Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paris: Access to Europe Past Review

By (Mba, Pepperdine University) for

ESSEC Business School: Cergy-Pontoise - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I actually met more international students from around the world than Parisians. We had some very engaging discussions and I value the different viewpoints that I was exposed to as a result of studying abroad. I have made life long friends from around the world and have a place to stay anywhere!

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.

I had a wonderful experience living in Paris. ESSEC unfortunately is about an hours trainride to Cergy, but I only had to do it twice a week. I had some really excellent teachers at ESSEC who shared real world experience. Overall though I wouldn't say that the courses were challenging as compared to my home university in the US. There was just a lot of group projects at the end of the semester, which only involved time management, but were not difficult. I did enjoy this though as it allowed me more time to travel and enjoy the experience rather than worry about studies.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The exchange admin at ESSEC was Axelle and she did an amazing job! She answered many questions before we started and throughout. Very helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I rented a room from a French exchange student that had studied in Paris. There were a total of three of us (the third being another American from Pepperdine). We had a wonderful experience with an apartment that had a view of the Eiffel Tower. My only regret is that I didn't learn as much french as a result.

* Food:

Plenty of options in Paris. I'm not a huge French food fan, but you can get whatever you need. Though being from California you'll miss Mexican and Sushi! Not sure how it is if you have allergies as I don't.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During the intensive language course before classes started ESSEC provided 3 cultural events which were incredible! We had a wine & cheese day, a trip to Giverny to see Monet's house, and a trip to Champagne region. All were well organized and a lot of fun!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Obviously like any big city you have to be aware of your surroundings, but I felt very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being in Paris and the access it provided to history, art, food, and the rest of Europe.
* What could be improved?
  • Not gonna lie....it's expensive and you just need to realize it's about the experience and seeing as much as you can, not the cost.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's more about the experience of living in Europe than it is about your studies. ESSEC has its challenges like most schools. Students aren't as opinionated and proactive as they are in the US. Take courses that sound interesting to you and make the most of them.