Traveling to France in December was my first international trip. This made the experience even more exciting and meaningful to me. Being in Paris felt unreal at times, especially seeing famous places like Notre Dame in person after only ever seeing them in pictures. Walking through the city, stopping into places like Shakespeare and Company, and just taking everything in made art feel way more real and approachable. The cold weather and shorter days gave the city a calm, cozy feeling that made me slow down and really notice the details around me.

What surprised me most was how much art I noticed outside of museums. The buildings, cafés, and even the way the city is laid out felt so fun and creative. Seeing people sketching by the Seine or artists selling their work on the street made me realize that art is part of everyday life in France, not something separate or distant. Since this was my first time traveling outside the country, it helped me see art from a completely new perspective and made the trip feel really special and memorable. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to study abroad with SPC and will definitely consider doing it again!

– Alissa, SPC Paris Study Abroad Program, December 2025