Interning in Paris Was Way More Than Just “Study Abroad”

Spending a semester in Paris was exciting, but actually working there was a completely different experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and changed how I think about business, communication, and adapting to new environments.

Everything felt unfamiliar at first

Going into my internship in Paris, I expected it to feel similar to working in the U.S., just in a different location. That was not the case at all.

Even small things like how people communicate or how daily life moves felt completely different. Conversations were more indirect, and everything seemed a little slower than what I was used to. At first, it was honestly overwhelming, and I definitely felt out of place.

The work culture surprised me

One of the biggest differences I noticed was the pace of work. In the U.S., everything feels very fast and results-driven. In Paris, there was more emphasis on taking time and doing things thoughtfully.

At first, I saw that as inefficient, but I quickly realized it was just a different approach. Especially working in a beauty brand environment, there was a strong focus on detail, branding, and presentation. It made me think more carefully about the quality of work rather than just how quickly it got done.

I had to get comfortable being uncomfortable

There were so many moments where I didn’t fully understand what was going on. Sometimes it was language, sometimes expectations, and sometimes just cultural differences in how people worked and communicated.

That ended up being the most valuable part of the experience. I had to become more aware, ask more questions, and adjust how I approached situations. It forced me to be more independent and confident in unfamiliar environments.

It changed how I see marketing and business

Interning in Paris made me realize how different marketing and business can look depending on where you are. What works in the U.S. does not always translate the same way internationally.

It also gave me a better understanding of how important culture is when it comes to branding and communication. Overall, the experience pushed me to grow both professionally and personally, and it’s something that continues to shape how I think about my future in marketing.