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Kira Ranieri

About My Study Abroad Program

Major/Minor: Advertising and Public Relations
Program: API Parsons Paris: The New School
Location: Paris, France
Email: kira28@live.unc.edu
Term: Summer 2022

 

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I knew I wanted to do someone related to fashion, but also something that was still somewhat related to my major. I started searching for my Program with API, and eventually found a Fashion Communications course that had everything I was looking for!

 

What did you learn about yourself?
This was the first time I had traveled alone. It was sometimes a little scary being in a country where I didn't know the language very well, but I learned how resilient I can be when it comes to new experiences. I was surprised by how well I ended up adapting to the culture by the end of my short program, and came back very proud of the connections and experiences I had made.

 

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories from my program was walking around the city after my class one day and stumbling upon a Jean Paul Gautier Haute Couture fashion show! It was one of the most incredible experiences to see the designs come to life from such a brilliant designer.

 

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
When I first applied to student abroad, I was still pretty uncertain. I was scared that something with the pandemic might get in the way or that something financially might come up or that something will go wrong. Well, guess what. Things went wrong. But I knew this was something I wanted to do, and so with the help of UNC's study abroad office, we worked through the challenges and I got to have an amazing experience abroad. Uncertainties are inevitable, but you have the resources you need to get through them. If studying abroad is something you want to do, don't let uncertainties stop you!

Memories