A long break from Wellesley Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/09/2017 to 05/12/2017 with
American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot more about myself and was able to take the time to do non-academic things which felt very worthwhile to me.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were occasionally interesting but mostly frustrating because the professors weren't extremely helpful and more often than not, did not engage with the material in a deep, meaningful way. Classes are easy and the professors don't grade very hard. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was a bit disorganized but very helpful when you needed them. Especially Kevin Fore. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with 6 other girls in a small Paris apartment. Comforts of Home did not quickly respond to maintenance issues so we had to live with broken lights/bathrooms for a while. |
| * Food: |
There's no dining hall but there is a bar that I never ate in but heard was decent. I ate a chocolate croissant every morning for months. I have no regrets and strongly recommend. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to meet a couple of Parisian students but the AUP culture insulated us from the French students quite a bit. There were few opportunities within the school to meet other students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
A bit confusing but generally easy to use. |
| * Safety: |
Paris is quite safe. There's a few areas I wouldn't recommend at night but AUP students tend to stay out of those areas anyway. I felt comfortable walking home/taking a taxi at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would probably try to enroll in a French university so I would have a more authentic experience and practice French more. |
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) |
I have no idea what I spent a week but Paris can get expensive quickly. It's very easy to spend 15/20 euro on each meal. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook as many meals as you can! Also the sandwiches in the boulangeries are quite cheap and filling. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | FREN 202 |
| 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? | Try to make French friends or get a French boyfriend (I heard this was the best way). |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | Try not to travel too much, its very tiring. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
