Kaylee Gidcumb is a third-year fashion merchandising student at 91²Ö¿â currently studying abroad in Paris, France.
Studying Abroad at the International Fashion Academy in Paris
Kaylee decided to study abroad because she had always wanted to travel, and 91²Ö¿â’s study abroad programs were the most accessible options. She chose to spend a semester studying abroad in Paris because it is the capital of fashion. She also wanted to immerse herself in French and Parisian culture.
Kaylee’s courses are offered through the International Fashion Academy, where she is taking classes like Planning and Buying, Craftsmanship and Innovation, Luxury Panorama, and the Parisian Experience. In her Craftmanship and Innovation course she has gotten to learn more about European sustainability and environmental practices. Many of her courses include a mix of field trips and in class work. For her Luxury Panorama class, she got to go visit Massaro headquarters and see how bespoke shoes for Chanel were made. The class also went to luxury department store, Le Bon Marche, and Hermes’s flagship store. Kaylee also visited the Museum of Arts and Decorations, an art museum that includes furniture pieces from different points of time in a variety of styles.
Kaylee’s Experience in Paris, France So Far
When Kaylee first got to Paris she wanted to do and see everything, including the more touristy sights. She went to see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. But now a month into her study abroad, her days are more relaxing. Because spring has officially arrived in Paris, Kaylee has found herself taking advantage of the weather and spending a lot of time outdoors. In previous weeks when it was raining and cold, she and her friends would visit many museums, which are often free or greatly discounted because they are students. Now because of the nicer weather, Kaylee and her friends spend their free time exploring different parts of the city and admiring all the historic buildings. One of her favorite things to do is to sit by the Seine to people watch and enjoy the weather.
Kaylee’s Favorite Things 91²Ö¿â Studying Abroad in Paris
So far, visiting Massaro headquarters has been a highlight of Kaylee’s time studying in Paris. But outside of school her favorite experience has been visiting the Victor Hugo museum, because she is a fan of Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. At the museum she got to learn about the playwright's life and see art centered around her favorite stories. Another highlight has been visiting Palais Garnier, the Paris opera house, which she found stunning from an architectural standpoint. Her favorite food she has tried so far has been choquette, airy French pastries that are soft on the inside and sprinkled with crunchy sugar.
Recommendations for Study Abroad Students in Paris
Kaylee recommends students studying abroad in Paris learn about the benefits that are available for students. Many museums will offer free or discounted admission to students, which has opened up many doors for Kaylee. She also recommends checking out smaller and more niche museums and exhibits, where there are not as many people.
Impact of Studying Abroad in Paris
While Kaylee is only a month into her study abroad program in Paris, France, she has already managed to do quite a bit of networking. Recently her connections gave her the opportunity to work on Paris Fashion Week, which also helped her network more.
She has also found that even though she is covering topics that she is already familiar with in her courses, getting to see the European perspective has given her more knowledge of how the fashion industry works. Learning about haute couture practices that are specific to France, and how art, history and culture intersect, has been something unique about her study abroad experience. Kaylee has found that the instructors in her program at International Fashion Academy have been especially knowledgeable and influential. She has also found being around others who have similar passions for art and fashion has been personally impactful, and she is grateful for the experience.
Advice for Future Study Abroad Students
Kaylee recommends networking wherever students end up studying. Not only to focus on networking with high up people in your industry, but to also network and connect with students in similar programs or with the same passions as you. She also believes that even if students do not speak the language of the country they want to study in, it should not stop them from studying abroad. Technology helps students work around not being fluent in another language and that should not be the reason students hold themselves back.
