Harper Page

Overall Experience
5/5

Major(s)
Psychology, French

Hobbies
Reading, Blogging, Traveling

Hometown
Kansas City

Where did you study?
Lyon, France

Name of program
UMKC Lyon Summer Study Abroad Program

Why did you choose to study there?
Lyon is known as the gastronomical capital of France. I wanted to improve my French and eat good food, so it was a no-brainer.

What courses did you choose to enroll in?
Creative Writing, Theatre, Linguistics, Study of WWII

How did you pay for your study abroad experience?
My parents were extremely nice and paid for the trip to Lyon, while I paid for the extra traveling expenses(I went to London, Krakow(Poland), Paris, and Germany as well as Lyon).

Did you use some sort of financial aid, scholarship or fellowship?
No

What was your living situation?
I lived with a host family for 6 weeks in an apartment complex in a very nice part of the city. They gave me their attic to stay in, and fed me home-cooked meals. They also took me to their country house on the weekends, where I could take my friends to go swimming and visiting nearby castles and churches. It was very comfortable, and they were very patient and understanding.

What did you do for fun?
The Parc de la Tête D'or was one of my favorite places to go. This giant park had a free botanical garden as well as a zoo. It was insanely cool. I was also in town for the Music Festival, which took place in the center of town. The entire city was out and about, despite the horrible weather, as there was live music and dancing in the streets.

Favorite aspect of your trip?
The best part of studying abroad is that you get to see a life completely different from your own. Being able to experience another culture puts a new perspective on your own culture, and gives you a deeper meaning of what you call home.

Challenges you faced?
The biggest challenge was being able to say exactly what you wanted to say, right away.

Advice or helpful tips for future students?
People always tell you to pack the comfy shoes, which is extremely good advice, but make sure to pack a pair of cute shoes, or heels. Comfy shoes stick out like a sore thumb, and you're more likely to get mugged when you look like a tourist. Plus, it's always nice to have a pair of cute shoes handy that make you feel good.

What is one thing (if anything) that you would change about your experience if you could do it over?
Hard to say. I might have traveled more, since France is so close to tons of other countries, but I really wouldn't have made any changes.

Funny or memorable story?
I have a travel blog! You should check it out: http://harperpage.blogspot.com/

Something interesting you learned about the town you lived in?
Lyon is known for it's food. (for good reason). If you go to Lyon, expect to gain a good 10 pounds, because everything is delicious!

Email: hepc64@mail.umkc.edu