Georgia College & State University students got a taste of the good life during a study abroad program this summer in the City of Light.
Drs. Sunita Manian and James Winchester led 23 Georgia College students on a study abroad program to Paris France May 10 through June 15, 2022. The program called, “GC France: Gender, Culture and the Good Life: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Paris,” encompassed a wide variety of cultures, rich history, sites, food and more.
“Paris is one of the world’s great cities,” Winchester said. “It offers a wealth of diverse cultural experiences.”
The group stayed in the heart of Paris for 25 days.
“The city has wonderful food and is very easy to get around in,” Winchester said. “The students really get to know the city and feel comfortable there. They had metro passes that allowed them to move freely all over the city. We were a mere 25-minute walk from Notre Dame.”
In France, students visited the Palace of Versailles and two of the most famous chateaus: Château de Chambord and Chenonceau, the latter known as the Château of Women, because women were instrumental in building and maintaining it.
In Paris, they toured the Louvre Museum, where they focused on Black images in European art. They also explored the Musée Rodin and the Musée d’Orsay—home to the world’s greatest collection of Impressionist art—with particular focus on female artists such as Camille Claudel, Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt. Students were also able to visit a special exhibition called “Pioneers of artists who challenged gender norms in the 1920s.” In addition, students saw one of the greatest collections of modern art in the world at the Centre Pompidou.
Walking tours included: places relating to Black History in Paris, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir’s Paris, West African, North African and South Asian immigrant neighborhoods and the Marais—which has beautiful palaces built in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 19th century, the Marais became home to many Jewish immigrants. Students also toured the Paris Mosque.
Manian and Winchester wanted students to learn about the history and many cultures found in Paris.
“In our classes, students read about immigrants in Paris and then saw their neighborhoods,” Manian said. “Students read Sartre and Beauvoir—in particular, they read about Beauvoir’s efforts on behalf of women’s rights. They also learned about James Baldwin and Richard Wright. Then they saw the cafés where they worked, the buildings where they lived and, in the case of Sartre and Beauvoir, their very simple graves.”
Senior Meghan Hankla, who’s double-majoring in psychology and liberal studies, learned to pay more attention to the world, especially how other countries may approach similar issues. She learned concepts that she will apply in her life and career.
“While most of our readings and assignments were focused on France and French issues, there were ties or similar issues that could have similar applications,” Hankla said. “This will be important in life and my career, as it’s vital to look for guidance in history and what has already been done.”
She wanted to study abroad in Paris because of her professors.
“When the pandemic started, I thought I’d never get to study abroad because of health concerns and restrictions,” Hankla said. “However, the professors’ excitement and cautiousness made me feel more comfortable and excited about the experience.”
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France, like the United States and many other countries, has a complex history in relation to gender. It’s important to see how they’ve improved beyond our country, so that we can help create change at home.
– Meghan Hankla
”
Her favorite food in Paris was the chocolate éclair.
“I also had éclair-flavored coffee that was amazing,” she said. “My favorite bakery was located just down the street from our hotel.”
The part of the study abroad program Hankla especially enjoyed was the walking tours.
“They were not only interesting, but they made Paris feel small,” she said. “It was amazing being able to walk for a couple of hours and then recognize a part of the city that we had been in a couple of days before.”
Hankla feels study abroad is a great way to explore oneself and nurture independence.
“I tried new foods and explored more because I had time, and I was surrounded by people who also wanted to explore,” she said. “While there was a language barrier, it wasn’t daunting. I’m so glad I went on this.”
Many people fall in love with France. This study abroad program allowed her to look beyond the beauty and history and examine the complexities in the country. Hankla learned how concepts of gender shape its culture.
“France, like the United States and many other countries, has a complex history in relation to gender,” she said. “It’s important to see how they’ve improved beyond our country, so that we can help create change at home.”
Georgia College senior liberal studies and philosophy meajor Elizabeth Haygood learned how it feels to be immersed in a culture that values philosophy.
She learned about the prejudices and violence against Muslims, especially Muslim women, in France.
“I plan to research this violence, publicize it and hopefully assist the need to push the French government to take responsibility and address this issue,” she said.
Her favorite food there was a classic baguette and cheese.
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The financial aspect held me back from going initially, but there are accessible scholarships to apply for that really decrease the financial burden. You’ll build relationships with your professors and discover a unique culture that’s completely different from the United States.
– Elizabeth Haygood
”
“Although it’s simple, I would go to parks such as the Jardin Luxembourg and read while snacking on my bread and cheese,” Haygood said. “This was a very relaxing way to spend my afternoons when I wasn’t in class or walking around Paris.”
Haygood also become comfortable with Paris, its metro system and getting to explore on her own with confidence.
“Drs. Manian and Winchester gave me the foundation and wisdom to better understand the value of what I was seeing,” she said. “I also really enjoyed the artwork and perusing Carrefour, the market next to the hotel.”
Haygood suggests students should go on a study abroad program before they graduate. She also recommends learning the language in advance.
“The financial aspect held me back from going initially, but there are accessible scholarships to apply for that really decrease the financial burden,” Haygood said. “You’ll build relationships with your professors and discover a unique culture that’s completely different from the United States.”
Original source can be found here.
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