwards, we said our final farewells to our professor. I honestly recommend her course to anyone interested in learning about the city’s history as you are not sitting in a classroom 75% of the time. Thank you Madame Tilly! You are an incredible professor! This course first caught my eye as I love architecture and it fulfilled my humanities 300-level requirement, but later I found that it continued to peak my interest as I was able to physically explore the city during class. We walked all over Paris and truly used our observational skills to understand why Paris was built the way it was. I am grateful for the opportunity to take this course abroad, I don't think I would have had the same experience elsewhere!

As for Differential Equations, I end class this upcoming Tuesday with a non-cumulative final that’s worth 30% of my grade. I probably should be studying soon but this weekend has been very eventful that I’ll start studying after I post this blog. Wish me luck!   

Souvenirs 

Of course I am bound to purchase more souvenirs this week! I have picked up things here and there but if you don’t know what to get, the Galleries Lafayette Paris Haussmann 6th Floor is a level designated for just souvenirs. There, I was able to pick up little keychains, memorabilia, and gifts. I am still missing gifts for my siblings, so please send recommendations! Otherwise, getting gifts is easy in Paris as shopping is all around you. 

Fête de la Musique

What are the odds that Fête de la Musique and Summer solstice fall on the same day? Summer solstice is the longest daylight period of the year, which was perfect for Fête de la Musique! Fête de la Musique originated in France in 1982 as a celebration for music and is celebrated annually in the evening on June 21st.

On this night, musicians, small artists, and DJs scatter about the cities and large crowds form to dance and enjoy the sound for free! It is very beautiful to experience and very crowded as the scale of this street music festival is huge. I had so much fun with my friends and hope to experience this again in Paris!

 If you experience this, make sure to stay safe, stay hydrated in the heat, and bring a fan and portable charger. It truly is an enjoyable night for all ages. On a more serious note, safety and social awareness is important as any event comes with its dangers and chaos. 

Logistics-ish

To cover some bases, I wanted to share information about the program and/or Paris. I have listed some general topics, but don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Transportation

The metro is the fastest mode of getting around the city. You are given an unloaded Navigo Pass by CEA/CAPA at orientation and advised to purchase a monthly pass for all zones of Paris. This allows you to take any metro (subway) and RATP bus in the city until the end of one month. The pass costs €88.80 (≈ $102.34) but will be worth it. 

Other modes of transportation are walking, biking, and ride services just like any other big city. Paris is walkable but I would not recommend walking if you want to save some time. As for ride services (Uber, G7, Taxi, Bolt), the fees can and will add up so the Navigo Pass is the best option in my opinion. 

Housing

The shared residence is included in the program fee and was a perfect accommodation for the past 6 weeks. You can choose other options such as the apartments and home-stays for a bit of an added cost, if you prefer, but most participants choose the residence. A lot of things are included in the residence so we only had to purchase cleaning supplies and groceries. 

Laundry: There are about 4 washers and 4 dryers in the basement of the residence. A load costs €7.50 to wash and dry. 

A/C : Air conditioning isn’t common in Paris. You can open the windows to circulate air and also rent a fan from CEA/CAP, but be prepared near the end of June for Paris summer heat!

Weather

I made sure to pack somewhat lightly (just kidding). The good news is that I never ran out of clothes here. When we first arrived, Paris was around high 50°F to low 60°F temperature ranges. Now that we are about to leave, Paris is mostly sunny with high UVs and 80°F to 90°F temperature ranges. I survived the weather by having layers like cardigans and light jackets/scarves. When it got really hot, a foldable fan became my most prized accessory!

Academics

Both of my classes were pretty manageable. The professors are very understanding and offer many resources. To do coursework, I had a pen and paper (sketchbook and notebook), but I also brought my iPad and laptop when I needed to type an essay or take notes. I found that for my architectural history class I learned towards my laptop and sketchbook as the assignments in this class were many sketches, a couple of essay reports, and a slide presentation. As for my math class, I started out with a pencil and a small notebook, but I eventually converted to my iPad as I found it to be more convenient. 

Other purchases:

Technical Course: For my math class (differential equations) were required to purchase the eBook which turned out to be about €30.

Humanities: My class (History of Paris: An Architectural Perspective) had no additional purchases but I know for the photography course you are required to have a scrapbook journal and a certain camera. 

Obviously to each their own, but to get a good idea of what you need for each class, I recommend skimming through the syllabus.

