Details

• France
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Start early. Prepare all documents carefully - transcripts, motivation letters, and language certificates. Contact the International Office if you have questions. They respond quickly and provide helpful guidance.

2. Accommodation

I lived with a relative in an apartment, which was 30 minutes by metro. Living further from the center saves money but costs time and Metro tickets. Calculate total monthly expenses, not just rent.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus location was central but compact. Unlike WU's spacious campus, the Paris school occupied several buildings across two blocks. This made it easier to navigate but felt cramped during peak hours. Punctuality was strictly enforced. Arriving late to class was frowned upon. Despite theoretical lectures, assignments were practice-oriented. The Entrepreneurship course required analyzing actual start-ups. Group work was heavily emphasized. Weekly workload felt similar overall. Courses met less frequently but sessions lasted three hours.

5. Every day life in the host country

Paris has an excellent public transport system. The Metro, RER, and bus network cover the entire city efficiently. Trains run frequently, every 2-5 minutes during peak hours. I used the Navigo monthly pass for €75.20, which offers unlimited travel. This was cheaper than single tickets. Paris felt generally safe but required awareness. I never experienced serious incidents personally. The neighborhood where I lived was quiet and secure. However, pickpocketing is common in tourist areas and on crowded Metro lines. I learned to keep valuables hidden. Paris offers endless cultural opportunities. I visited museums regularly - many offer student discounts or free entry on first Sundays. The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou became frequent destinations. I attended classical concerts at smaller venues for €10-15. University organized welcome events. The international office hosted orientation week with campus tours and social mixers. These helped me meet other exchange students quickly. A buddy program paired us with local students, though my buddy was often busy.

6. Testimonial

My semester in Paris transformed both my academic perspective and personal growth. Working on real entrepreneurship case studies with students from twelve different countries taught me more about international business than any textbook could. The city's energy, cultural richness, and professional opportunities exceeded all expectations.