What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"During our day trip to the Monet Gardens, we witnessed a proposal as we were posing for a group photo. Many of us even got it on video. I still think about how romantic and perfect that scenario was!"
NICOLE L.
France Field School participant
Duration of Field School: 3 weeks
Summer semester
Studying Art History
- What did a typical day in this Field School look like?
We would meet up with the professor and/or the TA's in the lobby of the dormitories and either take the metro or the bus to our planned destination. Since it was the France Field School, we often either did walking tours around different neighbourhoods or museums while simultaneously learning about the specific artists and authors related to the course. This took between 2-3 hours then we would have the rest of the day to explore the city of Paris for ourselves. As a group, we often had lunch together at a brasserie and took the time to hit tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the catacombs or other places. Each day looked different, but there was always some continuity.
- What did you have to do for the course component of this Field School? How did it impact your degree?
All the assignments were due after the 3 weeks were done, as the professor wanted us to make sure we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our field course. That being said, they all required some sort of research or participation aspect during our time there, such as recording a landmark or building for our video project. We also wrote a biography of a French author or artist we connected with and an observation assignment based on the French author, Perec. Finally, we had a take-home final exam due at the end of the summer. Having a minor in French Studies, I was able to have the field school be considered a 4th year FREN course, which also meant my assignments were done in French. This is not required, but it does help if someone has French Studies within their degree.
- How did your Field School Coordinator support your experience?
My Field School Coordinator was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. Not only was she incredibly sweet and ensured we enjoyed our experience to the fullest, but she ensured our safety and comfort by giving us every detail required to make sure we got to places safely. She gave us recommendations on what to do in the city based on our interests and budgets. Overall, she was incredible and super supportive.
- How many other U of G students did you travel with? And what did you think of travelling with other students?
In total, there were 14 of us, including myself. Travelling with a large group made me feel more comfortable flying from Toronto to Paris while also navigating Paris as tourists. It made me feel safer knowing there were 13 other students who also had the same feelings as I did.
- How did you interact with the local community during your Field School?
Despite the stereotypes, the people in Paris were really kind and helpful. Most locals I spoke with were bakery or café employees, but even small talk with them was nice. Usually it consisted of asking where we came from since not all of us spoke French, but occasionally as they started to recognize us, conversations became more casual and overall better. One of my favourite crepe ladies once told us "a crepe without pepper is like a kiss without a moustache".
- What influenced your decision to participate in a Field School opportunity?
I'm an Art History major and a French minor, so going to Paris to explore museums was perfect for me.
- What was the best thing that happened during your Field School? Explain.
During our day trip to the Monet Gardens, we witnessed a proposal as we were posing for a group photo. Many of us even got it on video. I still think about how romantic and perfect that scenario was.
- Where was the coolest place you traveled to during your study abroad experience?
Going to the Palace of Versailles was incredible, as it wasn't just a museum based off French history, but there was enough things to do inside and outside the official museum that weren't education based. For example, we rented a boat and rowed in the river that stretches from the palace and had a small picnic in Marie-Antoinette's gardens.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
The biggest adaptation I had to make was my overall demeanor while walking around or taking the metro. The way you dress and the way you act in public is incredibly important in Paris, and I was more susceptible to pick-pockets the more "Canadian" I appeared/acted. For example, not saying "good morning/evening" and sticking to "hello" when greeting workers was considered.
- What was your best learning moment?
My biggest learning moment was somehow taking the wrong metro line, causing some of my classmates and I to get lost for a moment. Luckily the metro lines in Paris are efficient and organized, so it wasn't more than a hiccup, but it did teach us to always double check where we are and where we're going.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this Field School?
Yes, if you don't already know French, it's super helpful to learn at least some basics before going on this field course. Most Parisians know English to an extent, but communicating in their language goes a long way.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I had a job as a waitress during the fall semester into the winter semester and used my tips to pay for as much as I could. It's not cheap and I knew I wouldn't be able to afford it otherwise (I'm also not under OSAP or any other similar loans). Although they're always offering scholarships for field school participants, which I know another classmate received, which paid for her entire trip.
- What are your packing recommendations?
Only bring the basics you need for clothing. I purposely under packed knowing I would go shopping while I was there and wanted to make sure there was room in my luggage, and even then I found I didn't wear certain items because it just wasn't necessary. Beyond that, bring a good pair of walking shoes and at least one jacket, since Paris is quite chilly in the spring due to the rain. Non-clothing wise, you'll need to bring your own bath towel and I highly recommend a pair of shower shoes/flip flops. Some things you can easily buy while you're there, like shampoo, laundry detergent and soap, so I wouldn't use up space since household items like that are incredibly cheap over there.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Keep your important belongings in your room unless you absolutely need them (like your phone or wallet) and keep cash divided between different areas on your person. Pick-pockets are a real issue in crowded spaces and the less they can grab off of you, the better. A purse where you can constantly see the zipper (cross-over or under the arm purses) is ideal.
