Une Chouette (An Owl) in Paris

#studyabroad #academics

When I (Tamara L., Martel ‘29) was first considering studying abroad, the thought of moving across the globe felt exciting AND intimidating. The Rice in Paris program turned out to be a perfect three-week compromise, providing the support I needed to navigate a new culture while building lasting connections. Here’s how stepping out of my comfort zone changed my perspective on international learning.

Discovering Paris with Rice

I knew I wanted to study abroad even before coming to Rice, but I was afraid to commit to an unfamiliar country. The Rice in Paris program — a three-week class taught by a Rice professor — checked all the boxes as my ideal introduction to international travel.

Large group of people standing in front of a building with "Rice University Global Paris Center" engraved onto a plaque
Selfie of students on a boat on a canal, passing by the Eiffel Tower

Comfort Beyond the Comfort Zone

I had traveled internationally before, but living independently in my own apartment in a new country was an entirely new experience. I felt safe surrounded by fellow Rice students, and the university's resources made adapting to local customs seamless. The cherry on top was that I didn’t even need to speak French! Although the Rice Global Paris center staff taught us essential phrases, Paris is generally very English-friendly, and I felt comfortable navigating the city. It was the ideal stepping stone to learning abroad while equipped with a roadmap and a safety net.

Three girls in front of the lit-up Eiffel Tower at night
Three girls looking down at the camera, a vividly painted ceiling in the background

Finding My Rhythm in the City

As much as I prepared in advance, living in Paris was unlike anything I could have imagined. Though the first few days were overwhelming, once I settled in, I began to discover the intimate details of the arrondissements. There was something magical about navigating back to the apartment on the metro without a map, curating an outfit so as not to stand out as a tourist, and stopping at a bakery to order a demi baguette for 50 centimes. On one of my final days, I woke up early to wander the streets, window shop, and try new food spots without a destination in mind. It helped me realize that while being somewhere new is scary, I was ready to embrace the challenge and the excitement that came with it.

Dozens of small marble sculptures on a table
Bridge over a stream surrounded by greenery

Building Community Across the Globe

Aside from the city itself, Rice in Paris is all about the connections you make with peers, professors, Parisians, and fellow tourists. So many of my favorite memories came from spontaneous decisions to grab dessert or find live music with my apartment neighbors — Rice students I had never met before. Sharing this experience allowed us to build new friendships and inside jokes that I'll always treasure. We visited a local gelato shop so often the staff started to recognize us, and we ran into American tourists who were amazed by the program. Our professor, Dr. Kabiri, also took incredible care of us. She gave us the best recommendations and ensured we got the most out of our time, all while teaching us human physiology and its intersection with Parisian history. She made every lesson and excursion engaging, helping us bond daily and feel at home halfway across the globe.

A model of a human body with the circulatory and muscular systems painted on
Books about anatomy stacked together on a shelf

Looking Ahead

Participating in Rice in Paris was easily one of my best decisions at Rice, and I couldn’t think of a better way to have spent my summer. It opened my eyes to endless possibilities — to challenge myself and grow. I can’t wait to continue my journey with international learning at Rice, and I hope to make the most of my next summer abroad as well.

-Tamara L., Martel ‘29 (Published 9/29/26)

Several people sitting on picnic blankets in a park
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