While studying abroad in Paris, it has been so easy to overlook the challenges that I have faced thus far with so many beautiful aspects that overshadow the less beautiful ones. I tend to be an optimist and see the best out of the people I meet and the places I explore.
When I consider these challenges, the first one that I can recognize is the language barrier. Though I have a basic knowledge and elementary level of french, I feel as though I cannot connect to the french people who do not speak much english, on a deeper level. It is challenging to be someone who wants to learn more about the culture of the French people, who is not fluent in the native tongue. The French are very proud of their language, to which they should be, and it connects the people of their culture on a different level. Though it is usually quite easy to find english speaking workers in the cafés or shops, many Parisians do not want to speak much beyond the basic english sayings for they value their own language. This challenge has faced me throughout the entirety of my stay, but also pushes me to work harder in learning french. I dream of being able to talk to random french people on the streets, or even in the metro on the long rides to the city, to get to know them more.
Other than the language barrier, the only challenge I have faced since my arrival would be the fact that food tends to spoil much quicker here in France compared to America.I am not wanting to complain about this fact though, for it means there are less preservatives in the food. I have found that the food here tends to settle better than in America. I have needed to go the grocery store quite often, which can sometimes be a hassle, but usually ends up as a fun experience.
Life in Paris is beautiful. I cannot think of many challenges because they are usually minuscule in comparison, and do not overtake the many good things about Paris.