Useful Apps

Calculator: There is a way to convert currency through the calculator app on iPhones! Otherwise any converter will work just fine when you want to get a good idea of reasonable prices.

Uber: I found Uber to be useful when the metros/buses weren't running. 

Google/Apple Maps: Any navigation app will be useful but me and my friends used Apple and Google Maps as they are both reliable.

Bonjour RATP: This app is like M-Bus and allows you to track transportation (Metro or Bus) and you can reload your metro card from your iPhone.

Eurostar: When travelling outside of the host country, trains are an eco-friendly and affordable option. The Eurostar is one of the best trains that departs from Paris. We used the Eurostar app to scan our tickets and change our seats.

UK ETA: If you want to travel to the UK, make sure to do the Electronic Travel Authorization prior to leaving. The cost varies but through the app I paid $22.

Too Good To Go: I used this app in the beginning but I wished I used this more as the food is cheap! I mainly bought groceries and once tried it for a meal, definitely recommend it if you're on a budget.

AirBnB: Self-travel can be confusing if you’re doing it for the first time, so I found AirBnB to be user-friendly. My friends split an AirBnB for weekend trips but I heard good experiences from people using hotels and hostels as well!

This was a long blog, but I hope much of the information was useful! Au revoir!

LeAnh Vong

Civil Engineering

Blog 6 | June 2025

Bonjour!

Hi! This week went by so fast that I had to look back into my camera roll to just remember everything we did! Being abroad makes me feel incredibly productive, as I am always booking an event or working around an itinerary and then completing assignments for school. It can be very fun and jam packed, especially near the end of my study abroad experience when we’re trying to squeeze every monument in. This week was filled with activities because the weather was warm and everything was perfect on a sunny day. Here's a quick highlight for each day of the week:

Monday: Dior Gallery

The Dior Gallery isn’t free for students but they did offer a discounted rate with a valid student ID. If you have an hour or two to spare, this gallery is absolutely perfect! It is gorgeous inside and you get to see the legendary name of Dior.

Tuesday: Carnavalet Museum, Famous Chocolate Mousse

The size of the Carnavalet Museum was deceiving, it was huge inside. We went there because we had a small assignment on the history of Paris, but got lost so many times.

Wednesday: Museum d’Orsay, Bingsu, How to Train a Dragon

The Musée d'Orsay was converted from a train station into a beautiful museum. It holds many works by Van Gogh, Monet, and other big names. Later that evening, I went to see the movie How to Train Your Dragon. The whole movie theater experience was fascinating compared to the theaters in the states.

 The tickets were relatively the same price at around 9.9 Euros, but the snacks were way cheaper. A large bucket of popcorn was only 6 Euros here, while at my AMC it would be double the price. All the snacks were displayed differently as well, and you served yourself the popcorn. Sadly, there was no butter to top the popcorn. 

The theater was huge, in terms of seating and screens, the theater I went to (UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles) was the largest in Europe. For the movie we were watching, we sat among 500 seats!

As for the movie itself, it was all in English! There were French subtitles but the movie was shown in its original form. This is such a great way to learn a new language! I almost skipped out on going to the movies here because I figured we have the same movies back home, but this experience showed otherwise. I’m glad that I went and saw how the locals watch their films.

Thursday: Park & Centre Pompidou Museum

The Centre Pompidou sits right outside of the CEA/CAPA study center so I walk past it almost everyday. Going inside, a lot of construction went on and we only saw one exhibit; however, I'm glad to find out that the building was interesting both inside and outside. The structure is being renovated for five years, so I am happy I got a chance to see it before its closure. 

Friday: Train to London, Borough Market, Yoshitomo Nara Exhibition, 4 Monuments, etc

My friends and I left for London at 6 AM and started the day there at 9 AM. Our itinerary was packed to the minute. These are only some of the things we did! Our hotel was such a good price at about $50 each night per person and was located right across from Borough Market. This whole food market is delicious, but you have to try the Black Pig sandwiches and the chocolate-covered strawberries! After we ate, we went sightseeing and exploring the city!

Saturday: National Gallery London, Portobello Road market, Notting Hill, etc

London was such a treat! It was comforting to be surrounded by familiar sounds, but also felt odd hearing English again after 5 weeks of hearing French. Compared to Paris, London felt much bigger and spread out. The public transportation system isn’t as efficient as Paris, but still fun to navigate. I enjoyed experiencing the iconic double-decker bus and fast tube (their metro). I am still getting used to the different roadways, especially since they drive on the left side.

