Student Life in Paris

IDENTITY & INCLUSION

Identities, Discrimination, and Culture

Identity and forms of discrimination such as racism and sexism take different forms in different cultures. While abroad you may experience racism and discrimination in very different ways than you have experienced at home and this can often feel like the discrimination is worse than back home. Norms around gender and sexuality vary a lot from country to country. Sometimes the places with extreme differences (being a woman in Saudi Arabia) are easier to handle than more subtle differences (sexism in Italy). You may find that certain aspects of your identity become stronger while abroad (e.g. religious affiliation, national identity) while others may be diminished.

Before you go, research your destination!

What groups in the country have been discriminated against and how?
How are religion, social class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and disability are viewed in the local culture?
What is the country’s relationship with the United States (historically and today)?

Discussion Questions - Food for thought and discussion with your friends, family and classmates:

Different conceptions (or lack thereof) of political correctness
Who can share an example of a time when they felt they needed to “cover” or hide an aspect of their identity? Why
What are your initial impressions of the host culture and where did these impressions come from?
How do you think you will be perceived by your host culture and why?
Discrimination and racism exist everywhere – what is your plan of action if you or one of your peers are faced with racism or discrimination?
What cultural norms exist in your community (dress, social norms, etc.) that may not exist in your host culture? How will you manage these differences?
What is discrimination? What is just curiosity?

Student Stories + Resources

Diversity Abroad

My Very Personal Taste of Racism Abroad (New York Times)

Paris for students of color...

Outsiders often imagine that Europe is white but there are many different racial identities who have a prominent role in the cultural life of Europe. Paris is one of the biggest multicultural, multiracial, and religiously diverse metropolises in Europe. Paris experiences a vivid postcolonial and transnational life where generations of young French people from diasporic communities permanently stay in touch, through digital tools, with their communities and/or countries of origin. This phenomenon is typical of the 21^st century and Paris is one of the big sites of influence and sees the creation of many transnational cultures.

Paris, an Arab, African, and Asian city

Learn more about the transnational and transcultural neighborhoods of Paris:

Château Rouge "A little Africa"

South East Asia in Paris

Benefits and challenges for students of color

The experience of students of color is intrinsically multicultural: they often have experiences that fall within the aforementioned transnationality so Paris can be a familiar environment. The students who are used to multicultural environments tend to feel more at home in a city where people are used to hearing different languages, eating different cuisines, and who themselves have different habits and experiences.

Given its geographical situation, Paris has been a city of crossroads for long time, there are many foreigners, and the integration of foreign cultures and experiences are an inherent part of Parisian identities and dynamics. Throughout the 20^th century, Paris enrich itself with European and extra-European contributions, from Spanish painters to African American Jazz artists. The mere presence of Americans of color participates in the longevity of this tradition. It is crucial that you are aware of what you are bringing to Paris.

Just like any global and multiracial city, especially because France is still a predominantly white country, racism is a rampant issue. Discrimination takes thee various forms that students of color are already experiencing in the US. The program and its staff are sensitive to those issues. We organize sessions on the topic and remain available and open to our student all year long.

How to live your faith in Paris?

Grande Mosquée de Paris

Temple Taoïste

Grande Synagogue de Paris

The American Church in Paris

Swedish Church of Paris

Paris for LGBTQI+ students...

Le Marais

Black queer woman in Paris

Paris for students with disabilities…

Disabilities, depending on their nature, lead to different ways of experiencing city life.

Fun fact about Illinois’ Paris center: it is located near Saint Jacques street where the world’s first free school for deaf children (Institut National des Jeunes Sourds) was founded and still is operating.

The differences in medical ideologies between the US and Europe leads to differences regarding what is considered a cognitive disability: some of them will not be considered a disability in France but will be one in the US. The main issues that students with cognitive disabilities will face in France are communicating around their disability and their needs as well as the difficulties they experience from the disability. Every semester, we support students who share their experience and needs with local interlocutors.

For student with a physical disability, despite the efforts provided by agents for accessibility and local governments in the last years, Paris is not yet one of the most accessible cities. However, it is possible to get ready for a semester in Paris for a student with a physical disability who is used to being challenged by the difficulties of city life. The Paris center is able to welcome students with all types of disabilities and to help best organized the semester.

Paris in a wheelchair (video)

Google Sites

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