Going on the study abroad trip to France was a once in a life time experience. While traveling with friends and professors I was able to see a whole new part of the world that is rich in history and architecture. When going on a trip like this it is so important to keep your mind open to new friends and new experiences. I know when looking at going on a trip like this it can be very scary if you only know a few people, but if you go in wanting to have conversations with everyone and wanting to make friends with everyone you should not have any problems while on the trip. I would also highly recommend future travelers to spend their money on new foods as there are so many new flavors to try while abroad. The best food I tried was duck while the best dessert I had on the trip was a caramel gelato macaroon. 

While in France we were able to learn and see so much history, in Paris and also in smaller little towns. I think my favorite little town was Tours, as it had the perfect balance of little town feeling while also having a lot of people to make it feel like a little bit of a bigger town. It also had some historical buildings and some newer mixed in buildings. There was also a very nice little bakery with all sorts of breads and desserts. I was so surprised that I was able to get a quiche and a water for less than three American dollars! (This was also the most delicious quiche I have ever had) Another very historical spot we visited was Normandy. It was a life changing experience to see in person where the battles took place and to see the memorial and cemetery where all those who fought are remembered.  

I would highly encourage anyone thinking about going on future study abroad trips to do it. It will definitely be one of my top high school memories!
– Kate, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023

For my study abroad experience I was on the EF Tour Paris & the Chateaux. For this trip we went to Paris, where we spent two days doing a boat tour where we saw the Louvre and Eiffel Tower as well as a bus tour passing various points of interest through the city. The churches cannot be forgotten either. After leaving Paris, we went to Versailles where we walked both inside and the gardens. The sheer size and grandeur of the location is something that can be felt from the moment of arrival. Walking through it is hard to believe that it was built as a Kings place to live.

Lorie Valley included a tour of a winery as well as the countryside. The large casks and seeing the process from that perspective made it all come to life in a way we don’t see in Florida. After Lorie Valley, we traveled to Mont St. Michel, an amazing work of architecture and stained glass. Knowing that it was all built before the advent of heavy equipment makes locations like this all the more awe inspiring.Normandy was my personal favorite as I have an affinity for history and seeing the beaches was the highlight of the trip for me. This is such an important part of history and to see where so many fought and died is something that must be respected.

After Normandy we returned to Paris and were able to have a couple of hours in the Louvre. While there was not time to wait in line to see things like the Mona Lisa, having a good camera let me get a picture as I went through. Architecture is a passion of mine and we were able to see so much in the time we were there. Buildings and structures meticulously maintained through the centuries were seen in Paris as well as in the smaller towns we visited. Everywhere you look in France the history shines through. The blue skies and vivid green grass along with stunning art all combine to leave one able to stand in one place for hours just soaking up the atmosphere.
– SPC Student, SPC France High School Study Abroad Program, March 2023