Reese Carlson is a fourth-year student studying journalism with a concentration in environmental and health reporting. She reflects on her experience traveling to Paris as part of the MSU Sports Media Education Abroad program…and how she navigated her surroundings without speaking French.
Story adapted from an article originally shared on MSU Today.
It all started on a whim.
Reese Carlson had never taken a French class in her life. Yet earlier this year, something compelled her to apply to the MSU Sports Media Education Abroad program. The month-long experience took Carlson to Paris, site of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
“I had never been to an Olympic host city,” Carlson said. “I also had never eaten an authentic French baguette and had never traveled so far away with so many people I didn’t know.”
Paris was the first of three stops for the 24 Spartans who toured Europe in May and June. The city had a particular impact on Carlson. Its culture proved an eye-opening experience and a lesson in self-reliance.
“It turns out that going to a foreign country without knowing the language was one of the best things that could have happened to me,” she said. “Was it super confusing about 90% of the time? Yes. Did I anger a lot of Parisians when I didn’t know how to order a coffee? Also yes. But did I learn how to adapt in unfamiliar situations and communicate across language barriers? Yes! And because of that I am forever glad I didn’t know French going into this experience.”
On her first night in Paris, Carlson and her classmates visited a restaurant near their apartments. In typical café style, the venue features lots of outdoor seating. Carlson recalls the wait staff’s confusion when she and her fellow Americans asked them if they spoke English.
“They all spoke perfect English, as many Parisians do, even though they claim that their English is not so good,” said Carlson. “When they heard we were American, they had what seemed like millions of questions about American culture and life.”
That welcoming encounter marked the first of many visits to the restaurant during the Spartans’ stay in Paris.
“They always allowed us to select the music on the speakers at the restaurant and often stopped by our table with even more puzzling questions about America,” Carlson said. “They were fascinated to learn about our yellow school buses and cheerleader/football culture. On our very last night in Paris, they even posed for a group photo with us and our Spartan flag.”
Before traveling on to Rome and Vatican City to continue her study abroad, Carlson marveled at the sheer scope of the preparations ahead of the largest international sporting event of the year. Olympic symbolism was everywhere.
“In the Metro, Paris’ underground subway system, the maps included the Olympic competition venues along with a miniature set of the Olympic rings,” Carlson said. “The park in front of the Eiffel Tower was closed down to set up for the beach volleyball courts. Of course, there were also the literal Olympic rings on the top of the Eiffel Tower. I felt like everywhere I looked, evidence of the upcoming games was taunting me.”
The students visited such places as Adidas Arena, the venue for Olympic badminton and rhythmic gymnastics. The venue also hosted para badminton and powerlifting during the 2024 Paralympic Games held shortly afterwards.
Reese Carlson recalls her experience during the 2024 MSU Sports Media Education Abroad program as one of the best decisions she’s ever made. It’s a memory with long-lasting effects that she believes will serve her well during her final year at Michigan State University.
“I feel more confident about the unknown and being more comfortable with the uncomfortable,” Carlson said. “Anytime I come across something new or unexpected, I can just think to myself: you survived France without any French. You’ve got this!”
By Kevin Lavery