Tiffany Nowinski is a fourth-year student at Kent State University, and recently studied abroad in Paris, France over winter break. The Art History in Paris, France: City of Empire course took place over nine days during winter break, focusing on visiting museums and historical sites that would offer insights into the legacy of colonialism.
Tiffany is an Integrative Studies major with a concentration in art history, and was encouraged by Professor Joseph Underwood, who leads the program, to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad in Paris. Tiffany’s goals with the program were to experience Paris in a more educational and intentional way, since she had been there once before prior. The application process for the program was easy, and she found that Professor Underwood was a lot of help while preparing to go abroad.
Preparing to Study Abroad in Paris, France
Because the program was over winter break, the class met once before they departed for France to discuss what the curriculum would be like. The class was focused on imperialism in France, studying the French empire and the concept of “other” (anyone who was not from France) through an artistic lens. They talked about what representation looks like, projects that would be involved, and what articles to read before studying abroad. They also studied some French pop culture, and how Paris is depicted in pop culture.
Tiffany did not know a lot of French going into the study abroad program but found that knowing basic phrases and how to order food was enough to get by. Learning the language was not necessary to participate in the program.
Studying Abroad in Paris, France
Over the course of the program, Tiffany visited ten museums in Paris, sometimes visiting multiple in a day. It was a fast-paced curriculum, but she felt like they had been properly prepared for it. Tiffany had previously gone on a program to visit New York City over fall break and found that had also helped prepare her for learning so much in a short span of time.
There was not a moment in Paris that students were not learning. Even before entering museums, the class would always be discussing the material. Students would then be free to explore the museums on their own after a lecture that tied into what they were learning. Tiffany said being able to explore on her own helped with immersing herself in what she was studying. Some of the museums they visited included the Louvre, Musee’ de Quia Branly, (a museum dedicated to African, Asian and Oceanic culture), and the Muse’e de l’Arme’e (the Paris Army museum).
Tiffany’s favorite museum they visited was the Asian Art Museum, which is the second largest collection of Asian art outside of Asia. They had an exclusive manga exhibit going on, which Tiffany found very interesting. The exhibit went through the history of the art form and talked about how manga had evolved to what it is today. The original figure of Godzilla was also featured in the museum, along with other artifacts from Asian pop culture.
The class dedicated a whole day to the Louvre, because of how enormous it was. Some museums, like the Muse’e de l’Arme’e, Tiffany did not know existed before the program. There, they got to see Napoleon's tomb.
When they weren’t visiting museums, and looking at historical artifacts, Tiffany and her friends got to explore Paris at night and try local cuisine. They saw the Eiffel Tower at night and climbed up to Sacre’-Coure. Tiffany found making friends on the program easy, since everyone was in the same boat. With the short time period, they were all spending a lot of time together. Everyone quickly bonded over the idea of being solo in a different country and took care of each other. Because of how Paris’s grid is designed, the city is very walkable, and the metro and bus systems are convenient, which Tiffany also appreciated a lot.
Learn more about the Art History in Paris, France: City of Empire program.
Tiffany’s Favorite Parts µÚŇ»łÔąĎÍř Her Time in Paris
When asked about what part of studying abroad in Paris was her favorite, Tiffany had a hard time picking just one answer. One favorite memory was when Tiffany went with a group of students to see a French theatre production. She had no prior knowledge of the show beforehand and enjoyed it a lot. Another favorite part was getting to see Notre Dame up close. The last time she was in Paris, it had still been under construction. She loved getting to go inside of it, and being able to take it all in. She is a big fan of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and found the landmark to be more incredible to see in real life. Tiffany loves looking at architecture that is different to what she is used to and loved seeing all the French architecture.
The Impact of Studying Abroad in Paris
After graduation, Tiffany has decided to continue pursuing her education and go to graduate school for art history. Studying abroad in Paris, and getting to see all the art the city had to offer shed a light on what she wants to focus on in her future career. Specifically, Tiffany would like to work to increase minority representation in large institutions like the Louvre. She wants to be able to use her abilities as an art historian to enhance the stories of people of color, women and the LGBTQ+ community.
She believes that studying abroad in Paris has made her more confident on what she wants to do after graduation and grad school. She thanks Professor Underwood specifically for his encouragement, and how great of a job he did in helping students step into the French mindset of what it means to be “the other.” Tiffany found the experience educational and eye opening, something that you wouldn’t have thought of unless you were put in the position. She would love to explore other countries through the same lens.
Recommendations For Study Abroad Students in Paris
When asked about recommendations for students studying abroad in Paris, Tiffany insisted everyone should try raclette if they can. Raclette is a communal meal, where you are given a cheese wheel and a bunch of charcuterie, and it requires at least three diners to participate. Tiffany loved the interactiveness of the meal and thinks communal meal experiences are often underestimated.
Tiffany also suggests anyone visiting Paris should try French tacos. They are not actually tacos, and more like a panini pressed burrito, filled with melted cheese, french fries, and either chicken, steak, or lamb. Her friends who she met studying abroad in Paris still talk about how much they loved French tacos. Tiffany also enjoyed trying pistachio and chocolate macaroons, despite her not being a desert person.
In terms of things to do in Paris, Tiffany recommends Shakespeare and Company, an English bookstore opened in 1951, located on Paris’s Left Bank. Everything in the store is in English, since that was the language Shakespeare spoke. It has limited editions of classic books and plays that are specific to Paris. She also recommends students should try to catch a theater show in French, since when learning a language, it can help seeing something you are familiar with told in the language you are trying to learn.
Advice for Future Students
“My biggest advice is to come with an open mind. You’re learning so much of a culture that is probably completely unfamiliar to you. If you have the ability and the privilege to do so, absolutely take advantage.”
Tiffany said that students studying abroad should go all in and prepare themselves beforehand. That it might seem scary at first, but it will turn out to be a lot of fun. Students will make friends they can bond over the experience with and explore a new culture that is different from their own. She recommends the study abroad experience to everyone and said that she would do it again if she could.
Interested in the Art History in Paris, France: City of Empire program? Learn more about the program here.