Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AUP: poor academics but great for Paris life Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/18/2016 to 05/13/2016 with

American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Independence, cultural immersion

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.

It's rare to meet a student at AUP who values or seeks intellectual or academic rigour. Most of the professors are used to students who don't care about school. But then again, people choose AUP for the experience in Paris and the exposure to the international population rather than the academics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The restaurant scene in Paris is amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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 met my best friends while in Paris last spring and fell in love with the city. I was also able to travel to other European cities every weekend.

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)

Most of my money was spent on meals, shopping, and weekend travel to other countries. I had meals at restaurants or cafes every day since I can't cook. Paris has a great shopping scene.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 2000 USD / week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I can't imagine having done this program with financial constraint. As with most cosmopolitan cities, Paris is most easily enjoyed with a larger than average student budget. If money is an issue, I would seriously suggest having some money saved to enjoy small things (museums, buying souvenirs, books, enjoying unique cafes) while experiencing Paris as a student.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

As an American University, AUP offers most of its classes in English. French is widely spoken throughout the university and is encouraged as a daily second language among English speakers.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? intermediate French
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The French in Action program helped me gain a strong foundation in French.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • people
  • the digital photography class I took
  • convenience of travel to other parts of Europe
* What could be improved?
  • academic level
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had participated in AUP's weekend travel excursions to Tuscany, Giverny, Athens, etc.

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.