10 Parts of Studying Abroad in Paris That I Still Miss

1.    Being able to get anywhere in the city through the magic of walking and public transportation.

This image features the tracks of one of the metro stations in the Champs-Élysées. Above the tracks, there is a peaked rooftop and a decorative triangular-shaped stained glass feature in light blue.

2.    The weather. As it turns out, it is much easier to dress in warm layers than it is to constantly evade heat exhaustion.

3.    Constant access to interesting shops, and, in particular, the papeterie section of Gibert Jeune.

The exterior of Gibert Jeune's papeterie department. A yellow shade in front of the building reads "Papeterie - Loisirs Creatifs", which translates to "Stationery - Creative Hobbies".

4.    Taking walks in interesting places. I would often walk to the Bastille from my homestay or wander around the Marais.

The July Column in the Bastille neighborhood on a cloudy day. The column is a green, with a gilded figure with wings perched on one foot standing on top.

5.    My main French class, which—though time-consuming and often challenging—provided me with a regular schedule and a sense of community.

6.    The espresso machines at the Institut Catholique de Paris.

7.    Adjusting myself to the rhythms of the bustling city.

8.    Watching Parisian children adopt the dress and mannerisms of their somber and stylish adult counterparts.

9.    Observing strange tourist behavior, while being aware of the fact that I was a bit of a tourist myself. One time, I saw a couple photographing the automatic exit doors at Gare de Lyon. The doors weren’t even in use!

10. Being in a place with so much history. In particular, at the moments during my study abroad when I felt miserable, I was comforted by the long history of people who have been miserable in Paris.