By Sula H.

When I decided to spend a semester in Paris with Hamilton in France, I never imagined that I would be able to continue studying biology. I assumed I would have to put my science classes on hold and focus exclusively on humanities courses. Before coming to Paris, I worried that I would fall behind on my biology credits when I returned to Bates. I was therefore very surprised to learn, once I arrived, that I could enroll in a biology course at a French university. I am now taking a class at Université Paris Cité called La plante face aux stress environnementaux.

The course examines how plants respond to environmental stress from a physiological perspective, including drought, temperature changes, pests and bacteria, and light stress. The material is challenging, but the professors explain concepts clearly and teach with enthusiasm, which I especially appreciate as an international student. Over the semester, I have learned a great deal of new vocabulary in French, both scientific and everyday, and I have deepened my understanding of plant physiology. Before coming to Paris, I mentioned to several people that taking a biology class abroad, and in French, would be a dream, but I never expected it to become a reality.

At first, I was nervous about taking a biology class in Paris because it was taught in French and I was unfamiliar with the French higher education system. From the beginning, however, both the professor and the students were welcoming. My classmates were kind and consistently checked in on me, offering help whenever I did not understand something. Being part of a French university classroom has helped me grow more confident, both academically and linguistically.

For future Hamilton in France students who wonder whether it is possible to take science classes in Paris, the answer is yes. With the right guidance and motivation, it is absolutely achievable. I encourage students to explore the available options, as studying science in a French university is challenging, deeply rewarding, and quite different from taking a science class at a small liberal arts college.

If you are considering Hamilton in France but are worried about falling behind in a STEM major, do not let that concern stop you. Tom, Celeste, and Laurence were incredibly helpful in finding a biology class that matched my interests and supported me throughout the semester. Taking a STEM class in Paris is not only possible, but it can be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.