Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
2015 – 2016
Report 1
faculty/college
level
name study programme
Humanities
bachelor’s
master’s
PhD
Bachelor geschiedenis
PREPARATION
exchange application process
The application process for my Erasmus exchange began in december 2014: the deadline for the Erasmusapplication letters. I took writing my letter very serious: I always knew that I wanted to live in Paris for at a
certain point in my life. I tried to show my true passion about the French culture and language and especially my
love for the amazing city of Paris. Apparently, showing that you are truly are passionated about what you're
applying for works really good, so that is the best advice I can give for during the writing process of application
letters. When my application was accepted, all the paperworks came. In Utrecht, we're used to quite a quick
response from the International Office.I never had to wait longer than 1 or 1,5 weeks. Do take into account that
this is very different in Paris: sometimes i had to send 3 or 4 e-mails and wait for more than a month for a
response. Sometimes calling to the International Office from the Sorbonne is the best option. They don’t speak
their English very well, but they will understand you. however, when your French is good enough: always speak
French. By the way: this doesn't just apply for getting things done around uni. The Parisians are much more eager
to help you when you speak to them in your own language. My application was accepted in Paris around may,
and in june I received my details of the introduction week.
counselling & support at Utrecht University
I experienced the counselling and support at Utrecht University as very good. Because of some unexpected
casualties my study programme came got a bit messy. The International Officers at Utrecht were very kind and
ready to help at any moment. So, when the international office at your receiving instituion isn't as accurate as
you had wished, certainly do not hesitate to contact the Utrecht International Office.
academic preparation
The French academic system is totally different from the system in the Netherlands. You pick six courses for the
entire year, each of them is worth 10 ECTS. This means that you always have six courses. It took me quite a
while to get used to switching between six subjects in stead of two or three.
language preparation
I didn't prepare for the language switch, because I already spoke french. However, if you don't speak french at a
B2 level I highly recommend you to take lessons. No courses are tought in English and it will be too hard to keep
up.
finances
Paris is an expensive city. Rents are much higher than in Utrecht, just like your weekly groceries or going out for
a drink. If you don't mind living on your own, the cheepest rooms you kan find will be around 500 euros/month.
You will have a small room on the top floor of an appartment building. I prefered living with roommates, 'avec
colocs' in French. The most colocations are between 700 and 900 euros a month. For my groceries, I needed
almost double the money as what I spent in the Netherlands.
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
STUDY ABROAD PERIOD
study programme (content and organisational issues)
The study programme at the Sorbonne was a bit messy at the beginning of the period. It was complicated to
find out which courses you could be a part of. To find out you simply have to go to a professor and ask. The
professors are commonly very gentle and will always says yes. However, it will take them a while to add you to
the online education space as well and registrate you as an official student. Make sure for you are registrated
online, or else you wont get any credits!
academic quality of education activities
The academic quality of the education is high. The texts you're reading are very strong and known ones. This
university makes sure its students have a good foundation and know their classics.
counselling & support at receiving university abroad
The staff at the Sorbonne was very kind and eager to help. However, it does take some time to get an
appointment to speak to someone. Make sure you send e-mails one or two weeks before you want to speak to
someone, else it will be much later than you hoped.
transfer of credits
The transfer of credits wasn't quite clear for me and the other international students, because this isn't to be
found in the course catalogue and neither in the online education area. This is something you have to ask
specifically and not all professors will know how much ECTS your courses are worth.
STUDENT LIFE
welcome & orientation programme
The welcome and orientation programme at the Sorbonne was very good organized. It consisted of a week full
of language courses and a closing cocktail party on Friday night
accommodation
leisure & culture
For leisure and culture Paris is the place to be. I don't think this needs much words. There are so much different
things to do in this beautiful city, that you will not be bored for one single second.
suggestions/tips
For students going the first semester: go the the Fetes des Vendanges at Montmartre in the second week of
october. The opening of the new wine season is celebrated with outdoors wine tasting and a beautiful firework
show.
CONCLUSIONS
would you recommend this university/destination abroad to others? please explain
I would highly recommend this university and destination to others. The university is one of the best
universities in Europe and has beautiful buildings and libraries. It felt like studying in a fairytale. Paris as a
destination is exactly the same: it felt like living in a fairytale. The only way to find out for others is to go and
explore!
do you have any additional advice or comments?
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
/
Report 2
faculty/college
level
name study programme
Humanities
bachelor’s
master’s
PhD
French language & culture
PREPARATION
exchange application process
The application process consisted of a motivation letter, an overview of the academic content I aspired to
partake in and I had to fill out a financial plan. We had to hand in the documents in December and we would
know in February where the UU had nominated us to go.
counselling & support at Utrecht University
The counselling and the support at the UU was very complete. There were information meetings and the
brochure with partner universities and the application procedure was provided well in advance. At any time I
was able to plan a meeting with a counselor at the International office to discuss the questions I had concerning
my Erasmus mobility. Emails were always quickly responded to and always in a helpful way.
academic preparation
As described before, it was part of the application process to select the courses in advance and to think about
what would fit in my programme in the Netherlands. That's essentially all the acadamic preparation I took.
language preparation
As the majority of my courses was taught in French the first two years of my Bachelor, it wasn't really necessary
to prepare my Erasmus mobility language-wise.
finances
I made a financial plan before I started my mobility, so I knew what I had to expect. I calculated beforehand
how much I would spend monthly.
