Her Campus Celebrity: Max McKee-Proctor
Name: Max McKee-Proctor
Class Year: 2017
Major: French (Pre-Med)
Max is studying abroad in Paris through the Hamilton in France program.
In your experience, what has been the biggest pro of studying abroad?
I’d say the aspect of study abroad that I’ve enjoyed the most has just been the opportunity to immerse myself in another culture. Being able to speak a foreign language fluently with the locals is an amazing feeling, and it’s been extremely rewarding to experience French customs and lifestyle firsthand. It’s a great opportunity to expand your horizons and see things from another point of view.
Biggest con?
For me, the biggest downside has been being away from Hamilton. As fun as my study abroad experience has been, it’s always tough leaving familiar things behind for a whole semester. I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to explore new places and see new parts of the world, but at the same time I’m looking forward to getting back and being with all my friends on campus.
Would you recommend a language immersion program for students considering it?
Yes, absolutely. My level of French has improved immensely this semester. Sure, you can learn a language at college, but there’s no substitute for immersing yourself completely at the source. Just speaking it every day is invaluable, but I’ve also picked up on so many nuances, slang, etc. that you won’t learn at college in the U.S. Oh, and my accent is WAY better now!
Where is your favorite place that you have traveled during your time abroad?
This semester I was able to travel to Madrid, Berlin, and Venice. All of them were great experiences, but I’d have to say that Madrid was my favorite. Not only is the city incredible, but I was able to visit one of my friends from Hamilton who was studying abroad there!
What is your favorite activity that you have participated in during your time abroad?
I guess it’s not an activity per se, but I’ve loved having the ability to easily travel to other European countries. Even though your actual “study abroad” experience is in one country, you have this amazing chance to see these other places while you’re there! For people considering studying abroad, I would definitely make it a point to travel at least a few times because there’s so much to see!
What is your favorite thing to eat in Paris?
This might be the hardest question I’ve ever had to answer…I don’t know if I can choose just one. I’ll try to pick a favorite meal and a favorite dessert. If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my time here, I’d probably have to go with a hot goat cheese salad (salade chèvre chaude, if you want the French name), which is a salad with pieces of toast covered in melting goat cheese. It’s incredible. And my favorite sweet thing would have to be a banana-nutella crêpe. I could probably eat those for the rest of my life.