Meals and breaks meant to be enjoyed

After visiting Paris for the first time in 2023 and loving it even more than I expected, I was excited to learn about the study abroad program offered by Michigan State through CEA CAPA. I lived in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, a lively residential area where I was surrounded by local Parisians. I was slightly nervous not knowing any other students going into the program, but I quickly made some amazing friends beginning with my three roommates. Our apartment was a two bedroom with a kitchen and one bath located on the fifth floor (would be considered sixth floor in the U.S.!). Luckily, our building had a tiny elevator, but I often found myself climbing up dozens of spiral stairs in other buildings!

I started most days by walking downstairs to pick up a croissant, pain au chocolate, or baguette from a local bakery; there were three bakeries less than a five-minute walk from my apartment! Living in a country where English was not the primary language, I quickly learned many key phrases and cultural norms. While many people spoke enough English to communicate well, I found that effort was appreciated in starting the conversation with a “Bonjour, parlez-vous anglais?” rather than opening up directly in English. I would definitely suggest learning some of these basic phrases before studying abroad to make your day-to-day life easier! For those with allergies, learning the words of items you are allergic to is also very useful as you do your grocery shopping!

My time abroad in the French culture taught me to live life at a slower pace and appreciate the little things. You will rarely see a Parisian eating a meal or drinking their coffee “on the go,” and most cafes do not allow laptops. The French believe meals and coffee breaks are meant to be enjoyed over long conversations with friends, free of technology, or even on your own, maybe people watching from an outdoor cafe. A “quick” lunch break does not exist; the check always came an hour later at a minimum! I would also leave for class with much time to spare so I can enjoy strolling slowly around various parks or monuments, stopping at the Notre Dame, or reading a book in the Luxembourg Gardens before my thermodynamics lecture.

This program enhanced my communication skills and expanded my academic growth through unique experiences, such as a visit to a museum of inventions that had displayed works of many talented engineers throughout history. Studying abroad was one of the best things I have decided to do, and I will carry on with the many valuable experiences and lessons I have learned in my personal and professional life!

Name: Jovana Peroska
Status: Junior
Major: Applied Engineering Sciences
Hometown: Macomb, Michigan
Program: Engineering and Math in Paris with CEA CAPA