Dr. Tina Chen joined the St. John’s Paris team 4 years ago,
working for several years as a professor of French language and
literature and art history before assuming her current role as
Associate Director of the Paris campus. Hailing from Pleasanton,
California, Dr. Chen attended UC Berkeley and Cornell University
before completing her PhD in French Literature at Berkeley. She
uses her wide range of educational experience (as a student and as
a professor) to her benefit as she carries out her daily duties,
which include making sure every aspect of the Paris campus runs
smoothly and that all students get the full study abroad experience
during their time in the City of Lights.
Dr. Chen says that her favorite part of working with St. John’s
Paris is the excitement of meeting new students every semester,
many of whom are newcomers to the city. “I love the sense of
discovery that they have when they come to Paris for the first
time,” she says. “They get really enthusiastic when they come here,
and I get to share my enthusiasm.” That enthusiasm is derived from
her deep appreciation for the culture of Paris, from the city’s
architectural beauty, to its food, to its people.
To first-time visitors to the city, Dr. Chen recommends a visit
to the Marais, the city’s historical Jewish quarter and home to
many of her favorite restaurants and cafes. She also recommends an
open mind and a sense of adventure, especially when it comes to
food. “I always encourage my students, wherever they go, to try new
kinds of food,” she explains. “It’s a thing that’s so important to
so many cultures – especially the French!”