Where Academics and Lifestyle Collide

For students arriving at AUP for their semester abroad, some unexpected cultural differences immediately stand out. Despite being an American school and following an American academic structure, the environment and school spirit are undeniably shaped by its European setting—professors casually swear, students light cigarettes outside the Amex Café with professors and classmates pull out full meals in the middle of a lecture. As a study abroad student, I wonder which student life module is most beneficial for a student’s academic and social life success. 

The Amex

As in many American universities, student lounges at AUP serve as spaces to study, socialize or grab a quick snack between classes. The Amex at AUP functions similarly—but with a distinctly Parisian twist. Sipping beer, wine and spritzes while playing pool or simply chatting with friends seems to be a norm here. Meanwhile, just outside, students chat with professors, coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

Isabella King, now a junior at AUP, transferred from the University of Colorado Boulder in Fall 2023. She recalls, “It was definitely a cultural shock being able to smoke in the same area where you have class. Like being able to walk downstairs from your class and get a drink and smoke outside was for sure a different feeling but I now love how casual and normalized it is."

At AUP, drinking in dorms and smoking on campus seem completely normal. At a typical American university, however, policies are much stricter. For example, The George Washington University’s Code of Student Conduct, for example, penalizes students for having alcohol in their rooms, and smoking is largely banned. The contrast between the two atmospheres could not be more striking. 

Eating in Class

“Is it ok to eat in this class?” asks Fiona Fortunato, to which Professor Marc Feustel scoffs and replies “Of course it is.” This marks another noticeable difference at AUP: the acceptance of food in academic spaces, particularly classrooms.

At American universities, eating in class is generally prohibited. It is seen as a distraction and rude. Here, however, students unpack their croque monsieurs and fries while the lecture is in progress and professors hardly bat an eye. 

This leniency can likely be attributed to the quality of life and slower pace in Paris, a stark contrast to the high-pressure culture of many American universities. Wake Forest University—a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina— is commonly dubbed "Work Forest," a nickname that reflects the intense workload students face. This pressure is part of a broader critique of the U.S. work ethic, which many argue doesn't leave students with time to prioritize their own well-being.

At AUP, the overall quality of life seems to take precedence over the rigid structure of class schedules. Most students set aside a designated time for lunch and breaks between classes. In contrast, at American universities in the U.S., students are often seen speed-walking to class, hurriedly finishing a to-go bagel. Grabbing a quick meal on the go and eating it in class is not deemed a necessity but is considered a sign of disrespect, and a distraction.

Professors: Casual, Candid and Sometimes Cursing

One of the more subtle yet unexpected differences at AUP is the informality between students and professors. At many U.S. universities, a degree of formality is the norm and a basic demonstration of respect. Here, however, the dynamic often feels more like an open dialogue rather than a strict hierarchy.

Isabella King recalls interviewing a professor at the Amex while he smoked a cigarette and drank a beer—a stark contrast to the strictly professional relationships she was used to. "At my other universities, my professors were very straightforward and professional and the thought of them even smoking a cigarette lowkey weirds me out.”

Clearly, professors at AUP don’t shy away from casual cigarette conversations and often stray from the authoritative figure role, incorporating humor and even an occasional curse word in class. This dynamic fosters a sense of authenticity that many students studying from abroad at AUP find refreshing. As Isabella explains, “It creates a chill and personable relationship with our professors.”

Does this academic structure—one that prioritizes open discourse and challenges rigid academic hierarchies—enhance a student's academic success, or does it hinder their professional preparedness?

Professor Marc Feustel didn’t go to an American university but studied in France, where the authority gap between professors and students was far more rigid. When he first arrived at AUP, he was "taken aback by the students' casual attitude... people wanting to know about your personal life, where you’re from and wanting to have a more of a back and forth conversation.” He attributes this informality to the university's small size, noting that such dynamics are more common in smaller academic settings.

When asked which teaching model is more effective, Feustel argues that “it is limiting to be distant from your students because there is less open discussion.” At universities like AUP, professors teach their students how to think critically, question things and articulate their thoughts—skills that, according to Feustel, would not be possible without the open dialogue fostered in the classroom.

When further asked about this dynamic, Feustel was careful to distinguish between being a professor and a friend. He emphasized that while open dialogue is important, "a professor's responsibility is to challenge students—not to agree with everything they say, but to confront them with ideas that are different from theirs, ideas they may not be aware of or familiar with."

When asked about the correlation between the more casual AUP atmosphere and discipline and motivation in schoolwork, Isabella noted "It's definitely easier [to have self-discipline at AUP] because it makes me want to talk and be more open in class. Rather, when a professor is more strict and closed off, it makes me want to be more reserved and participate less. It’s a mutual respect."

Students from traditional American universities, however, are not accustomed to this level of informality, making the transition a major adjustment. Maira Youroukou—a junior at The George Washington University studying abroad at AUP for this spring semester—is a hardworking and motivated student. When asked the same question as Isabella, her perspective differed. Maira noted, "The more casual relationships with professors make it feel as though if I didn't complete an assignment on time it wouldn't be the end of the world." While she appreciates feeling "less stressed," she acknowledges that students used to a stricter academic structure may struggle with the autonomy required to stay on track and motivated to complete assignments.

Evidently, stark cultural differences exist between a European-American university like AUP and a traditional American institution—whether it’s the smoking culture in the Amex, eating freely in class or the relaxed relationship with professors. As students share their experiences, it becomes clear that the question of which academic structure is most beneficial is highly subjective, shaped by individual backgrounds, ways of thinking and preferences. Regardless of whether AUP's structure is objectively "right," these cultural norms contribute to its unique identity as an international institution. These foreign norms are also part of what makes AUP feel like home. For some, they challenge preconceptions about university life; for others, they offer a refreshing break from rigid academic traditions.