For the third time in four years, the University of Georgia joined us for a study abroad trip to France. With a group of 16 students and 3 faculty members, we spent six days in Paris and three days in Lyon, exploring the history, language, and culture of Deaf people.

Did you know that the development of ASL began with two influential figures: Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, an American educator, and Laurent Clerc, a deaf teacher from France fluent in French Sign Language (LSF)? Together, they founded the first school for the deaf in the United States, the American School for the Deaf (ASD), in 1817. Our students had the opportunity to explore the similarities between ASL and LSF during the trip.

Despite a few challenges, we made this trip a success. For instance, our group coordinator, a deaf faculty member, was injured just before the trip and was replaced at the last minute by a non-deaf faculty member, who turned out to be wonderfully supportive with their Southern hospitality. Another challenge was navigating around the preparations for the upcoming Olympics in France. Fortunately, our experienced Tour Leader, Darren Frazier, and first-time Tour Assistant, Matthias “Matt” Koch, who has lived in France for 13 years, expertly guided us through the detours.

We managed to visit all the major sights on our itinerary, including the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Versailles Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, the world’s oldest deaf school, Moulin Rouge, and Palais Garnier (Opera).

With careful planning, we were able to meet and greet with another ASL group from Central Michigan University for a brief time!

Why did we visit Lyon for three days? Great question. Lyon is home to two remarkable deaf museums: one focusing on France’s deaf history, culture, and language, and the other dedicated to Laurent Clerc, who was born in a nearby town. On our third day, we took a local train to Annecy, a charming town known as the “Venice of the Alps,” famous for its picturesque canals, medieval Old Town, and stunning lake.

On behalf of Hands On Travel, we thank you for joining us and look forward to welcoming a new group of ASL students from the University of Georgia next year!

As a 100% Deaf-owned tour operator company, we are truly proud of our service that provides inclusive and accessible tours in sign language by the local deaf tour guides for everyone.