Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun but overrated September 02, 2026

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/08/2026 to 05/08/2026 with

American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learnt a lot more about what I want in life.

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.

It was a great experience outside of school, but the academic rigor was incredibly weak and the professors weren't the most responsible.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were organized for the administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got my own Bnb.

* Food:

Food was not included in the program, but the food nearby is good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not incredibly so, but that is my own fault of not knowing much French, nothing with the program wrong!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't personally have one but I heard my friend's health issues were resolved well.

* Safety:

It was very safe. Keep your phone safe on public transportation systems, that's all.

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

I think Paris was not the suitable spot because you will not be able to integrate locally.

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)

It depends on what you want to do, but France is not cheap if you want to live a good experience here.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 500 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book flights early if you are traveling

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Friends from Wellesley
  • Free time
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Rigor
  • Peer engagement
  • Professor Quality
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

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.