[Info] Student Perspectives: Amy

Amy Lien at Musée d'Orsay

(1) What is your name, year, and major?

My name is Amy Lien, and I'm a third year Business-Economics major and Accounting minor.

(2) What led you to apply for the International Business Law and Taxation Travel Study program? 

As I was looking at the accounting minor requirements, I happened to see that there was a travel study program consisting of classes that would count towards the minor. After that, I started to research more about the program and thought it would be a perfect opportunity to study abroad in another country. Paris has definitely one of my dream places to visit since I was young, and I couldn't be more grateful to have been blessed with the experience of studying in the most gorgeous city I have ever seen. 

Notre-Dame at nightfall.

(3) What is your most, and least, favorite part of the program? 

My favorite part of the program is going on the walking tours that the professor leads. There is so much to see, and our time is used with maximum efficiency. I love when we are able to skip the long museum lines because we are able to visit so many more places in one day. Every day feels like an adventure; each day you gain a new perspective on the rich history and culture of the city by looking with your own eyes instead of reading from a textbook. My least favorite part of the program was adjusting to living in the hotels. It was difficult managing without a shower curtain and not the highest quality pillows and blankets, but overall the program was amazing. 

Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the many places we were able to skip the line.

(4) What advice do you have for other students who are thinking of enrolling in Travel Study? 

Do it. You will have the time of your life. Take advantage of being able to travel while you can. If it's this specific program, I can tell you that you will fall in love with the city and that the professor is one of the best you will ever have. Class is always engaging, and you actually feel like you are learning something. If you do choose to enroll (and you should), my last advice would be to be prepared for all kinds of weather and any illnesses you might catch! 

(5) What is your favorite and least favorite memory? 

My favorite memory was visiting the famous opera house in Paris. (Pictured above.) Our tour guide was the cutest lady who told stories so animatedly with lots of humor making it really fun to listen to the tour. The Opera House was incredibly beautiful and grand. As our tour guide put it, we were living like the rich for that one hour or so. My least favorite memory was getting caught in the rain as I was returning to the hotel after shopping, but that is probably because I am not used to the rain. 

(6) What have you gained from studying abroad, outside of knowledge of international tax and law?

I have gained priceless friendships, the ability to take the metro anywhere in Paris, many Instagram-worthy pictures, interesting food experiences, and memories that I will be talking about years into the future.

Lunch at Michelin recommended La Petite Venice in the town of Colmar.

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Thanks for your insight, Amy!