Studying Abroad in Lyon, France

After a previous stint in London with a study abroad program hosted by my undergraduate school, I was hooked. Because my London experience was so amazing, I knew I’d jump at another chance to experience that again. So in grad school, when an opportunity came up to study in Lyon, France for two weeks, I convinced three buddies to come along with me. What happened next was a formation of a lifelong friendship.

You’ll have to excuse the slew of highly edited Instagram photos, but remember, I was in school! So a big camera wasn’t always welcome on our outings and brisk walks and I had to make do with a phone camera. For higher quality exploration, check out the Lyon posts.

Having experienced living abroad briefly and with more trips under my belt, I knew this time around what I wanted to soak in and experience, even in the shorter time span. Being that the program was condensed and more geared towards business, there was less “living” as I had the privilege of doing in London. We stayed at an “apart-hotel” which is a hotel that has the amenities of apartment living. I shared one with a friend and we had a kitchen with appliances, a bedroom, a bathroom, and living room (with pull-out couch option) that we shared. Though some roomies divided their living space between the living room and bedroom, we found the bedroom to be ample space for the both of us. This setting was in great contrast to the home-stay I had in London, but it had its perks too like a central location and staff around the clock.

Due to the condensed nature of the program, we were given a packed itinerary. Immersion for a weekend with group activities and meals, then school from 9am to 5pm. The first few days we were absolutely spoiled with trying new foods at bouchons, a type of restaurant found in Lyon that serves typical Lyonnaise cuisine, including sausages, pâté, and special Lyonnaise desserts. Typically, this is considered very good food, but not high cuisine. For a much more eloquent explanation of what a bouchon is, the late Anthony Bourdain does an amazing job here.

Typical Meal in a Bouchon

Prix fixe with 3-4 courses at Brasserie Georges starting at 24.50 €

As one who enjoys food immensely, I was in heaven. I tried new preparation of meats, new desserts, and sampled so many new tastes and textures. And of course the supermarket. I love exploring local supermarkets to discover new products. Remember, we had that kitchen in the apart-hotel, and quite frankly, dining out more than once a day can upset my stomach, especially with such rich foods.

I’m sure there are fellow travelers out there who would agree. Getting a glimpse at the local supermarkets really gives you a peek into a resident’s daily life. At Monoprix, my preferred supermarket of choice, we filled our shopping cart with blinis, smoked salmon, cured sausages, crackers, cookies, and of course a bottle or two of cheap but delicious wine. After we shared a meal with a French family (quenelle, cheese, wine, pork cheek, french lentils) my friends and I even ventured into a local deli of sorts, to purchase some containers of goodies. We enjoyed indulging in chocolates and the regional dessert shops.

Perhaps this post is learning towards food, but usually food and shared meals is how we shape our memories of places, no? I can distinctly remember our group heading to a day trip to Perouges, an insanely gorgeous medieval town. The typical Lyon January is wet and cold and overcast. Fresh rain coats the slick walls and cobblestone paths. The doors and windows are shuttered close because this is a seasonal town but if you squint, you can imagine the bakers and butchers of yesteryear with their goods at the windows. Of things I remember most, is the warm and cozy feeling of eating Coq au Vin, galette, and drinking cocoa by the fire while chatting with friends. Yes, there was the souvenir shop and the special tour of the town just for us, but the smells and tastes of the food remain strongest.

Then there was the trip to Beaujolais, where an alum of our school also happened to be the daughter of the mayor. Mayor of a wine region? Yes please. We had a lovely meal at their house and had sausages simmered with grape vines, breads, cakes, and so much wine. So much laughter and cheer. The entire thing was such a unique experience that I certainly did not fully appreciate at the time.

Of course it was not all play. We had a jam packed orientation, courses at School of Business and Management (l’Institut d’Administration des Entreprises, or IAE) at Jean Moulin University alongside French students, and visits to major companies. We learned about business practices in the French and wider European context. I made a lifelong friend in Lyon who visited New York some odd years later and it felt like nothing changed. She’s taught me a lot about French culture.

While I may not deal with international business at my current full-time job, these are lessons that I take with me during my travels and other ventures. I always think it’s worth it to pursue a study abroad program, especially because of the connections a school may have. I promise the Peugeot factory will not let you in without a school program.