Traveling Abroad

During my first semester of college, I was given the opportunity to travel abroad to Paris. This was something I had always dreamed of. The reason I was given this opportunity was because I was accepted into USC as a spring admit, meaning that I started school in the spring, a semester later than the rest of my grade. I knew that I didn’t want to graduate a semester later than my classmates, so I decided that I would spend my first semester taking classes that would help me graduate on time. My father had heard about the semester abroad program in Paris and I decided that it was my best option.

Choosing to travel abroad to Paris was one of the best decisions of my life. It opened my eyes to a whole new culture, one unlike anything I’d ever experienced before. Living in another country before even going to conventional college in the United States was a huge culture shock, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. It was difficult living on my own and having all of the responsibility of being an adult right out of high school. Not only was I immersed in Parisian culture, but I was also living away from my family for the first time. I was forced into adulthood all at once.

Although it was an incredibly challenging transition from life in the United States, I loved every second of it. I’d never lived in a fast-paced city like Paris before and it was the polar opposite of my home life. Growing up in Hawaii, although I did live in a city, life there is nothing like life in Paris. Everything is much more laid back and chill in Hawaii, while everything in Paris is swift and speedy. Despite that, I loved the city life. I loved getting to ride the metro to school, and eating at Parisian cafes. I could go anywhere I wanted to in the city whenever I wanted to because the metro would take me everywhere. It was my first taste of true freedom and I loved it.

I was also able to travel all over Europe. On long weekends and holiday breaks, I was able to travel to other European countries with my friends and even with my school. Not only was I able to experience the Parisian culture, but also Italian, Greecian, and so many others through countries I was able to visit during my time abroad. For me, learning about cultures is so incredibly important when traveling and I learned so much more about these countries during my trips. I love food, and experiencing authentic cuisine is something that is a huge aspect of culture, and it is my favorite way to experience a new culture.

Studying abroad gave me a taste of freedom that I yearned for in my college experience. Now, being at USC I still have freedom, but definitely not as much as when I was in Paris. Living in another country was a huge responsibility and the lessons I learned through my time abroad taught me how to be a stronger and smarter person. Although I have less responsibility now being in college at USC, I still hold the lessons I learned with me to this day. I know how to be an independent individual, how to navigate through a city on foot, how to respect cultures unlike my own, and so much more. The knowledge I gained while abroad is something I will carry with me throughout my life.

I am incredibly grateful that I was able to study abroad before covid because I know many of my peers are unable to have the same opportunities to travel abroad as I did. I loved my time in Paris and I want to go back. I want to live in Paris again and be surrounded by the same fast-paced city life. My hope is that one day I can move to Paris for a couple of years to learn more about the Parisian culture and to travel the world.