Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester of Travel and Bread!! August 02, 2023

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/03/2023 to 05/28/2023 with

American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much insight about myself and the way I interact in situations where I don't know the native language. I got pushed out of my comfort zone so many times but the experience showed me I could face any situation I was given.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor through Wellesley was up to par but the rigor at AUP was subpar.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very nice studio apartment, but the new apartments had some issues here and there with plumbing specifically

* Food:

Cooked myself on a stipend!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Towards the end, I felt a lot more integrated and involved more toward the end

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was a smooth process but had to pay up front in cash and got paid back from insurance later.

* Safety:

Some friends had incidences but overall, very safe city

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

Only because I wish I looked into more programs before committing to this program. Plus going in my sophomore year prevents me from seeing a lot of my friends as they study aboard mostly in junior year.

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)

I had money saved up so money was not as big of an issue, but the stipend was a little tight at times

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You will spend a lot of money upfront for spices and appliances but it gets much easier to budget further into the program.

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

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? 101
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 use the target language anytime you are interacting with the locals and listening to conversations whenever you can

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • I liked the flexibility having a less rigorous course scheulde gave me to explore Paris and all around Europe. I also enjoyed the programs ability to allow me, who has never left the country before, to travel aborad on a bugdet and not have to worry about paying for everything that comes with that experience.
* What could be improved?
  • Although communication was good between Wellesley and us in the program, I think it could have been better from the start of the program all the way to the final days. Just communicating the state of things happening with travel and stipends, but overall, content with the communication levels.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known more about French and would have known the institution before going into the program. I think the lack of knowledge of the language really made it difficult to navigate daily life, especially as someone who gets very uncomfortable in unknown situations. I would have also wished to travel more in the beginning of my semester rather than just at the end.

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.