Waking up in a homestay just five minutes from the Arc de Triomphe still feels like a dream. I lived with Francis and Isabella, the sweetest and most accommodating hosts who made me feel at home immediately. My days were filled with classes, croissants, navigating the metro, and the occasional surprise compliment from a Parisian who assumed I was local. Maybe my improving accent had something to do with it.

Academically, this experience helped me hit some major milestones. I completed Calculus IV and fulfilled college prerequisites like my IAH 300-level course. But what truly brought these subjects to life was the setting. Learning about French architecture while walking past Notre-Dame or the Palais Garnier was surreal. My math class also became a small community where I could lean on friends for help, which taught me how powerful it can be to ask for support.

Personally, studying abroad reminded me that life has so much more to offer than I had imagined. It taught me to keep leaping into the unknown because sometimes that is where the deepest comfort lies. Paris changed the way I think, dream, and live. I met one of my closest friends, Pinn, and built meaningful relationships through shared adventures around the city.

While I did not speak fluent French, I quickly discovered that communication is not always about words. I picked up common phrases and found that being expressive and open made it easy to connect. The cultural differences fascinated me, like the unspoken rule not to smile at strangers or the unexpectedly strict dress code. I still catch myself dressing up for even the smallest errands. And the grocery stores, while beautiful, were organized more for aesthetic than practicality, which still throws me off.

As a student of color who is not wealthy, I want to emphasize that studying abroad is still possible. Budgeting is key. I cooked most meals, took advantage of student discounts at museums, and found great thrift stores and budget-friendly gift shops. It is more affordable than many assume, especially if you use the resources available.

The truth is, I went into this experience knowing nothing about France and left loving a country I had never expected to. I was not a tourist; I was living there. Rushing to class, missing metro stops, watching the sunset on the Seine. I found freedom in the unfamiliar and fell in love with the idea of living abroad. Maybe Germany is next. One thing is for sure; I am signing up for a language class as soon as possible.

Name: Aaminah Roberts (Mina)
Status: Sophomore
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: York, Pennsylvania
Program: Engineering and Math in Paris with CEA CAPA