Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Fine time at AUP Past Review

By (Art History and Psychology, Hamline University) for

American University of Paris: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was well worth while. I learned so much from AUP and France. It is just one of those experiences you have to do for yourself, I could never just write it.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The school is good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a typical French apartment in the 7th with a French host family. Our quarters were fairly seperate so if you wanted to escape the French you could. <br /><br /> The family really wanted you to make the most of your experience and gave great advice on galleries and places to eat. The neighborhood was super safe and well lit and off the metro stop Solferino and a halfhour walk from school.

* Food:

French food is not as great as you might think. Specially the tourist places. Stay away from tourist restuarants. Go off the beaten path.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is a trip to Mount Saint Michel and it is a fabulous place, almost magical.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt far more safe walking around Paris at night then I do walking around St. Paul or Mineapolis at night. It is really safe in the 7th near where school is. France has national health care so all the health care you want for free. it was pretty easy to use and the school sets you up with doctors who speak enlish.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? eating out is really expensive so try and limit that after you have established your group of friends. On groceries I spent about 15 euros every week as breakfast was included at my homestay.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The metro card costs 56 euro per month for unlimited use and it is worth every cent. Try to take take buses when going to the airports as they are less expensive than the RER.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?

Most of the students at AUP speak French fluently or nearly fluently but i gained most French knowledge from the homestay and from simply living.

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

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Ancient Art and Architecture
Course Department: AH
Instructor: Russakoff
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The study trip to Rome was amazing. The professor is really nice and seems to be really interested in the material and is always willing to help.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Gender and Psychology
Course Department: Psy
Instructor: Levenson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It got really repeatative having the same discussions everyday for the entire class period.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Napoleon and the French Revolution
Course Department: History
Instructor: Englund
Instruction Language: English
Comments: He focuses on far too much detail on quizes and has a terrible temper when he thinks the class didn't read. However if you answer one of his questions and you get it wrong he yells at you and makes a mockery infront of the whole class. He does know his stuff though.
Credit Transfer Issues: