My Time in Emory's Human Health in Paris Program

By: Jackie Glodener

Last summer, I studied abroad in the five-week Human Health in Paris Summer Program. It was the most enriching experience I’ve ever had, and I would recommend it to any student of any major! The format of the program consisted of classes in the morning and excursions in the afternoon. This format allowed us to connect our first-hand experiences to what we learned in the classroom, providing a unique learning dynamic. It was amazing to see first-hand how history and culture influence human health in Paris. Some excursions included trips to these places:

● Hotel Dieu, (the oldest operational hospital in the world)

● Ghent, Belgium to see the Dr. Guislain museum, located inside an old psychiatric hospital

● Vranken-Pommery, a french champagne house in Reims, France

In our free time, we saw all the major attractions: the Eiffel tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysees, and the Louvre. We also explored the many lesser-known parts of the city. My favorite memories included taking a bike tour of the city, a wine tasting, a cheese tasting, the outdoor markets, a nighttime cruise down the Seine, Bastille Day, learning how to navigate the super busy subway system, and most importantly, the croissants.  

The following two photo blog assignments are examples of the many wonderful things I learned during this summer program

Everything is sold in small quantities in French markets and grocery stores. It's nearly impossible to find a gallon of milk or a super sized candy bar. America’s culture of overindulgence encourages us to eat more and buy more food. It seems like the French buy only what they need, and they buy higher quality products in a smaller amount. The markets are less driven by mass-production, and more driven by demand for supplies from local farmers and producers. It is rare to find a product produced outside of France. The jam, fruits, vegetables, cheese, cookies, and wines are locally produced. 

Health may relate to how we eat, drink, and exercise, but relaxation, art, and nature are equally important factors in health. This picture was taken at Luxembourg Gardens. People of all ages, even teenagers, come to Luxembourg Gardens to relax, socialize, exercise, picnic, and listen to the symphony. Art appreciation is an important part of French culture, and as a result, relaxation and release from stress is a major part of the French lifestyle. These cultural factors impact health to a degree that science can’t fully explain. Strolls through the gorgeous garden and picnics that include wine, conversation and fresh air are the types of factors that improve the health of the French.

Applications for the Human Health Summer Study Abroad in Paris are due by March 1st. The program runs from June 28 until July 31, 2016. Be sure to sign up!