Have you ever dreamed of watching the sunrise cast a soft silhouette over the Eiffel Tower as it reflects off the Seine River’s tranquil waters? Or wandering down cobblestone streets, following the laughter of early risers and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked croissants?
As you immerse yourself in this enchanting city, living in Paris as an American begins to feel like a dream come true. With its vibrant lifestyle, breathtaking architecture, delectable cuisine, and endless activities provide a fresh perspective on everything. Paris offers moments of joy whether you’re with family, friends, or simply exploring on your own. Strolling its streets is like being in the most captivating film imaginable, with your senses constantly heightened by the sounds, smells, and sights around you. I often find myself smiling at life’s little pleasures: a child skipping home with a fresh baguette, elderly couples dancing by the Seine in summer, or the fluffy, leash-free dogs.
I’ll never forget my arrival in Paris in January 2023, as I set out to pursue my lifelong dream of studying abroad. From the moment I boarded the Delta jet, the melodic sounds of French being spoken around me made me giddy with excitement. With every step I took after deplaning, my smile grew wider. The taxi that took me to my hotel revealed the iconic beauty of Paris in full glory. My hotel, nestled in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower, was the perfect starting point. As I gazed down the charming Parisian street, tears welled up in my eyes. My driver’s navigation led us right around the Eiffel Tower, revealing the most breathtaking sight I’d ever seen. In that moment, seeing the tower in person brought my childhood dreams to life, a symbol of all I had imagined manifesting in physical form.
In my first few days in Paris, I immersed myself in the wonders of the city. I wandered through the Louvre, marveling at its masterpieces, and watched the sun dip below the horizon from the steps of Sacré-Cœur. I strolled through the Tuileries Gardens’ iconic Christmas market, where festive lights twinkled and the air was filled with the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Finally, I settled into my new apartment, my cozy home for the next five months, ready to embrace the adventure that lay ahead.
Among the first challenges I faced were navigating the intricate web of public transportation, braving the harsh winter weather, and experiencing the language barrier firsthand. Adjusting to life in a new country was made tougher by the pangs of homesickness for my family, friends, and the familiar comforts of home. Each day, the solitude sharpened my longing, but gradually I began to find my rhythm amidst the bustling Metro stations, the chill of Parisian streets, and the unfamiliar melody of French conversations. These early hurdles tested my resilience but ultimately helped me grow into my new surroundings.
In a few weeks, I had settled into school and felt eager to make new friends. Despite the waves of depression that marked my first couple of months, I realize now that those intense emotions shaped me into who I am today. At just 19, moving across the world to live alone in a new city and apartment was the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life. It tested my independence, pushing me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated while giving me a deeper appreciation of my own strength.
Fast forward a couple months to the arrival of spring. The occasional blue sky and blooming flowers lifted my spirits significantly. I became more adventurous, exploring unfamiliar parts of the city, and delighting in hidden gems that had escaped my notice before. I also began reaching out to connect with others who were navigating the same emotions I was. Putting myself out there became easier as the warmth of spring infused my newfound friendships with a sense of belonging and the confidence to embrace all that Paris had to offer.
By then, I had taken a few trips to visit friends in London and Amsterdam, two new cities that were still unexplored territory for me. Seeing familiar faces in these vibrant locales brought me immense joy, adding to my sense of happiness and comfort. The thrill of discovering new places alongside old friends enriched my journey and reminded me of the connections that stretch across borders, making me feel more at ease wherever I went.
By the end of March, having just celebrated my 20th birthday, I was ready for my first solo trip to Brussels, Belgium. I’ll never forget the exhilarating feelings of independence and freedom that came with exploring a new city entirely on my own. Navigating its streets, savoring its rich culture, and immersing myself in its unique atmosphere gave me a deep sense of accomplishment, marking a significant step in my journey of personal growth.
That first solo trip ignited a passion in me to continue exploring Europe on my own. I booked a train to Geneva, Switzerland, determined to delve even deeper into self-discovery. Surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of Switzerland, I felt truly like myself again—stronger than ever and ready to tackle whatever challenges awaited. I carried those feelings and newfound strength back with me to Paris. With the weather warming up, I fell more in love with the city and my independence each day. Deep down, I knew that this was exactly where I was meant to be.
As much as I loved and missed my university in South Florida, I knew it had only been a stepping stone leading me to Paris. I sought signs from the universe about whether I should make the life-changing decision to stay. One day, I spoke with my school advisor about my interest in transferring and becoming a full-time student in Paris. She revealed that she was also an American transfer student who had now made a life working at my school. I took this as another clear sign that my path was unfolding just as it should.
The final step in my transfer journey was speaking with my parents. From the very first moment, they were both overwhelmingly supportive, and their unwavering encouragement only deepened my eagerness to make the transfer a reality. By May, I knew I wasn’t returning to South Florida but instead was choosing to continue my college education abroad. Looking back now, I can confidently say it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Despite the challenges and struggles I faced during my early months in Paris, those experiences were crucial in contributing to my self-discovery and strength. Moving abroad has been the most authentic journey of my life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
This is just my first post, but I’m excited to share more adventures, personal stories, travel guides, and photos to bring these experiences to life. Thank you for reading! I can’t wait to continue traveling, writing, and living life to the fullest!
Xoxo, Addi
