Details

• France
• MAMark-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

I took a considerable amount of time to decide where I wanted to go for my semester abroad. I knew early on that I wanted to study in France, as I have always been very interested in the culture. When choosing a university, I compared different options based on rankings, location, and academic focus. In addition, I spoke to friends who had either studied at the respective universities themselves or had personal insights through their networks. A key part of my preparation was evaluating whether the university would align with my academic interests and long-term career goals. I found it particularly helpful to reflect on this fit in detail and to communicate it clearly in my motivational letter. Explaining transparently why the university and the program were a good match for my background and goals strengthened my application and helped me make a well-informed decision. Before starting my semester abroad, I revised my basic French skills to feel more confident in everyday situations. In addition, I researched places I wanted to visit in advance and organized practical matters early on, such as public transport tickets. Taking care of these aspects beforehand made the transition smoother and allowed me to settle in more quickly once the semester started.

2. Accommodation

Accomodation search experience: I found my accommodation through Paris Attitude. Overall, the process was quite uncomplicated, although it involved a considerable amount of paperwork. I shared a three-bedroom apartment with another MSc Marketing student. In general, I found that renting a larger apartment together with another person offers significantly better quality for the same budget compared to renting a single room alone. I did not use any other accommodation platforms. While I also considered Airbnb, prices were considerably higher and therefore not a viable long-term option. Accomodation type: Private accommodation. Three-bedroom apartment shared by two people. The apartment was very comfortable and homely, and I would choose the same option again. Location, safety, and proximity to the university The apartment was located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. While ESCP is usually closer to this area, the campus was under construction during my stay. Fortunately, there was a direct metro connection from my apartment to ESCP. The commute took approximately 40 minutes. Before moving, I consulted a local friend from Paris regarding safe neighborhoods and limited my search to the areas he recommended. The neighborhood itself was calm and residential, with many families and several nice restaurants. While it was not part of the main nightlife areas, I found it very pleasant and would recommend it, especially if there is good access to public transportation. Tips I wish I'd known beforehand Consider sharing a larger apartment with one other person instead of renting a single room, as this often provides better living quality for the same budget. Prioritize good public transport connections over immediate proximity to the university, especially in large cities like Paris. Consult locals or people familiar with the city when assessing neighborhood safety.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus infrastructure at the host university felt rather complex, as information and administrative processes were spread across several different apps and online platforms. This made orientation at the beginning more challenging. In addition, there was a noticeable divide between exchange students and local students, both academically and socially. The campus itself was functional, and the new campus currently under construction is expected to significantly improve the overall infrastructure. Vegetarian and vegan options at the cafeteria were limited. Regarding academic culture, one noticeable difference compared to Austria is that in France once enrolled, grades tend to play a less central role than they do at WU Vienna. Many exchange students were assessed on a pass/fail basis, which occasionally led to differences in motivation levels within group work. As a result, group projects could be challenging, as the workload was sometimes unevenly distributed. In terms of teaching style and course structure, the courses were largely comparable to those at WU Vienna, both in class size and instructional format. However, WU Vienna places a stronger emphasis on academic rigor and theoretical depth, whereas ESCP focuses slightly more on practical applications.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public Transport: Public transport in Paris is generally very practical and well connected. However, delays occurred relatively frequently, for example due to forgotten items or operational disruptions. Commute times were often quite long. While ticket prices are reasonable, public transport does not operate very late at night. Especially during times of heavy traffic or reduced service, using Uber was often significantly faster, which I therefore relied on occasionally. Safety Situation: At the beginning of the semester, we were informed about areas that should be avoided, and I followed these recommendations consistently. The 20th arrondissement, where I lived, felt very safe. However, other exchange students reported experiencing uncomfortable or unsafe situations (in other areas), such as being approached or physically held by strangers, or encountering unknown individuals in the doorway of their apartment building. Pickpocketing is common in Paris, and being mindful of personal belongings is essential. Aside from these aspects, I personally felt safe throughout my stay. Social and leisure: Paris offers a wide range of social and cultural activities, to the extent that it sometimes felt difficult to keep up with everything available. There is always something new to explore, and for individuals under the age of 26, many museums and cultural sites can be visited free of charge. I would strongly recommend creating a personal to-do list and taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible. Since Paris itself offered such a rich experience, I did not explore other regions of France extensively, which I do not regret. Events: Major events such as Paris Fashion Week and Art Basel take place regularly, ensuring that there is always something happening in the city. Sports: ESCP offered sports activities, although I did not participate in them. Instead, I booked sports classes independently via platforms such as ClassPass. Additionally, there are numerous running clubs, gyms, and fitness studios available. Occasionally, I found it somewhat challenging to find sports activities conducted in English.

6. Testimonial

Paris has always held a special place in my heart, and being able to explore the city with friends over an extended period of time felt like a dream come true. My exchange was a unique mix of meeting inspiring people, showing friends from home and from Vienna an incredible city, and truly immersing myself in French culture (even though I skipped the French cuisine). It is impossible to choose just one favorite moment, as the exchange was filled with experiences and memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime. Despite some academic aspects that I found challenging, I would still highly recommend Paris to anyone looking for an exchange in a vibrant, exciting, and culturally rich city.