NASHVILLE, Tenn. — This summer, a number of Belmont student-athletes spent some time overseas taking part in Belmont’s Study Abroad Program.
Throughout the summer, Belmont Athletics will highlight the experiences of our student-athletes as they encounter and engage with new landscapes, cultures, and peoples.
Our first reflection is by Eliza Paisley, a rising junior women’s soccer player from Franklin, Tennessee. During the Maymester, Eliza went to France with other Belmont students.
Where did you study abroad this summer?
France (Paris and Nice)
What classes did you take?
Photography, Third Year Writing & Religion
What was your favorite memory?
Spending the whole day exploring and hiking in Antibes, appreciating its beauty and culture. Antibes is located on the Mediterranean Sea near Nice.
Is there a specific place that you would go back and visit? If so, where and why?
Parc Floral de Paris. It is one of the four botanical gardens of Paris and is located southeast of Paris’ city center. It is known for its azaleas, rhododendrons, and irises.
What was the thing that surprised you the most about the culture and surroundings?
French people aren’t as standoffish and “mean” and people say they are. Everyone there is SO passionate about what they do and loved getting to share their culture with us!
How was the food? What was your favorite meal?
The food was amazing. My favorite meal was the baguette sandwiches. I probably got one every other day. I also liked the chicken salad, sun dried tomatoes, arugula, and capers. I still think about it sometimes, haha.
After being overseas for this period of time, what did you miss most about “home” (U.S.)?
I did miss some of my independence. For instance, driving. Taking metros and relying on others for things was definitely an adjustment, but I think that was just because I was in a new place.
