Attending the American University of Paris as an Undergrad: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Cultural Immersion

Thanks to the A2A, I'm sharing my experiences, which were quite memorable. It was an incredible experience to be an American student studying in Paris. However, that’s not quite the end of the story. I'm going to take you down memory lane and share some of my experiences in Paris, which somewhat tripped my way through my adventures.

How I Ended Up in Paris

The story of how I ended up in Paris is, indeed, a story in itself. To make a long story short, a German girl who was studying in Paris and working as an au pair wrote me a letter. On a whim, I decided to travel to see her and showed up unannounced. I effectively found myself stranded in Paris with no way to return home. Previously, I had little interest in the City of Light. Only two years earlier, I had spent an afternoon in the city and termed it as 'dirty and smelly' - unworthy of further exploration. I quickly left for Venice.

However, in Paris, things were different. I found myself living on a houseboat just south of the Pont de l'Alma on the Seine. As I walked back with groceries, a group of people mulling about in front of a building led me to the American College of Paris (ACP). This set the stage for the next two years of my life, full of adventure and cultural immersion.

A Personal Transformation and a New Love for France

My initial arrival in Paris was awkward. I spoke no French and found myself navigating a city I initially found unworthy of exploration. However, my experience at ACP was far from stumbling. The school was small, and the AMEX Café, a student-built café run by students, became the heart of the college. I worked on a work-study program with my scholarship but was also drawn to the AMEX Café.

Initially, I was intimidated by the café's regulars but eventually became a part of the team. I started as a regular customer and worked my way up to becoming the AMEX manager my senior year. This journey of self-discovery was a significant part of my experience at ACP and helped build my confidence and independence.

A Memorable Moment in Paris

One of the most memorable moments for me happened during my last semester. As autumn approached, the weather turned chilly and damp. Reddish-brown leaves swirled in the fall wind, and I was catching gusts off the river as I strolled down the Avenue de New York. I paused before ducking down the stairs, feeling a sense of euphoria. I watched a bateau mouche on the Seine, a tourist sightseeing boat mostly occupied by Japanese visitors taking pictures. But I was no tourist; I was a bona fide resident of the most beautiful city in the world.

It was a moment of realization that I had truly found my place in Paris, and I had grown to love the city despite my initial reservations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my experience at the American University of Paris was truly an adventure. It helped me transform as a person, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Paris isn't just a city for me; it's a home, a place that welcomed me with open arms and helped shape who I am today.