Sunday: Half London, Half Paris

Paris and London are split by an hour time difference, and a two and half hour train ride. Navigating both cities were quite similar where you quickly got the hang of it. Since both London and Paris are huge capital cities, there were lots of things to do, see, and shop. Looking back this week, I cannot believe we visited a museum/gallery everyday. I thought Paris had a lot of galleries, but London did too. When you're in Europe, there truly is a museum on every street! 

Souvenirs

Nearing the final two weeks in Paris, I am starting to fill my luggage with trinkets and souvenirs. For each place that I visited, I picked up a gift, postcard, or a scrap. 

Once I returned from London, I dumped out every piece that I picked up from the touristy shops  and tried to organize them all into my bags. The word ‘tried’ because I set the large pile aside since I knew that this upcoming week I'll be compiling more gifts that I’ll need to shove into my bags home. I guess that’s a problem for later!

If you should learn anything prior to studying abroad, it should be the art of packing lightly. Unfortunately for me, I did not learn that so I apologize if any gift is a tad squished on the way home.

Well, that is all for this week! I’m happy with how this week turned out and hope you enjoyed my week as much as I did. Thanks for reading!

P.S. As for last week’s blog, I not only passed both of my midterm exams, but even did pretty well. But next week is finals week :)

LeAnh Vong

Civil Engineering

Blog 5 | June 2025

Bonjour!

Hi! I can’t believe four weeks have already gone by so quickly. I’ll have to admit that I am feeling a bit homesick lately. Don’t get me wrong, Paris is s beautiful, wonderful, and everything you could ever want for a study abroad experience, but this has been the longest I have ever been away from home. While I am having fun here, sometimes I’ll miss the comfort of my routine back in Michigan.

Home

Luckily, France doesn’t feel too foreign. I love that I can still do the things I enjoy doing while I am here in a new setting. Paris is packed with activities, shops, and restaurants that I am bound to face a familiar scent or sound, but also discover some of my new favorite places, people, and things.

Since Paris and Michigan have a six-hour time difference, it can get tricky to check in at home. I’ll text and call, but nothing beats telling my family and friends about my experiences in person. With that said, this week I took it upon myself to update them on my journey through snail mail. 

I picked up cute post cards from a touristy boutique and some stamps from a local tabac shop. Pro tip: If you want to send mail back to the states, make sure to ask for a ‘timbre monde’ which is a purple stamp that ships internationally. A post card costs about 1-2 Euros and an international stamp is about 1.20 Euros. The whole process of sending a postcard seemed surprisingly easy so I’m crossing my fingers that they make it home to Michigan!

Midterm Exams

This past week has been a bit busy with midterms. I had no idea what to expect for an exam abroad, but I knew that I just needed to pass. CEA/CAPA understands that students choose to study abroad for the travel experience and to earn credits, so the courses aren’t meant to tire you out and are designed for you to pass, which I am super grateful for.

I haven’t gotten results back from my math nor architectural history exams, but I feel pretty confident that I passed both midterms. Compared to Michigan, exams here are not as complicated where they aren’t trying to trick you. Not to mention, I probably overstudied, but I guess I’ll know if it was worth studying for when I get my results back.

Overcoming Language Barriers

With all honesty, I have not been practicing my French much this week. I’m still using the basic manners and greetings, but for the other conversations, I have been translating through my phone or playing charades. 

Before I arrived in Paris, I learned phrases I could use so I could try to order food or find a bathroom, but it never occurred to me to prepare for locals to ask me questions on the street or at the metro station. I’m honored that I could pass as a knowledgeable local, but I feel a little bad that I am not much help here. A way to go about this situation is obviously finding a common language to communicate with, but if that doesn’t work I think translating through Google could also do.

Although many people here speak English, having a second language can be really useful. For example, this week I went to the nail salon and my nail tech didn't speak English and I couldn't speak French, but we found common ground through a different language: Vietnamese. I wouldn’t say I’m fluent in Vietnamese, but it came in handy when I wanted to ask her for recommendations in Paris. I noticed that she was glad that we could find a way to communicate, especially since she admitted that her French wasn’t good either but I couldn’t even tell. This interaction motivated me to improve my French so I can better communicate with the locals. 

Paris is starting to become my second home, even with some moments of homesickness and slight confusion, I already know I will miss this city when I return to Michigan. For now, I still have so much time here and I cannot wait to see what’s next!

LeAnh Vong

Civil Engineering