A Very Fun Semester! March 09, 2025
By A student (Psychology and American Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/21/2024 to 12/19/2024 with
American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I found my experience abroad to be very worthwhile. I improved my French skills by interacting with people in stores, bars, and on the metro, and made some incredible friends through the program. I also had the opportunity to travel and explore the city, which was one of my favorite parts.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I would not reccomend AUP for anyone looking for an academically rigorous university, but I did take some fun classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I enjoyed my time in the dorms, but anyone who picks student housing and decides to pick a dorm-style arrangement for the fall should be aware that your building is likely to be full of first-years, which can make sharing a kitchen somewhat difficult. Also you should know that the maintenance staff does not speak much English, so you should prepare for that if you file a maintenance report and do not speak French. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It is a school full of international students, many of whom are from America, so you may not feel integrated into the culture if you do not go out of your way to engage with it. I did not have any issues engaging on my own, though. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
It very highly depends on how you choose to spend your money. I chose not to eat out often and save expenses for nights out and travel, but I did still have to spend some on groceries and monthly metro passes. You can use your student Visa to get into most museums and attractions for free, though. |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's incredibly worthwhile to schedule your classes intententionally to give yourself more freedom to travel, as many of your classes may have attendance policies. AUP students are very kind, fun, and welcoming overall, so don't be afraid to talk to people in your classes and dorm! |
