A Year in Paris: Reflections on Expat Life, Culture Shocks, and Unforgettable Memories

It has now been exactly nine months since I arrived in Paris last September to take part in a language program. Looking back, I feel compelled to share some reflections on what life here has been like.

You’ve likely heard that bittersweet saying: “She wanted to die, but she also wanted to go to Paris.” For years back home, I lived shrouded in a fog of depression and emotional pain. At the time, I believed that simply “escaping” to a new place would magically fix everything. Life in Paris hasn’t disappointed—but it hasn’t sparkled with extraordinary brilliance either.

The city pulses with a gentle rhythm: cafés on every corner, parks brimming with readers and sunbathers even on weekdays, and the banks of the Seine perpetually dotted with friends sharing drinks and laughter. Paris exudes a kind of effortless ease, and for a while, I felt swept up by its tranquil vibe.

It seemed my restless mind had finally found a moment of quiet. Yet, there are still times when I catch myself adrift, uncertain of what I truly desire. That’s when it hit me: even a city that feels like a utopia can’t completely wash away the shadows within.

Then I remembered a beautiful French expression: *profiter de la vie*. On the surface, it translates as “enjoy life,” but the verb *profiter* originally carries the nuance of “making use of” or “taking full advantage of.” So I’ve come to interpret it this way: “Make the most of what you have right now, let it serve you, and only then can you genuinely savor life.”

No matter where we are. 🥂

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14 comments

  1. The struggle with language barriers and daily routines made the journey feel real. Missing home while finding comfort in small Parisian moments was a mix that resonated. The writer’s honesty about the gap between expectation and reality felt authentic. It’s not just about the city, but the growth in between.