University of Wisconsin–Madison

France: Will Gittens (A New Experience)

Two people smile in front of a brightly lit green soccer turf at night.
My friend and I at the PSG game.

Despite the fact that I have been a football and basketball fan my whole life – only more so during my time at UW-Madison – about two weeks ago, a friend and I decided to go to a real ‘football’ game. We decided that since we were in Paris after all, we should go to see a Paris Saint-Germain play in order to have a new type of sporting experience. Also, we just wanted to see Messi, Neymar Jr. and Mbappe play. In going to the game, we gained more than just getting to see those players, we gained a very important experience of real people. Yes, I know you are told all the time to “go abroad and experience new things!” which I feel like most students just roll their eyes at – myself included. The part that’s missed, is the type of experience you should partake in. A real experience. One that people from the country you are abroad in actually do. By doing this it opens your eyes to a way of life that is very different from your own. Yes, I know we have sports and soccer in the US, but the experience of going to a PSG game was unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life. The atmosphere is incredible and it was my chance to see how Parisians entertained themselves. My chance to see how they enjoyed life. That’s what was so important about this experience, it has nothing to do with the game, or the stadium, or the players at all. It had to do with the people that I had surrounded myself with.

Wil stands in front of a dark gray background wearing a navy sweater.

Will Gittens

Hometown: Racine, Wisconsin

Major: BA in Economics and BA in Political Science

Program: UW in Paris

Paris is one of the great cities of the world. It is full of art, architecture, music and food. With that being said, one of the attractions to me is that Paris is a city full of all different types of people. Having an experience such as studying abroad in Paris would help me fulfill the personal goal I always chase, adding perspective. I believe that one of the best personal goals anyone can have is to continually add experiences that challenge the way you think. It is especially important to do this outside of the classroom, not just inside.