This wasn’t my first time traveling internationally; however, it was my first time visiting a European country. Upon arriving at the airport in France, we loaded up the bus and immediately began exploring. We explored Paris, the city of light and visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in its reconstruction phase. We saw the new Olympic Stadium being constructed, were given a couple hours to enjoy the shops and malls, and ended the evening by taking Bateaux mouche, an excursion boat down the river Seine, in which we saw the city, its architecture, and the Eifel tower. Although I was tired by all the traveling, I was amazed at the architecture, cultural diversity, and way of life in Paris. Everything was so aesthetic, like it came straight out of a picture book.

After lots of rest, we went to Versailles, Champs Elysées, and Sacré-Coeur, a beautiful Catholic Basilica that sits on the highest hill in Paris. I enjoyed visiting the Palace of Versailles and learning more about the treaty and its history. It was fascinating see the beautiful French Baroque architecture, and the elegance of the gold painted palace.
One of my favorite places was Saint Malo and its beautiful water. For lunch I had a delicious crepe with egg, tuna, and tomatoes and then enjoyed a chocolate crepe on the beach. I enjoyed being able to start off the trip in the city, but also being able to visit the villages and beaches. The view throughout the country was beautiful and the French people were nice and hospitable.
I enjoyed visiting the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, a memorial for the 200,000 people who were sent to the Nazi concentration camps. I was able to learn a lot about world war II and its impact on all the countries involved. We visited the D-day Landing beaches and I was so intrigued by the area in which many people lost their lives. You always learn about this stuff in history class, but it was interesting to see it in real life and see some of the remains many years later.
Starting off the trip viewing the Eifel tower, we ended it, attempting to see it sparkling at night. This was an amazing opportunity I was able to participate in, and if I get the chance to study abroad again, I will definitely take it. France was beautiful, diverse, and rich in culture.
– Kenzy, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023

My experience on the France study abroad trip is something that I will never forget. I learened so much from just one week of travel. This trip offered numerous opportunities to explore a different culture, language, and encounter a different way of life.

There were many things I will never forget, like the Louvre, Normandy Beach, and of course the iconic Eiffel Tower. But the thing I enjoyed the most was the free time. We were able to break off into small groups or pairs to get lunch and shop. I was able to try a lot of new foods like sweet and savory crepes, and we had fresh, authentic fish and chips on Normandy Beach.

Our tour guide was also amazing and very knowledgeable. He always told stories that included the French culture and maybe a different perspective that you wouldn’t think of. The Professors and chaperones on the trip also made it great. They were always making sure that everyone was safe and that we had everything we needed.

If you have an opportunity to go on a study abroad with SPC, I would say do not  hesitate! You will have unforgettable experiences and make lifelong friends.
– Emily, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023

Going on the study abroad France trip has changed my life and my perspective on how I view Europe. EF did a great job preparing us for our trip, as all of the suggested items I packed were necessary. Since we would be moving from the hotel to the bus to a new hotel each day I took the guide’s advice and packed light, making sure to have my clothes and other items organized and ready to grab each day to get breakfast and get on the bus in time. This tour was very educational; not only did we learn about the history of Paris, but our tour guide went in-depth into the history of each city we visited, such as what the French went through during World War II. Most people who visit France stay in Paris but miss out on so much as other cities like Mon Salo, Chartres, and Mont Saint Michel, which are some of the most beautiful places I have ever been. They are all so rich in history and have a such archaic architecture that I would have liked to stay in each town for an entire week to explore.

The cultural interactions between American tourists and the French were very interesting. While in Paris, it seemed like the Parisians did not like us tourists and often were frustrated when we did not follow their customs, however, they spoke English very well, which made it easier to order food with my very limited French. Once we left the city, fewer people spoke English but were a lot more patient and respectful towards us students who tried to order with simple French words and lots of gesturing, and were much more inviting into their establishments and their town.

The food would be the only thing that could compete with the architecture. EF planned amazing dinners in restaurants with authentic French foods. They were also very accommodating with foods that I can eat since I am vegetarian. I got to try so many amazing delicacies provided by EF and when we went to have lunch on our own, crepes, seafood, pastas, ratatouille, omelets, soups, and so much more.

