“It was important for me to go abroad because I believe that the best thing we can do as fellow humans is to attempt to understand each other. I am a French minor, and the culture and history of this country have always called me to it, even though I find them different from my own. Witnessing these differences in person has given me an entirely new perspective on the French people as well as my own home,” reflected Ethan Lucas, an English and political science major who returned from the Global May Paris program.
On this 14-day faculty-led program, students explore major historical and artistic sites related to the French capital and European movements of thought and culture. While there, the group investigates complicated questions of urban planning, wealth inequality and minoritized communities in France.
“This experience will help me move forward in my career because I want to get my PhD and work in foreign relations in France. This experience helped me see the pace and way of life in the French capital, and it also helped me to understand some of France's more obscure history for a realistic understanding of the country and what it would mean to work toward Franco-American interests for the people who live there,” said Lucas.
Aside from the career and academic relevance of this program, Lucas gained self-development skills as well, which will benefit him as he returns to Columbus and beyond.
“Through this experience, I learned that I am much more independent than I had ever given myself credit for. I was walking around the city, sometimes alone and sometimes with members of our group, and I was able to navigate public transit, see most of the monuments and museums I wanted to visit and I was able to put my French skills to the test by speaking with everyone I came into contact with in their native language. This all showed me how capable I am and allowed me to put more trust in myself as I travel throughout my life.”
Although hard to narrow down, Lucas shared that some of his favorite moments from the program included a blend of spending time with the rest of the students and seeing incredible cultural landmarks.
“There were many memorable moments, but I think my top three would include seeing a show at the Moulin Rouge, seeing the Crown of Thorns and the Sainte-Chapelle, and enjoying a picnic by the Seine with many members of the program. It was an unforgettable program, and I was able to learn so much about art, politics, and history from our amazing professors and tour guides!”