Maria Eugenia Badiale

EXCHANGE REPORT

My profile I went for my fifth semester of my Bachelor’s Programme in Global Management to and I studied at Dauphine University. I chose to study in France because I have always been fascinated by its culture, especially for the French language.

“Paris cité des Arts” Paris is a beautiful city from both a cultural and historical point of view. I loved exploring the city and going to the theater and visiting exhibitions. It is a great opportunity for us as students to visit and buildings because they are important masterworks. The price of the entrance is often free or we can get a reduced price. Moreover, there are different websites where you can buy ticket for the theatre and you choose from different genres (comedies, humor and café theatre, classique…). I suggest to visit next to the Dauphine university the Marmottan Monet where you can find one of the largest collection of Impressionistic paintings. There is also close to the university, the Foundation where there are temporary exhibitions; I suggest to visit it, you will be surprised by its modern architecture. I also had the chance to go to the opera, at the where I have assisted to a marvelous ballet. It is possible to register on the Opera website and get discounts as students or as under 28. For the rehearsals of the plays and ballets, it is possible to find tickets for 15 euros if booked in advance when they open the tickets sell. I had the chance to see the spectacular light show called “Dame de de Cœur” and displayed on the facade of Notre Dame de Paris to celebrate both the cathedral's majesty and the centenary of World War I. I suggest to keep an eye on the events of the city! From the Museée du to Musée de l'Orangerie from to Notre dame from the Sainte-Chapelle to Centre Georges Pompidou, you will not get bored in Paris!

Dame de Cœur My Erasmus friends

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The French language If you want to learn or to improve your French skills, you will not have any problem here. Living in Paris helped me to improve my French skills, I could use it in my everyday life. Even though it is the capital, Parisians prefer talking French instead of English, therefore you are forced to talk French and I think it is a good way to practice. I suggest to take at least one language course for international students. If your level is B1 and higher you will be given the possibility to choose from other courses beside general courses like the “Paris Cité des art” course that I have taken and I highly recommend.

They will send you an email with all the information and a link to do a test in order to check your level (if you are not sure about it). Moreover, the university offers an intensive course the week before the start of the lessons and you have to pay for it.

Orientation week One week before the start of the lessons there were some activities for exchange students. It was a great opportunity to meet new friends and get some tips for the nightlife.

LA, Courses and Accommodation As soon as the university sends you an email for the registration of the courses be quick and select the courses you want to take. The classrooms are small, therefore there is a limited number of spots for students.

Same for the student accommodations, I suggest to apply for it as soon you receive an email. Housing is not guaranteed and I did not get a room. I rented a flat and it was nice but perhaps it would have been better to live in a student accommodation to socialize more with other students.

Some curses are only for international students and in other courses you will find French students and they end in different periods (December or January). Grades are awarded from 1 to 20 points. 10 is the lowest grade to pass a course. The total grade of some courses was divided in presentation and/or assignments that weighted differently and the final exam. The grade for other courses was the grade obtained at the final exam.

Among the courses I have taken in Business Administration, I recommend “Human resource management”.

Transportation The monthly card costs 75 euros plus 5 euros for the card itself (remember to put a photo and sign it! If you do not, you can get a fine!). You can also buy single tickets (1.90 each) or as I suggest you can buy a carnet of 10 tickets and you will spend 1.50 euro for each ticket (depending on how many times you have to use the public transportations). You can also apply for the student card but you have to apply one month before you arrive and it is valid for one year (if you stay six months then maybe it is worth to apply, you will pay less).

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