Unforgettable Parisian Experience September 04, 2023
By Lacey W (Psychology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/16/2023 to 05/15/2023 with
American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I loved living in Paris and speaking French.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My landing in Paris was not well coordinated with the arrival team despite emails with the information being sent. I was left stranded until an email could be sent telling me that no one would be at my housing and that I needed to travel with all of my things to AUP and pick up my key there. Overall not a great first day. The housing is crazy expensive (I paid $10,000 for one semester) however such is the nature of Paris I suppose. The classes were not as challenging as my home university and thus I enjoyed relaxing and seeing the city more. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
No one supported me really upon arrival, I had to do most of it by myself. After the fact AUP realized that they hadn't done anything and I had to do lots of retroactive things to correct this. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was insanely expensive however I did have a sizable room. There were some serious issues with the apartment like non functional laundry, fridge, and concurrent hot water and heat (during the winter). Everything was slow to get fixed but eventually did and we were compensated 500 euros for our troubles. |
| * Food: |
I never ate at any AUP establishment but Paris has amazing food. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I didn't spend time at AUP which is why this is true. There are basically no locals around AUP so you have to go off of campus and explore yourself. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There was a link to schedule with a provider who spoke English and it was easy. |
| * Safety: |
Very safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
AUP was a solid, basic foundation through which I was able to make the program enjoyable. You will have to find people and make friends and go places yourself. |
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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | classes are background and social/cultural experiences are the most important |
