There's More to Your Semester in Paris
Than Just Paris!
One of the most exciting parts of the study abroad experience is
the opportunity to travel beyond the borders of your host city.
With that in mind, we've added several opportunities for our
students to explore the cultural diversity of both the nation of
France and North Africa!
First, you'll expand your French experience through our weekend
excursion program. Twice during your semester in Paris, you will
travel with
Mike Whorton, the Coordinator of Student Life on St. John's
Paris Campus, for sightseeing and educational exploration around
France. He will guide you on a tour through the historical and
cultural landmarks of Brittany and Normandy. You'll gain a deeper
understanding of the country's history and culture through this new
exploration.
Then, at the end of the semester, you'll embark on a five-day
trip to Marrakesh, Morocco in North Africa! You'll be guided by St.
John's faculty as you explore a country rich in culture and with
strong historical ties to France. This cultural experience will
allow you to more deeply understand the politics and history of
your host country.
Best of all, these trips are fully included in the program fee
for all St. John's University students!
Weekend Excursion: Brittany
Known as the Celtic capital of continental Europe, Brittany is
located on the northwest coast of France. Students will travel by
bullet train to the region and will stay in Rennes, a lively city
filled with local students. While exploring the region, travelers
will visit the 3rd largest market in France, held every Saturday
morning since the 17th century! Here, students will have the
opportunity to try one (or many) of Brittany's famous crepes, which
are praised for being the best in France. Students will also visit
the celebrated Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This medieval abbey, built on an island rock over 1,000 years ago,
was historically only accessible to pilgrims during low tide.
Travelers will benefit from a private tour of the island's
monastery that towers over 300 feet above the tidal plain. This
excursion will allow students to see France's medieval art and
history in a new context.
Day Excursion: Normandy
Students will travel to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in
Normandy, a place of great significance in French and American
history. Students will be able to encounter the tremendous losses
that the United States suffered during the Invasion of Normandy in
World War II, gaining a deeper understanding of the despair that
the War brought in the 1940s. Travelers will also be able to visit
the famous Pointe-du-Hoc, an actual battlefield that has been
preserved since WWII.
End of Semester Excursion: Marrakesh,
Morocco
Marrakesh, the ancient crossroads of Europe and Africa, is a
vibrant and historic city. Once the center of caravan routes and an
oasis for weary travelers, Marrakesh is today a culturally rich
blend of Arab, Berber and European influences. Students will visit
the incomparable Djemaa al Fenaa Square, where acrobats, henna
artists, snake charmers and story tellers vie for attention amid a
backdrop of open-air barbecues and fresh orange juice stands.
Marrakesh also boasts architectural gems from its illustrious
history such as the Ben Youssef Medersa, the Saadian tombs and the
Koutoubia Mosque. Students will experience the collision of colors,
scents and sounds of Morocco by visiting Marrakesh's medina, full
of handcrafted leather goods, spices, fabrics, lanterns,
traditional art and countless other crafts. To cap off the trip,
students will experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of
trekking by camel under the stars over the dunes of the Sahara at
daybreak!
More information on Marrakesh, Morocco on the Lonely
Planet Website.