Our tour guide was amazing as well! He taught us new French words and phrases every day and played French music on our bus rides. He shared with us some of his favorite French snacks and encouraged us to try classic French dishes and explore every place we visited. He also guided us safely throughout the cities as we were there during a strike. I now have a more realistic view of France and would happily visit again, or take another tour with EF!
– Gigi, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023

This was my first study abroad trip with EF and going to France has given me the opportunity to learn about the people I meet, the historical significance of my surroundings, cultural differences, and the foreign language. EF has really shown that their tours prioritize Education First, to start off with we met our wonderful tour guide who welcomed us with open arms. He first introduces his background that led him to be a part of EF and how much he loved it ever since he started giving tours to students. Despite the fact that we were on an ongoing mission to arrive at our destination from a moving vehicle to walking, we never stopped learning and asking questions about the place including the architecture that is around us. I did my own research on the locations we were going to before I went on the trip but there was much information that I discovered from our tour guide that was not on the itinerary. For example, the Centre Pompidou and the artwork on the buildings with the symbolic exterior, while it holds famous collections from the 20th and 21st centuries.  

As a little kid, I have never imagined myself to be far from my parents, especially out of the country, but I did envision myself in a castle and it was a dream come true on this trip! We went into the Palace of Versailles and Château de Clemenceau, not only was I able to see how the royals lived, as well as their historical significance in the First and Second World Wars. In addition, we were introduced to a tour guide for the Palace of Versailles who explained to us about the historical paintings and figures in each room. He made sure we were engaged in the conversation and spent time answering any questions we may have at the end. Although we only spent a day with him, he contributed a lot to tell us about the importance of keeping an open mind and continuing to be curious about everything you come across. 

I believe a trip is not memorable without all the emotions that come with it, whether that be filled with joy, sorrow, or a new word I learned from our tour guide: sublime meaning admiration and awe by what we observe. I was overjoyed on the way to France, also being there to experience and appreciate all the scenery, handmade products, and food that were entirely different from the U.S. which made it interesting and fascinating every time I spotted something unique. In Mémorial de Caen, I felt sorrow after touring the area where the Battle of Normandy occurred and watching a film that invested in all the stages of the battle up to the liberation of Le Havre showcasing the damages it caused to the people and where they grew up being blown into fragments. The word sublime was used when we were trying to find a word that meant astonished or admiration by the view that the person was unable to speak because it deeply moved you.  I can apply these three words to the joy of going on another EF tour, the sorrow of leaving France and our tour guide, and finally the sublime that will forever be memorable to me. – Jessica, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023

Going on this SPC study abroad trip was a wonderful experience. The layout of the trip itself never missed a beat. The itinerary was just busy enough to keep everyone happy while also allowing for free time periodically where each of us could do our own thing. My favorite destination on the trip was Mont Saint-Michel (pictured below). On this island we were able to enjoy incredible views of the coast and work our way through the various gift shops and restaurants at our own pace. I definitely bought the most souvenirs at this location. Additionally, the food options were pretty good. Each night we would have dinner with the whole group, and I was frequently introduced to many new French foods. To my surprise, I never encountered a place that only took cash. France was very credit card friendly, and I actually had to go out of my way to spend my leftover euros at the end of the trip. Our tour guide kept the trip exciting, and it was great that experts on certain locations were also brought in to tour us. The hotels weren’t luxury, but they were more than acceptable for the price of the trip, and I never had trouble sleeping. Wake up calls weren’t too early either. I found that I had a perfect amount of time to leisurely make my way to bed and still get enough sleep to be fueled for the next day. Switching hotels almost every day was also not bad. Our rooms were given to us quickly when we arrived at each hotel, and we were given detailed instructions regarding the following morning. I was surprised by the amount of freedom given to us at certain points. There were many instances where there was no supervision, but rather trust that we would all be back at the meeting spot at a certain time. I really appreciated this system because it let us experience the French culture as authentically as possible. Ultimately, what I enjoyed most was the variety of locations and activities I was able to experience on this trip. I was surprised to find out that I actually preferred the cities we visited outside of Paris, and I never would have visited those had I not gone on this SPC sponsored trip.
– Kate, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023

Studying abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime. By leaving our comfort zone and venturing out into a new culture, we not only gain academic knowledge but also life experiences that will shape our future endeavors. Immersing oneself in a foreign country can help improve foreign language skills, broaden our horizons, and build independence and resilience. We may also gain valuable networking opportunities and form lifelong friendships. 

