Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Self discovery in Paris Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2019 to 05/18/2019 with

American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwile

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.

The courses were extremely easy and the other students were extremely disengaged and uninterested in the material. The professors were good, not great, but approachable and willing to work one on one but out of touch with the students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was really hard to make friends and AUP student orientation was not very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a host family hoping to practice my language skills and immerse myself in Parisian culture. My host family had dinner with me once a week and other than that wanted nothing to do with me. I was very disappointed at how this turned out. I had a separate entrance to the apartment and no access to common space or the kitchen. The laundry room was converted to a "kitchen" with a microwave and a mini fridge. I ended up not eating in my house and it became very expensive.

* Food:

I was in Paris, of course the food was amazing. This is all food that I purchased on my own. My host mom provided basic breakfast supplies. However, with no kitchen, there was not much I could do. Food ended up being a major cost.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel integrated with the local culture through my host family or host university. I became integrated through going out on my own and meeting locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very well. They have a doctor you can call with any problems and I called them when I became sick and they were very helpful.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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

I hated AUP. The students do not care at all about integrating in local culture or academics.

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 expensive. There is a lot you can do without money but there is a lot you can't do.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home when you can, equip your kitchen at the beginning. I often did not buy supplies because I was there for such a short amount of time so I wish I just bought stuff at the beginning and could have used it all semester.

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

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • good facilities
* What could be improved?
  • Everything.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have lived in an apartment or a host family who cared more about me

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!