Blonde and Abroad: The Tales of a SoCal Girl Living la Vie Parisienne: First week in Paris

A Room of One's Own

Once I arrived in Paris, my host mother, Muriel, picked me from the airport and drove me back to her family's apartment in Boulogne-Billancourt, a little commune located just east of the 16th arrondissement. The Charlie Hebdo massacre had taken place hours before I arrived, and I experienced firsthand not only France's shock and horror, but also how the French were able to come together and unite in the days that followed. In regard to the apartment, it is grand and spacious, with a view of the Seine, close proximity to the city park, and as you can see, a very nice room for me!

My Host Family

My host family couldn't be more welcoming. Not only have they helped secure me some necessities such as a cell phone, a metro pass, and a gym subscription, but they have done a great job making me feel part of their family. I am allowed to eat meals with them whenever I am home (note: many other students in my program do not have this kind of arrangement), I can use their kitchen and laundry at anytime, and they answer all of my questions (which, if you know me, is very much appreciated given how many questions I ask). As you might have guessed, French is the only language spoken in this household, and even though I make mistakes, they help me improve it each and every day.

Saint Augustin: The Metro Stop Closest to the Madeleine Center

Orientation for the Middlebury program (the popular study abroad program among Pomona students) took place the next day, and I have spent many hours at Middlebury's Madaleine Center learning about many aspects of student life in Paris (in French, bien sûr). While there, I have had the opportunity to meet other students from small liberal arts colleges, and we have already started to hang out ("trainer") and grab coffees together (avoir un café) at little cafés. As is required of the program, I must take one course at its center (that will be on the EU), three at Paris 3: La Nouvelle Sorbonne (those will be through the Center of European Studies), and I have opted to pursue an internship (in lieu of another course) with a French business or organization. All of these courses are taught in French, and courses will start this upcoming Monday.