This past March of 2023 I went on a study abroad trip to France with a wonderful group of people and it was one of the best things I could have ever done. When I first learned about the trip in August, I immediately knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I was unsure at first if it was going to be worth it but once I was able to see the itinerary, I immediately became sure of it. The entire registration and application process was very easy and quick. 

My overall experience was very good. The trip exceeded my expectations. I was happy that we not only stayed in Paris but that we also got to visit other parts of France. It has always been a dream of mine to visit and going on this trip helped me get the best out of it. We were constantly moving and emerging ourselves into the French culture. We always had full days visiting beautiful places. Although it could get tiring it was worth it. We had an amazing tour guide that ensured we got the full French experience. Even though the trip was only 10 days long it felt like we were there for weeks because of how much we were able to see. This trip was one of my favorites and I would 100% recommend others to consider study abroad, I am definitely looking forward to the next trip. 

In a global society, having international exposure and perspective is crucial in our personal and professional lives. Studying abroad can provide significant benefits that cannot be gained solely from studying in our home country. By stepping out of our comfort zones and into the world, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.  

Studying abroad may be challenging, but it can be a transformative experience that can change our lives forever. It is an opportunity that should not be missed or wasted.  
– Amanda, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023

I learned how important studying abroad can be to academics and social life after going on the France trip this semester. That was the first time I ever traveled anywhere, let alone out of the country. In fact, my going to France was the first time anyone in my entire extended family left the country. Coming from a small family in a smaller town, I’ve always felt like my viewpoint of the world was much too limited. I always had this feeling that there was a huge part of the world that I would just never have the opportunity to know. I’ve always longed to travel, and I am so thankful for Study Abroad giving me the chance because I might have never had the opportunity.
The trip to France was probably the biggest thing that ever happened to me. It was almost instant to me, the second we stepped off the metro into Paris, that I felt my worldview change. For the first time, I could feel my life expanding in front of me and it proved that I could experience things I never thought I would be able to.
My favorite part of going on the France trip was exploring the art and historical landmarks. I’ve been able to write about these things in some of my classes and use the things I’ve learned in my extracurricular writing. I’ve always loved art, but learning about the history behind the methods of painting and making art has been even more interesting. Being able to see such amazing architecture and art was like time-traveling. It was a grounding experience and it helped expand my worldview.
Also, being able to travel with some of my best friends was so rewarding and exciting. A high schooler rarely gets to go on this kind of trip with such close friends, so I was so thankful for this experience. I was also able to make great new friends and experience a new kind of independence. I got to see and try new things, all while being surrounded by amazing people. For me, this trip was full of adventure, laughter, and discovery.
– Emily, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023

When I signed up for this program I didn’t know what to expect, as I’d never been out of the country. Needless to say with each passing day I was astounded and impressed by the beauties, culture, and differences between France and the United States. The first thing I noticed when we got to Pairs was how vastly different the architecture was of the city. All the buildings towered over you with almost every style of architecture being found throughout the city, from massive Gothic cathedrals to elegant Renaissance palaces. It was crazy seeing places that I saw images of in my world history class, but being there in person!

The next thing I noticed was how lovely the food was. On almost every street there was a small bakery or “Boulangerie” with home-baked, fresh, delicious pastries. All the baguettes and croissants were flakey and delicious, and paired well with the creamy higher quality butter in France. It taught me how much more fresh food and local businesses are valued in France, unlike America where fast-food chains run rampant in every suburban and urban area.
The next few things that I noticed was that when crossing from city to city there were many nuclear power plants, it’s estimated that around 70% of their energy comes from nuclear sources.

Additionally, all of the grocery stores we visited did not have any plastic bags, and all the restaurants used either cardboard or bamboo for straws. All leading me to conclude that France is a lot more ecologically friendly and sustainable in terms of cleaner energy.
Finally, I noticed that French culture is a lot more relaxed and less be productive and get stuff done compared to American culture. With every meal it expected that you ask for the check because it is custom to sit and talk for long periods of time, It is common to get a month of vacation annually compared to an average of eleven days in the United States, sometimes workers in France are even given two hours for lunch.
I’ve learned so much from this trip and can’t wait to go on more adventures to explore the rest of the world. It has allowed me to view my own and other cultures more objectively by comparison. Like Saint-Augustine puts it “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
– Benjamin, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023