A Word from the Students

I asked each person to quickly jot down their thoughts:

“We love our new purple scarves, but the bathrooms here are crazy. Americans are very loud. See everyone soon.” - Megan Phelan

“Fascinating. A contrast of history and art juxtaposed to modern technology. I miss my students.” – Denise Keene (chaperone)

“Mom and Dad, I’m not ready to come back yet. But I don’t think I could last another week because these prices are too high.” – Bryce Johnson

“Hey, Benji. I know you’ve had a great birthday week so far, and I got you a cool gift in Paris. See you soon!!!” – Sofia Palmer

“I learned many different ways that the European hotels are trying to conserve energy.” – Lauren McCrae

“I learned to keep walking when people are trying to sell cheap stuff very … forcefully.” – Graham Austin

“I learned Paris can get pretty dangerous at night.” – Timothy “Roo” Gedney

“I learned that France tries very hard to save energy.” – Hugh Kelley

“I learned that you can save water by having separate flushes.” – Vatsal Parikh

“Voiceovers on shows only make English shows less entertaining.” – Tyler Rough

“I learned that the Eiffel Tower isn’t as bad as it seems.” – Melissa Turner

“I learned that as long as your friends are with you, you can concur the Eiffel Tower.” – Leigha Johnston

“I learned I can get over my fears if I put my mind to it. I faced my fear of heights and got to experience an amazing view from the Eiffel Tower.” – Sarah McMahon

“When you get the chance to help someone, you should. After doing something good for someone else, you maintain a good sense of responsibility and respect. Everyone has different perspectives about different matters, which is what makes the world so diverse.” – Daniel Lee

“I learned how the Metro works – it won’t wait for you.” – Shelby Casabura

“I learned how to eat dinner continental style.” – Crescentia Cho

“I learned that Europeans walk and drive very aggressive!” – Lyndsey Fisher

“I learned how to not get pick-pocketed.” – Sarah Gamcsik

“I learned that you can enjoy anything as long as you keep a positive attitude.” – Georgia McCoy

“I learned that with an open mind, all problems will melt away.” – Emily Goldstein

“I learned proper etiquette for a foreign country.” – Sam Crummett

“I learned the true meaning of opportunity.” – Jaime Bell

“I learned that I went to one of the oldest bakeries in Paris.” – Maysa Guthrie

“I learned how to swag in!” – Justus Heizer

“I was really proud of being able to communicate in Paris. Then I came to Brussels and realized that their French is much different!” – Annie Lo

“In the oldest bakery in Paris, I learned margarine croissants are U-shaped and butter croissants are linear.” – Karl Hill

“In a bakery, I learned how they make croissants and baguettes in France.” – Marc Ordronneau

“Hey! It’s really pretty here, but I miss you guys! I also learned that French people can have up to four baguettes in one day.” – Chelsea Yu

“Hello, Mommy and appa! I miss you so much but I really don’t want to come back. It is wonderful here! I have learned so much, from different hairstyles and clothes to the stories behind monuments in France and Belgium. Tell Brook and Boogie hello! Love you!” – Hannah Strickland

“I have the royal time of my life with my extended family!” – Noa Stuchiner (chaperone)

“I learned that looking at history in books and movies does not even come close to surrounding yourself in it for two weeks!” – Dan Segal (chaperone)

“I have learned that even when you don’t know the language, it is still possible to adapt to life in a foreign region.” – Channing Bennet (chaperone)

*Editor’s Note: Regarding the comments about Paris being unsafe, we did encounter some pick-pocketers and very aggressive salesmen by the Eiffel Tower at night. But we walked away unscathed! The students did a good job of being alert for safety’s sake.