Engineering Student Spotlight: Paris, France | Alessandro Zakolski

Michigan State University lends us Alessandro Zakolski for the summer to complete an engineering study abroad program with CEA in Paris, France. He studies computer science engineering with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation at his home university. After being recommended to this program by a friend, he decided to take on Paris and advance his studies by taking courses in Calculus III and French Culture and Civilization.

Alessandro is enjoying being back in Europe for a longer period of time where he gets to experience more of the culture as well as getting to live it himself. He traditionally starts his day with breakfast and books, making sure he takes some time to study before he catches his metro for CEA. Alessandro finds his courses to be very engaging and interesting. He appreciates his professors who have passion for what they teach, as well as when they apply it to real-life situations.

"The commitment to the classes is perfect. It's not too much, not too little. Plenty of time to go do what you want to do; you have time to travel, and the immersion factor of living in France and seeing this country is once in a lifetime."

Every day after class, Alessandro wanders around the city to a new café to get a coffee, and then entertains himself by exploring anything from religious gift stores to local car shops. Every day is different for him.

Alessandro appreciates how the French value their time; when exploring cafés, he sees that people take their time, engage in conversation with one another, and are content with what they have, which is something he will take home with him at the end of this experience.

Search Paris study abroad programs with CEA.

Kiara Perez is a CEA Summer 2019 Onsite Alumni Ambassador who studied abroad in Paris, France, during the Fall 2017 semester. She is an alumna of the University of Arizona.