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Paris
Alejandra Guereque, Graduated: May 2004, Electrical Engineering
My name is Alejandra and I went studying abroad for a year to Paris, France in
Fall 02 and Spring 03. I mostly took Electrical Engineering classes in French
since I chose a university for EEs through the GE-3 program. They did, however,
offer some non-engineering classes and classes in English.
My experience abroad turned out to be the best thing I have done in college. I was living in an apartment with roommates and I was lucky when I got there because I already had a place to live in thanks to my sister. Then I moved twice and I had to go through the pains of getting a cheap and decent apartment in Paris without having to share the W.C. (Water Closet: restroom) with everyone on the floor. Lots of phone calls and daily checking ads on www.fusac.fr allowed me to live in two very nice apartments with excellent locations.
I definitively enjoyed my time in Paris and I fell in love with the city. The metro was great except on the really hot days and during strikes! Paris had everything in culture, nightlife, sports, and any kind of entertainment that I could imagine. And even though Parisians can be sometimes kind of rude if they notice you're not French (and with my accent, they certainly did), I still managed to get by just fine. I think that asking for everything in French, even though sometimes I struggled, helped a lot.
My best piece of advice is to take advantage of your time while studying abroad. Now, I regret so many things I didn't do and places I didn't go. Travel a lot!!! All the countries are so close to each other, so traveling is easy. Trains are cheap and if you can stand spending 22 hours in a bus to go from Budapest to Amsterdam, bus passes are even cheaper... Also, check www.easyjet.com for really cheap flights. Meet lots of people, learn about other cultures and enjoy your time!
Stephane Smith, Senior, Electrical Engineering
I studied abroad in Paris, France at l'Institut Supérieur
d'Electronique de Paris (ISEP). I was involved in a GE-3 exchange, mainly because I wanted
to go alone. My goal was to meet as many new people as possible, which I can safely say I did!
Originally, I found a very expensive room with a family within walking distance to my school.
This was very convenient at first; however, the dysfunctional family soon left me finding a home
with some new made French friends. I eventually moved into Versailles with one of my really good
classmates. Moving in with a friend was my best decision of the trip. I really got an inside
scoop on true French culture, expressions, and life in general. In Versailles, I no longer
felt like tourist; I was home.
The people in France are just like everywhere else. I was once rudely
addressed simply for being from Texas; however 99% of the time, French people are extremely
polite and friendly. One of my favorite parts about French society is group dynamics. Everyone
is part of the 'in' crowd; there are almost no clicks. For example, the school would throw
amazing parties for everyone. Moreover, I was able to be on the rugby team, sailing club,
badminton team, photo club, and take salsa dance lessons. I also went sailing in the Atlantic,
participated in a parade in Lille, went skiing in the Alps, went surfing in Bretagne, spent New
Year's Eve in Munich with Germans, and much more. Some of the best moments in my life happened
in France... It was amazing!
As for advice, the first thing a potential study abroad student must do is find housing! I waited until the last second, and got stuck with a bad family. Also, don't let study abroad paper work get to you. Studying abroad is an extremely rewarding experience! If anyone has questions about ISEP or studying abroad in Paris, don't hesitate to email me at: smithsl@mail.utexas.edu. Good luck!
Are you an Engineering student who has studied abroad? Would you like to share your experiences here? Let us know! Contact Audra Sneed or Elizabeth Vondran in the Office of Student Affairs, ECJ 2.200, (512) 471-4321.