LSU in Paris
Studying abroad in the summer of 2024 allowed me to push boundaries within myself. Due to the financial support from LSU and the Honors College, I was able to enroll in an Anthropology course and an Honors Research course while in Paris. Both of these courses taught me independence, ethical research, and communication skills despite different languages. While in Paris, I focused my project on Vietnamese Colonization in France after being inspired by my Vietnamese Art class I took the previous semester. My project held visual, technological, and spoken aspects that led me to be a stronger communicator. Additionally, studying abroad allowed me to push boundaries by communicating with others despite a language barrier.
Captures the architectural aspects of the city that hold Vietnamese ties.
Photo taken by Ronnie Suaze.
01
Vietnamese Colonization in France
Inspired by my Honors Humanities course the previous semester, my research focused on how France reflects on its previous reign over Vietnam. While in Paris, there were several monuments, gardens, and museums dedicated to the history.
02
Communication Barriers
I had never taken a French course before, so I traveled blindly. Some natives spoke English and could assist, like when I got lost on the metro. For my project, I would typically adventure out to more rural areas of Paris and have to speak broken French. This pushed me to become more knowledgeable of my surroundings and be thorough in my communication, talking or not.
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Full Swing.
Photo taken by Jena Bordelon
This Archway Greets Visitors when Walking into the Garden. Photo taken by Jena Bordelon.
03
Garden of Agronomy
This garden represents each country that was colonized by France. The image to the left, taken by me, is the Porte Chinoise visible from the gate of the one entrance as it introduces visitors to the garden. This monument represents the grievance of the past and honors the culture of Vietnam.
04
La Grande Pagode
The Grand Pagoda serves as a practicing Buddhist temple for those in this area. It sits next to a popular garden that tourists and natives visit. This temple often hosts ticketed events that consist of music, plays, and small shops that sell food and souvenirs. The culture of the community is kept alive and well, despite the history.
This temple sits adjacent to the popular park with several guests. Photo taken by Jena Bordelon
The tomb of a previous Vietnamese Emperor is recently been polished and holds fresh flowers. Photo taken by Jena Bordelon
05
Tombe De Bao Dai
Lastly, one memorial that stands out the most is the polished grave of Bảo Đại, the last emperor of Vietnam, next to unkept plaques. His grave is shined with fresh flowers placed next to it. It shows the respect that has been gained throughout the years.