“Paris taught me that growth happens quietly, in everyday routines, small challenges, and moments of curiosity that slowly reshape how you see the world.”
Why did you choose Paris for your study away semester?
Paris was a dream city for me long before my study abroad plans, and it also aligned perfectly with the recommended study away pathway for my major at the time. The combination of academic fit and personal aspiration made it an easy and meaningful choice.
Major: Computer Science
Semester Away: NYU Paris
How did your semester abroad experience shape your academic and personal goals?
Living and studying in Paris pushed me outside my comfort zone and taught me how to navigate unfamiliar systems with confidence and independence. Academically, it showed me how learning is shaped by cultural context, while personally, it deepened my appreciation for diversity, history, and global interconnectedness. The experience made me more adaptable and more intentional about pursuing opportunities that challenge me across cultures.
What was the most meaningful or memorable part of your study abroad experience, and why?
The most meaningful part of my semester abroad was simply building a daily life in Paris, from navigating public transportation to discovering local neighborhoods and cafés. These ordinary moments made the city feel like home and taught me that cultural understanding often comes from consistency and presence, not just landmark experiences.