France – Chau
Student: Chau
Course: Bachelor of Business
Program: KEDGE Summer School Paris, June–July 2026
Describe the city you were living in: the landscape, the culture, the weather etc.
To me, Paris felt like a mix of history and modern city life. I loved seeing the older buildings, cobblestone streets, and cafés almost everywhere I went. My Airbnb was near the Seine, which was much quieter than the busy city centre, and plus it gave me a nice, quiet place to relax after a long day. One thing that really surprised me was how late the sun set. It was still bright at around 10 pm, so the days felt much longer. I also stayed over until France’s National Day, 14 July, and seeing the military jets, parades, and celebrations made it especially memorable!
What were some of the differences you observed to Australia when you arrived?
Something I noticed immediately is that people greet each other with cheek kisses, which kinda felt unusual and slightly formal to me. Public transport was also a much bigger part of daily life. The metro and RER trains were often crowded, while Australia feels much more dependent on cars. People also seemed to eat dinner later, usually around 7 or 8 pm, and many shops stayed open until the evening. Paris felt faster-paced and more walkable than what I was used to. Although people sometimes seemed reserved, they were generally polite and helpful when I needed directions or assistance.
Describe a normal day in your life overseas: your university, your work placement or your study tour?
For a daily routine, I had classes from 9 am to 12 pm, followed by lunch, and then another class from 1 to 4 pm. I stayed outside central Paris, so getting to campus involved taking both the RER and the metro. The commute could be long, but it gave me time to wake up properly or relax after class. The campus was near Bercy Village, where there were plenty of cafés and restaurants. Every morning, I packed the same essentials: my laptop, water bottle, hand fan, lip balm, and hand cream. Having this little routine made the city feel more familiar!
Was there some aspect of your trip that was different to your expectations?
Public transport in Paris was quite different from what I expected. Before arriving, I assumed it would be very efficient and easy to use, but many stations were undergoing construction, which sometimes made travelling confusing. I also noticed that some stations were not very accessible, especially for people with mobility issues, as they often had long staircases and no lifts. The stations were usually crowded, and everyone seemed to be rushing somewhere. Although I became more comfortable using the metro and RER over time, the experience made me realise that public transport in a major city can still have many challenges.
What is the one big thing you will always remember from your experience? Or one big lesson that you learnt?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from this experience was how to be more independent. This was my first major overseas trip by myself, so I had to manage everything on my own, from planning my daily schedule to navigating unfamiliar places. I learned to be more aware of my surroundings, prepare in advance, and trust myself when making decisions. At first, travelling alone felt intimidating, but I gradually became more confident and comfortable handling unexpected situations. The experience showed me that I am more capable than I sometimes think, and that independence often grows when you are pushed outside your comfort zone.
Learn more about the KEDGE International Summer School in Paris