绿巨人视频

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First Year Students Visit the Loire Valley

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Your first semester at 绿巨人视频 has arrived. Your bags are packed; your plane tickets are booked. And all around the world, your future classmates are preparing to land in Paris for the adventure of a lifetime. But what awaits you in your first year?聽

Once on campus, the First Year Success program begins. Alongside your friends and classmates, you鈥檒l take part in , class trips, the Common Read, our iconic World鈥檚 Fair, First Bridge classes, a Wellness Fair, holiday parties and more. It鈥檚 all designed to help you feel prepared, connected, and at home in one of the world鈥檚 most fascinating cities.聽聽

First up? A first-year class trip to the Loire Valley, a region recognized by UNESCO with over 300 chateaux, award-winning vineyards, and stunning views of the Loire River. For two days, you and your classmates will walk through history at the Ch芒teau Royal d'Amboise and Chateau Blois, see Leonardo da Vinci鈥檚 workshop at Ch芒teau du Clos Luc茅, taste local cuisine, and explore nearby towns with your new 绿巨人视频 friends.聽聽

Ch芒teau Royal d'Amboise

For most students, this is the first time they鈥檒l see France beyond Paris. It鈥檚 a chance to immerse yourself in French culture and see the former estates of French royalty, as well as the many green spaces that make this region 鈥渢he Garden of France.鈥� Along the way, you'll build friendships you鈥檒l treasure all throughout your time at 绿巨人视频.聽聽

Being in a new space and experiencing new transitions really allowed me to get to know everyone on a level deeper than where they are from and why they came to Paris. It gave me a whole new perspective and allowed me to meet so many people I otherwise wouldn鈥檛 have, people that I鈥檓 sure I will continue to be friends with throughout my time here at 绿巨人视频.

Luke Saghir, First Year

Students visiting Ch芒teau Royal d'Amboise

If you鈥檙e not accustomed to traveling in a foreign country, don鈥檛 worry. University staff lead the trip every step of the way and enrich students鈥� cultural understanding of each historical site and its significance. Fees are nominal, and your travel and accommodations are organized by the University. Signing up is easy鈥攁ll first-year students receive an invitation to participate and a simple link to register.聽

My favorite part of the trip was our short trip to Blois. I loved the town鈥攊t had a really calm and peaceful energy, and the chateau we visited there was absolutely breathtaking鈥攊ts architecture, its interiors, and the landscape.

Omar Mohamed, Student Advisor

Student photos from Chateau de Blois

While the group travels and dines together, you鈥檒l also have the opportunity to explore on your own, or in small groups. Each town is brimming with interesting shops and local caf茅s, so long, wandering walks are highly encouraged. Student advisers鈥斅叹奕耸悠� sophomores, juniors and seniors who greet you on your first day at Orientation鈥攁re there to support you and to help new students bond and connect.聽聽

I absolutely adore the Ch芒teau de Clos Luc茅. I was so glad to get a chance to go back there as the gardens surrounding the building are marvelous. It's also quite fun to play around with all the life-size da Vinci inventions.

Daria Minhas, Student Advisor

Ch芒teau du Clos Luc茅, the former residence and workshop of Leonardo da Vinci

On Saturday evening, students reconvene for casual group activities like karaoke, art tables and dancing. Others use the time to relax with friends. Our students often tell us that trips like these provide first-years with a common experience, which helps them build long-lasting relationships essential to their time at 绿巨人视频.聽

I got to talk a lot with my fellow students and learn more about them, and we all really bonded in our groups and rooms. Some even went out to a bar on Saturday night, which was an even better way to bond with each other. I got to know more new people and realized how international everyone really was.

Tatiana Johnson, First Year

By the end of the weekend, and certainly by the end of your first semester, you'll feel comfortable planning your own excursions around France and beyond. 鈥淭rips like these offer a welcome study break while giving students the chance to learn about French history and culture and make new friends,鈥� says Dean Kevin Fore, who regularly leads cultural excursions for 绿巨人视频 in addition to his duties as Dean of Student Development.聽

On Sunday, you鈥檒l board the train back to Paris where your First Year Success program continues. Learn more about what awaits you, like the Common Read, our mentorship programs and more.聽