<p>OP: I think you are doing GREAT. I’m glad you are settling in and hope that sleep is helping you with the culture shock. The longer you are there, the more the “Parisian Way” will be the norm. I remember that when I first got to London over 20 years ago, everything seemed gray and cold and men wore odd tight suits and it was so AWFUL I cried for days. Then, I got home and I couldn’t believe how rude and loud and over-familiar everyone was, in their bright baggy clothes and white sneakers and I DON’T KNOW YOU STOP TALKING TO ME. You are embarking on a great adventure. Soak it up and periodically remind yourself that someday you may be some middle aged lady taking breaks from cooking and laundry to tell some young girl that she should enjoy her independence and adventure abroad while she can! </p>
<p>You have found the true allure of Paris – no, it’s not clean and glamourous and all about designer shopping and 5 star meals, not for most people. For most, it’s poor students and artists and thousand year old buildings and simple pleasures being cherished because quality counts and all the million reasons why hundreds of years of artists and writers and philosophers have sifted out a small part of the city to embrace…</p>
<p>As one who also deals with depression and anxiety sometimes, here’s a pro-tip: one of the really golden things about Paris for people like us is that in the grubby-scrubby part of the city, these are just signs of your sensitivity and genius. For me? My time in Europe let me embrace myself, depressive/anxious episodes and all. There is a lot less pressure to be cheerful all the time in the great European cities than there is in the US. Of course, if you have thoughts about actualized self-harm, seek help from your local or student health service. But, without those dangers, the acceptance of “dark moods” can actually be quite freeing to many. </p>
<p>Take care of yourself and enjoy your study abroad experience on your own terms. This time will be over before you know it.</p>
<p>How old are you? Are you a male or female?</p>
<p>IF you major in international studies, may be it is time for you to consider another major. You are in Paris. Imagine how you may feel yourself in a third world country. In the middle of an international crisis.</p>
<p>First time in Paris I was illegally, without any valid visa. I don’t remember how much money I had, may be $20, may be even $100. I remember feeling that “I am rich”. :). No credit or debit cards, cash only :)</p>
<p>I came to visit my college friend, who was supposed to meet me. Naturally, we didn’t meet. My fault; I got lost in the city and came to the wrong underground station. Needless to say, that I had no cellphone. No documents. No slightest idea where to spend a night. </p>
<p>I went to police. They didn’t speak English or Spanish. I didn’t speak French. It was funny. They offered me hot tea and some money. When they realized that I am lost in the city, they gave me a ride to the University, where my friend was studying, and helped me to find him. </p>
<p>Surprisingly, I was not scared by this absurd adventure. 
I was young, and cute, and invincible at that time.</p>
<p>“knowing what to expect from a very large and very expensive metropolis is key”</p>
<p>Nope. The key is to be open-minded and enjoy life as it is.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the great great advice on this thread! I have been here for 2 months now and I do feel happy and adjusted. </p>
<p>“For me? My time in Europe let me embrace myself, depressive/anxious episodes and all. There is a lot less pressure to be cheerful all the time in the great European cities than there is in the US.” >>>>> This line helped me alot and well as everyone telling me to stay open minded! </p>
<p>I still miss America dearly but I am taking advantage of this great opportunity. I met a friend or two, participated in a documentary and I am enjoying my classes. Thanks for all this encouragement—it really made it clear that leaving early was not the right way to go lol</p>
<p>So glad to hear you are having a good experience strongbeans, I am a big believer in spending time abroad. For all sorts of reasons, not just the obvious ones.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for updating, I am happy to hear things are going well. Through these sorts of experiences we grow and change…</p>
<p>My child did a full year abroad. The transition in the first few weeks is extremely tough. But in the end it was one of her best memories and she wanted to sign up for a second year.</p>
<p>Suggestion - get more sleep and drink a lot of water to help with the jet lag. It’s too soon to tell if this is a fit or not. What you are feeling is normal - you’re in a different environment, food is different, structure is different and the weather may be contributing to Seasonal Affective Disorder (a different type of depression). Make sure you’re taking your meds early (if applicable) and with food so it can work through your system. Get some sun - or a sun lamp. Find cheap places to eat - or to get food to prepare yourself. The area near Montmartre had some wonderful crepe restaurants not far from the subway.</p>
<p>But yes - it’s just one semester. It will go quicker than you think. But you will need a “daylite” type of lamp. Or even a full spectrum bulb for your desk lamp. That will help your internal body clock adjust.</p>
<p>Then go to the Louvre on the day when it’s free for students. Honestly - it would take ten days to get through the whole thing so just go have fun. Or see if you can scrimp on your budget and use part of the funds to do Disneyland Paris which you can get to via the metro. Or get a cheap ticket on Easy Jet or Vueling and visit another country on the weekend - Spain, Italy, etc. (can be as little as $69 last time I was there). Or take a train - just go for the ride - then come back.</p>
<p>There are some very rude people in Paris. But also some wonderfully nice ones. The key to depression is to just do something - anything - to get yourself going. Once you adjust to the time difference it will get better. But like I said - the jet lag the first few weeks is insanely hard to adjust to.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I had a difficult study abroad experience in college. I stuck it out and am glad I did - but I really wish we had had the internet back then so that I could reach out to others. It would have made such a difference! Strongbeans12, glad things are going better for you. Bonne Chance!</p>
<p>Strongbeans, thanks for the update. You will be surprised when you return to the US and realize that nothing here has changed and that you have grown so much. Try to enjoy every minute of your adventure.</p>