Nov 12th, 2016, 10:00 PM

International Students at AUP: What Are They Thinking?

By Camila Craig
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons/National Geographic Society
Insights on adjusting to the American educational system and student life.

It doesn’t matter if you have three different nationalities, speak four or five languages, or if it takes you two hours to answer the question “where are you from;” The American University of Paris is a niche of opportunity for international students seeking adventure. Located in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, AUP is the most demographically diverse American university in Europe. If you are an incoming Freshmen or thinking about coming to AUP, these testimonials are a must-read.

Fernanda Sapiña, 19


Image credit: Fernanda Sapiña

Sapiña plans to major in Global Communications and double minor in Journalism and English Literature. She was raised in Mexico, but moved to Paris two-and-a-half years ago with her family, and transferred to a British school in the city. She has always felt drawn to American universities, not only for the great educational opportunities, but because of the culture. “I decided to join the American University of Paris, because I felt really attracted to the career opportunities they offered, as well as for the volunteering and exchange programs,” she says. Despite all of the advantages AUP offers, Sapiña says she also experienced culture shock when she first arrived at the university. Being accustomed to a British system, she found the academic life somewhat unusual. “The relationship you have here with your professors is very informal compared to the British system,” she says. “Here they lecture you, and you have to figure it out on your own. In the British system, teachers know what each student needs, and that is what struck me the most.” Although the American system is very independent, Sapiña feels that at AUP everyone is very inclusive and open-minded. The fact that there are so many international students makes it a diverse and interesting community, which makes her feel closer to home. Even though English is not her first language, she is proficient in it and diligent student. “Whenever I have to write an essay, I use an online dictionary,” she says, inciting other students to do so as well. “It is the best way to check my grammar, and to find better ways to express myself, and correct my work.” For incoming freshmen, she recommends investing in Post-it notes, organizing your work, and most importantly, having fun. “You’re in Paris,” she says. “Seize everything the university and the city have to offer you. Focus on your work and be the best student you can be, but also realize that there is a life outside of school that can make you grow.”

Joyce Huang, 19


Image credit: Joyce Huang

Joyce grew up in China and studied in an international school, which prompted her to look for universities outside of her home country. She narrates her experience in the Chinese system as very rigorous and constricting. “There is a lot of testing, and a lot of the material is related to math, which I am not good at,” Joyce says. She wants to study Media and Communications, and explore the West. Even though she is a partner student with University of Southern California, she is amazed by the diversity and openness of AUP, and wishes she could stay longer. “The first weeks were hard, especially with the language,” she says, “but then I started to meet people in my classes and adapt better.” Joyce is confident that her Chinese educational background has helped her to succeed in her classes, but it has been challenging as well, as English is not her first language. In spite of that, she is determined to succeed and be fluent in the language. “I use dictionaries all the time, and go to the writing lab to make sure that I am using the right words to express myself accurately,” she says. She encourages prospective students to recognize their challenges and work on them. “There are many students from other countries who face the same difficulties as you do, so don’t let that bring you down,” she says. “You are in Paris, go out, explore, and realize that there is more to this educational experience than just studying.” She admits to have been discouraged by the language barrier, which affected her performance in certain classes, but nonetheless, thinks that incoming freshman should not let that overwhelm them. “Identify your mistakes and learn from them. There is nothing more rewarding than improving in a foreign academic system,” Joyce says positively, as she is determined to succeed and encourages other students to work hard to achieve their goals.

Mina Françolin-Borges, 19


Image credit: Mina Françolin-Borges

Mina plans to major in Literature and the Creative Arts. Her passion for English writing took her across continents to develop her skills, and pursue her desired career. “What made me decide to come to AUP was that they appreciate and are ready to receive international students,” she says. For Mina, who is from Brazil, adapting to the system was relatively smooth and quick. She admits she prefers the American educational system to the Brazilian one, as she finds it more rigorous and efficient. “They actually make sure that you are learning,” Mina says. “For someone who likes to study, it is very rewarding.” Nonetheless, she misses Brazilian culture, as she perceives her peers at the university more detached and less physically affectionate than in Latin America. “If you have a friend (in Brazil), you can randomly hug them, or be touchy without it being weird.” Overall, though, she enjoys the experience at AUP, especially her classes, and is excited about what she is going to accomplish and learn. Although she admits she’s not used to reviewing or rewriting her essays, she enjoys working and writing in English, and so has no problem with the process. She encourages future students to work hard and pursue their dreams, as hard or different as it might be. “Just do it! Go for it,” she adds, with a warm and enthusiastic Brazilian smile. Mina insists that incoming freshman should not be afraid to move away from their home country, but rather to bring their cultural traditions with them. “Bring food from your country!” she says “it will help you immensely to adjust and make new friends” insisting that at AUP, being different is a huge advantage, and people are very open to try new things. She believes that adjusting to AUP is definitely is an easier process if one comes with a down to earth mentality, “It is so much easier to make friends if you just go and talk to people. So go to social events, approach new people, and take every opportunity you get at Orientation to introduce yourself to others!”

Mariam Gaiashvili, 18


Image credit: Mariam Gaiashvili

When her school in Georgia was helping her to choose colleges, Mariam already knew that she wanted to live in Paris. Despite her clear plans to major in journalism, she has encountered several difficulties adjusting to the American system. Even though English is not her first language, she’s working hard to learn and get good grades. Nonetheless, the faculty is extremely friendly, she says. “You can tell your teachers everything about your life, and they listen and care,” she adds. She hopes that her experience at AUP is going to help her grow as a person, and to learn new, interesting things. Mariam is excited about her experience at AUP, she is eager to go back home and tell stories about Paris. “Everything is a good mix,” she says. “From the environment, to the school and the community. I love it!” She encourages new students to explore the city, and everything it has to offer. “Go to museums, explore Paris, and get involved in the school community” she says. Mariam admits to spend a lot of time in the Amex cafe, talking with friends and socializing. She thinks that incoming students should find people from similar cultures, who they can relate to and share experiences, “this will make adjusting easier, as you have friends you can rely on, and that will help you.”

Sarah Sidi, 19

 

Image credit: Sarah Sidi

Born and raised in Paris, Sarah is majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and minoring in Film Studies. She joined the American University of Paris to escape the French “prepa” system, which she considers to be elitist and not appealing to her. “I consider the American system to be more effective for me,” she says. “I like the fact that our relationship with the teacher is not based on fear, and that the workload is not as intense.” She considers that, at AUP, students can pursue their passions and get the most out of their college years, not only intellectually, but physically and mentally. She appreciates the fact that professors and staff are here to help students develop holistically, as human beings. “The mere fact that there is office hours is unthinkable in the French system! I can have a coffee with my teacher and talk about my essays or the class, and that is amazing,” she says. Sarah believes that, in the American system, students feel welcomed and appreciated. As a Parisian, Sarah encourages incoming students not to be “tourists.” “Be aware of the incredible education you are getting, be involved in events, activities. Meet new people and enjoy your time here,” she says “take advantage of all the opportunities AUP is offering you, and make the most out of your educational experience.” She believes that incoming freshman should come with an open mind, and seize everything Paris and the school have to offer. Sarah understands that coming to a different country can be a challenging experience, but thinks that incoming freshman should not feel overwhelmed by it. She encourages future freshman to learn the language, immerse themselves in the culture, and most of all, study hard.