Our "What They Brought Back" series will look at eight students and the mementos they keep as reminders of the people, places, and experiences from their study abroad programs all over the world.
Name: Ida Yalzadeh
Class of: 2014
Major: History
Location: Paris, France
Program: European Civilization (in French)
Best part of your trip in 5 words: Small streets with twinkle lights
By enrolling in the Paris Civ program in French, Yalzadeh took on a unique challenge that others may not dare take. "I remember when I went to Paris I was petrified to talk," she said. However, by the end of the program, she and her friends received high praise on their fluency from a French chocolate shop owner with whom they had had an engaging conversation about their backgrounds, the differences between France and the US, and their love for Barcelona. She also experienced the life of les branchées, meaning "branched in" or "trendy," having explored upscale department stores and eaten exquisite meals like Coquilles St. Jacques, a dish featuring scallops and mushrooms. Although it may have been a struggle at first, Yalzadeh is proud to have completed the program in French. "I feel like we've come far in our understanding of French culture and language," she said.