Lily Lou, a third-year student majoring in French Languages, Literatures and Cultures, shares about her experience studying abroad in Lyon, France during Summer 2024.
The Global Seminar was “FREN 395: Experiencing Lyon: La représentation de Lyon dans les médias” taught by Dr. Caroline Lebrec, Assistant Professor of Teaching in French. The course exposed students to the many sides of Lyon—its neighborhoods, famous traboules, gastronomy, and museums—with one goal: to compare the reality of the city to its representation in art and media.
“We learned about the revolutionary spirit that was still very present in the city. I saw a lot of rebellious street art, including one where the Olympic flag was burning. It’s nice to feel that what we learned was very relevant.”
What was the coursework like?
We learned about the history of Lyon by exploring the city. We learned a lot about the working-class and upper-class division in Lyon, and the revolutionary spirit that was still very present in the city. Notably, I saw a lot of rebellious street art, including one where the Olympic flag was burning. It’s nice to feel that what we learned was very relevant and visible in the city itself. We also had a writing workshop with a poet. The project really pushed me to interact with people and practice my French.
What were the cultural excursions like?
I especially enjoyed the tours led by a very knowledgeable guide. We explored different neighborhoods in the city, went to a few museums, and ate at a traditional restaurant. I also did a lot of free exploring and volunteering at a comic festival there.
Students who study abroad through a Go Global Seminar can look forward to the freedom that this type of class offers. The projects are very open, and it will still feel like a trip rather than a class—but a very enriching trip!
What was the biggest highlight?
I found people in Lyon very extroverted, and many were happy to approach me and talk. The biggest highlight was our host families. All of them did way more than simply providing a room and meals. They took us to a market and to see a play.
Interested in studying abroad this Summer 2025?
We are accepting applications from now until December 5, 2024. Learn more about our offerings:
Study abroad in France:
The French Revolution: History, Myth, and Fiction
CIEF French Language and Culture Summer School
Study abroad in Ecuador:
Spanish Language in the Galapagos
