Tarlee Takes Paris!
I learned about the education abroad program at Babson College during my first year and knew that it was something I wanted to do. I got to fulfill this very exciting goal by spending the Fall 2022 semester in France, on the IES Paris: Business & International Affairs Program! Being an international student from Liberia, I am technically already studying abroad, but I knew that spending a semester somewhere else would add a lot more to my experience and push me to learn in new ways. That is exactly what happened. After spending a semester in Paris and traveling to other places, I feel like I learned so much in and out of the classroom that will stay with me for a lifetime. I’ve always been interested in French culture and language, which is what led me to apply for this very program.
Through my classes and explorations abroad, I was able to further develop my global mindset while making progress in my studies. I always keep an open mind and welcome new adventures, and traveling to other countries in Europe taught me many life lessons. You get to go so far out of your comfort zone. You have to plan and research what you’re going to do or see during your travels. There are times you get to have conversations with total strangers and learn about cultures very different from yours.
Apart from my classes at IES (Institute for the International Education of Students), I also took a project management class at the Paris School of Business, which was a great way to experience a typical French university. I did a homestay with an amazing host family that graciously taught me a lot about their culture and daily life. Staying with a host family was a great opportunity to practice my French, which I still very much need to work on. My host family also had great tips and recommendations for exploring Paris! My typical weeks in Paris consisted of taking classes early in the week, visiting museums or other interesting sites, and having meals with my host family. One of the best parts about my semester abroad was being able to share the experience with all of my SHE-CAN mentors! I spent a weekend in Barcelona with Cynthia, then Mary and Maureen visited in the middle of the semester. Right at the end of my program, my other two mentors (Kristin and Michelle) came over and we explored the south of France together. These moments were very precious. Overall, my semester in Paris was very fulfilling and this is something I’m very glad I did.