Michael Reller
Michael Reller (he/him) - Stanford in Paris
Major: Symbolic Systems (BS)
College year while abroad: Winter 2025-26
About the photo: In front of the Eiffel Tower while on a sidecar tour with my friend John.
Contact
Email: mreller@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.
Q&As
Why did you choose to study in Paris?
I wanted to study in Paris because of my fascination with French culture. Growing up, my entire idea of the culture was eating was crêpes and baguettes at the Eiffel Tower, which was already a strong foundation. Once I got to Stanford, I figured there was no better way to learn more about Paris than to dive right in, and my understanding of the daily life was spot on. My time in Paris was incredible, and many moments have stuck with me ever since.
How did studying away support your academic growth?
Studying in Paris added an entirely new dimension to my learning at Stanford. On campus, my classes are primarily targeted toward skill development rather than cultural learning. This domain is often overlooked, yet only after my BOSP quarter did I truly value its importance. This was not only through classes on French history and culture, but also through museum visits, art classes, and live music. Being immersed in a culture so different from my own taught me how to actually engage with it, how to ask questions and notice what I didn't understand. I’m now more aware of what I bring to a room and how to share my own perspective with others, which has made me a better contributor in classes and group settings back at Stanford.
What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?
I learned how to take advantage of every day. At school and at home, I often have days that slip by without much thought. Going into Paris, I knew the 10 weeks would go by quickly, so I had to change things up. Instead of waiting for plans to come together, I started making them myself. I quickly realized that studying abroad makes this easy, since you're surrounded by dozens of other students who want to meet up and explore. Even on days when I couldn't find anyone to join me, Paris never ran out of things to do. For the most part, I made it a goal to check something new off my list every day, teaching me how to live life to the fullest.
Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.
After breakfast (typically crêpes or pastries with fruit and coffee), I'd take the metro to the Stanford center for morning classes on language or French history. I had a nice lunch break every day, meeting up with friends to explore restaurants we hadn't been yet. Near the end of the quarter, once it was consistently warm, we'd bring sandwiches to gardens and parks and soak in the sun. In the afternoons, I spent time in museums through my art history class, or just wandering different parts of the city. Then I'd head home for a long dinner with my host mom before doing some work and getting ready for bed. My favorite part was repeatedly walking past the same old trumpet player in the metro station while on my route to class, having the freedom to slow down and listen.
If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?
N/A.
What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?
Definitely my camera. I took thousands of photos while abroad, and it helped me discover parts of the city in a new way. Having it with me pushed me to actually pause and notice the little things I might've otherwise walked right past.
What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?
French people have a reputation for being cold and rude to foreigners, but I found the opposite to be true. My host mom and her local community were extremely warm and welcoming. In restaurants and cafes, people were forgiving of my broken French and helped me out when they could. My best advice: lean into it, talk to others whenever you can, and don't let this misleading reputation hold you back from having an amazing time.