Through her eyes: Experimenter shares photos of her journey to France

Sabrina Gonçalves is a high school senior who participated in The Experiment France: Cultural Discovery program this past summer. Through a series of photos, Sabrina shares what it was like to journey throughout France and Switzerland.

I chose The Experiment because I wanted to immerse myself in a new culture and language, and I felt that this program would offer the perfect balance of adventure and personal growth. My overall experience was transformative—living with a host family and engaging in cultural activities helped me develop both independence and adaptability. During my time abroad, I learned that I thrive when stepping outside my comfort zone and that embracing new perspectives can expand my understanding of the world and myself.

Sabrina Gonçalves posing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

This is me in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. All of us shared a moment of excitement and wonder at one of the world’s most famous landmarks. It was a special moment, marking the beginning of our cultural adventure together and a memory that I will cherish forever.

A Parisian crepe.

One of my favorite treats during my time in France: a delicious crepe filled with Nutella and strawberries, topped with chocolate and cream. I had it at a charming café in Paris, which was a great opportunity to practice my French with the local café staff. This helped me gain more confidence in speaking the language and connect with the people around me.

13 young adults pose for a group photo in front of a graffiti wall.

This photo was taken while we were walking around a commercial center in France, enjoying some delicious food and taking a well-deserved break before heading to our host families. We spent the afternoon exploring the area, trying local snacks, and soaking in the lively atmosphere of the shopping district.

Sabrina Gonçalves poses with her host family outdoors.

This is me with my wonderful host family in Bruley, a commune in France, who made my experience abroad truly unforgettable. I connected deeply with them—the parents were both volleyball coaches, and my host sister was a professional canoeist, so there was always a lot of energy and passion for sports in the house. The grandparents were incredibly sweet, and their warmth and kindness made me feel like part of the family from day one.

A plate of six French desserts.

A beautiful plate of traditional French desserts my host family prepared for me when I first arrived. The plate featured a variety of treats, including colorful macarons and an amazing passion fruit pie that was absolutely delicious. It was such a thoughtful and warm welcome. It was a perfect introduction to the warmth and hospitality I would experience throughout my stay.

A selfie of Sabrina Gonçalves with the France flag in the background.

I captured a quiet moment as I said goodbye to the country that had become my home for the past few weeks. As I reflected on my time in France, I thought about everything I had learned about the culture, customs, and habits of the French people, and how much I had come to appreciate their rich history. Saying goodbye was not easy, but I also felt a sense of excitement as I prepared to depart for my next adventure in Switzerland, knowing that the lessons and memories from France would stay with me forever.

14 young adults pose for a group selfie while walking the streets of Zurich.

This was right after we arrived in Zürich, Switzerland. We headed straight to the lake to cool off and enjoy the stunning surroundings. The lake was beautiful, with crystal-clear water and a perfect view of the city and the Swiss Alps in the distance. It was such a refreshing way to kick off our time in Switzerland, and we could not wait to explore more of the city after our swim.

A photo taken from a paddleboard on a lake, surrounded by other people in kayaks and paddleboards, with a mountain in the distance.

We enjoyed the fresh, clear water of Lake Zürich on stand-up paddleboards. The natural beauty of Zürich was truly unforgettable—the serene water, the picturesque mountains, and the vibrant greenery all around us created an idyllic setting. As we paddled through the calm lake, we could not help but feel at peace, fully immersed in nature’s beauty.

Sabrina Gonçalves poses with a birthday cake.

A very special moment was during my 18th birthday when my group in Switzerland organized a surprise picnic for me in a beautiful park in Zürich, complete with delicious food, cake, and decorations. As I looked around, I was overwhelmed by how thoughtful and kind everyone had been—this gesture truly made me feel cherished. It was such a heartfelt surprise, and I will always treasure this memory as one of the highlights of my journey.

14 young adults pose for a group photo outdoors at night.

This last picture captures the incredible family I made during this trip—people who truly made my experience unique and memorable. From my host family in France to the amazing friends I met in Switzerland, I feel so fortunate to have crossed paths with such warm, welcoming individuals.

In France, I learned to appreciate a culture rich with history, art, and culinary traditions. I discovered how the French savor life, taking time to enjoy the small moments. A fun fact I will never forget is that in France, it is considered polite to eat your baguette with your meal, not before! In Switzerland, I was struck by the country’s deep respect for nature. The Swiss prioritize sustainability, and the stunning landscape of lakes and mountains showed me why. A fun fact: Switzerland has four official languages, reflecting its rich cultural diversity.

This trip helped me grow personally, teaching me the value of cultural exchange, empathy, and open-mindedness. It sparked my passion for diplomacy and showed me how important it is to build connections between people of different backgrounds.