Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

End of beginning January 22, 2023

By (MAS, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/28/2022 to 12/16/2022 with

American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and what I want to do in the future. I would recommend everyone do this at least once.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

AUP is a small school in the middle of the city. Many classes take advantage of being at the heart of Paris and offer an array of opportunities to go to museums, galleries, paint outside, etc. The University has a good resources for research and there is academic help provided if needed with individual tutors, and work spaces were you can receive help. Many classes expect you to work outside of class time to complement your learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It doesn't have a dining hall since it technically doesn't have dorms. There's a lovely cafe with student workers in the main building with reasonable prices and great food options. There's also a lot of food options if you walk around.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integrating yourself with the french culture is going to be mostly up to you and the effort you put in. AUP offers things that can help like cheese night and wine tasting walks. Or classes you explore the city more. However most students are not french, but there is a good amount of students from many other countries, even if the majority is american.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had the most amazing experience and I will treasure forever

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Paris is an expensive city. However depending on the exchange rate, it is cheaper than expensive cities in the US. Groceries are cheaper, especially if you look for affordable grocery stores. The metro is not that cheap if you don't have a navigo pass and ride it often, but there is a public transport bike system that is 3 euros a month.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 180
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Many things are free or discounted for being a student or under 26 years old. Most stores have discounts once a week. There's markets every week in each neighbourhood that offer cheap souvenirs, produce, etc. Explore! people in Paris are great at maximising their budget, learn from them!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The art
  • the city
  • the structure of the college makes you feel very independent
* What could be improved?
  • more options with housing that have more variety in options and prices
  • more clarity with my home institution on how financial aid worked if there were issues
  • more immersive experiences with french culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? french!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.