Oct 27th, 2022, 06:05 PM

Is Three Days Long Enough for Fall Break?

By Elsa Lindner
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons/Edmir Silvestre
Students at AUP voice their opinions about the lack of vacation days this semester

Students at AUP know they are signing up for a unique international experience when they choose to attend university in Paris. However, not everyone knowingly signs up for the odd holiday schedule, and the experience of missing out on some of the most important holidays from home. This semester, AUP's fall break is from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. As an international school, it is hard to say that AUP must honor all of the holidays from every country its students come from. But the short three day break this semester is not very popular with some of the students at AUP. 

“3 days isn’t enough time," said AUP senior Josie Langdonyates. "It’s an American institution and we don’t even get any type of Thanksgiving break, which is frustrating for a lot of kids here, especially freshmen or kids that are visiting for a semester." For students who are away from home for the first time, it can be frustrating to adjust to the absence of a holiday that is normally so family-oriented.

With the break placed where it is in the semester and right in the middle of midterm season, it puts students in a bind. Many are forced to choose between diligently studying for their midterms, or using their fall break trip to travel and intentionally stepping away from studies. “I always remember break being around Halloween, but someone told me it's shorter this year... I’m excited for a break," said AUP junior Ruby Burley. "I definitely won’t be studying, just gonna say that now. I’m hoping to go somewhere but I haven’t decided yet."

Burley also pointed out the lack of additional breaks through the semester. "I wish we had like a Monday off once or twice, it would be nice to have a day here or there….where are the French Holidays when you need them?” Though it chooses not to take breaks during American Holidays, AUP also does not specifically follow the French schedule either, not taking time away for public holidays such as Armistice day on November 11. This cuts down even more on possible days off for AUP students. 

 Image Credit: Elsa Lindner

“I wish I had longer so that I could go visit my parents, but 3 days is just like an extra weekend," said Almenny Larchick, a visiting first-year student from George Washington University. "I think I’m going to try and travel somewhere, but I wish I had more time so I could maybe go home because I do miss my family.” For first-years at AUP, culture shock can bring with it added stress, and not being given the opportunity to see family until Christmas break can contribute to the homesickness they feel. 

Langdonyates offered a solution to the issue of the break. "I think extending Fall Break would be the best option so kids can get some extra time. It’s a very stressful time and kids could benefit from more breaks." She said that in her view, it would be beneficial to everyone. "It’s all so fast-paced and if students were able to take a moment to slow down, and the faculty too, in the long run, we’d benefit enormously from the opportunity to process what the rest of the semester’s going to look like.”

When asked during the spring 2022 semester, AUP registrar Pauline Bonnot said that decisions about break placement falls under the purview of the AUP Calendar Committee, which she said includes members from the Registrar, Academic Affairs, Student Development, Human Resources and Admissions offices, as well as Faculty union delegates, and members of the Student Government. But when asked, SGA undergraduate vice president Sarah Salama stated that "it is handled by Academic Affairs and not the Student Government Association. " She also added that "although the SGA acts as a liaison with faculty, we are independent and autonomous as a body since we are all students as well." AUP Academic Affairs did not respond to a request for comment. 

AUP and its short fall break are not very popular with the students, making them miss their families even more and forcing them to choose between studying and traveling. Hopefully, in the future, the school will be able to blend some of the American, French, and maybe even other international holidays into its schedule to give its students a little more satisfaction.