STUDY ABROAD PERIOD
study programme (content and organisational issues)
My exchange replaced the minor I would have taken in the Netherlands, so I really wanted to take courses that
were different from what I had been doing the first two years of my Bachelor. I took courses in History, most of
them being contemporary French history.
academic quality of education activities
I was very impressed by the academic quality of the receiving institution. The professors were very good and we
undertook multiple activities, such as classes outside where we had to interview people on the streets about
the course subjet and walks around Paris to study its architecture. I also really appreciated the library which is
amazingly rich and has great study places.
counselling & support at receiving university abroad
I was always able to get help from a contact person at the university. We, as Erasmus students, were welcomed
by him in the first week of the semester and he helped us with our academic registration. I mostly felt like the
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
professors were very helpful and considerate towards international students. It took however a lot of effort and
stepping out of my comfort zone to arrange everything that needed to be arranged. Generally seen I do feel like
the counselling and support at the receiving university was alright.
transfer of credits
As I haven't received my Transcript of records yet, so I can't say anything about the process.
STUDENT LIFE
welcome & orientation programme
As international students we were welcomed with an integration week, where we would take a language
course according to our current level (we were requested to take a language-test the first day of the integration
week). The week also consisted of computer courses on the digital environment and how to use the library.
accommodation
I was able to sublet a studio.
leisure & culture
Paris is an amazing city - there's culture and history everywhere. There's lots of activities for international
students - there is even an student association. The university also provided a mentor (a native French student)
who was able to show us around.
suggestions/tips
CONCLUSIONS
would you recommend this university/destination abroad to others? please explain
Yes, I would certainly recommend this university. Being able to study at the Sorbonne was an experience I really
would'nt have wanted to miss.
do you have any additional advice or comments?
Do not get discouraged by the effort it takes to apply and all the things you need to arrange before, during and
after your mobility. It is really worthwhile - it was an experience i'll never forget and it brought me lots of
academic, social and cultural experience.
Report 3
faculty/college
level
name study programme
History
bachelor’s
master’s
PhD
History
PREPARATION
exchange application process
Not very complicated. Obvious process. Both universities helped when needed.
counselling & support at Utrecht University
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
Very good
academic preparation
I followed two years of the history bachelor's programme in Utrecht before leaving for Paris.
language preparation
I took French courses in high school and I got a good note for it. However, it was not enough to follow academic
courses in French, so I took more courses a few months before I left for Paris, especially to improve my verbal
skills. My level was B2 when I left.
finances
I made a financial plan.
STUDY ABROAD PERIOD
study programme (content and organisational issues)
I took 4 courses in contemporary history and a French course is obligatory for foreign students. Every course
has one lecture and one seminar per week. I had chosen my courses a few months ahead. However, I had to
change some when I arrived due to overlaps in my schedule. There was nothing to worry about, since every
foreign student had to pick their courses (this time definitely) when arrived. There are several forms that you
will have to complete, also for Utrecht but this will be self-explanatory. Btw. I had planned to take five courses
(30 ECTS) before I left but it turned out that it was too much so I dropped one.
academic quality of education activities
Good quality of education, though different from Dutch standards. Sometimes very classical way of studying
history, but with competent teachers. Not much discussion in the seminars however. I had to give three
presentations, write some papers and exams at the end of my semester. I didn't think of it myself beforehand,
but don't forget about the fact that you will have to write and speak on an academic level and that the French
use different methods to write papers and exams. Therefore it is quite hard to determine the academic quality
since Utrecht has different academic standards.
counselling & support at receiving university abroad
In the beginning, they will explain the system and provide contacts to help you out if needed.
transfer of credits
I did not receive all my notes yet.
STUDENT LIFE
welcome & orientation programme
There was a semaine d'intégration the week before the courses started. I had French courses and courses on
the French methodology.
accommodation
I had an appartment, which was not related to the university.
leisure & culture
Of course, Paris offers an overflowing amount of cultural activities. National museums are free when under 26
and European so I visited most of them. However, many leasure activities are really much more expensive than
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
in the Netherlands.
suggestions/tips
Save money. My living costs were much higher than in the Netherlands. Also because most people in Paris don't
stay at home since their appartments are small. It would be a pity if you would have to worry about your
finances.
CONCLUSIONS
would you recommend this university/destination abroad to others? please explain
Yes, Paris is beautiful and interesting, and the university was good as well. Personally, I also picked Paris
because I love the city and because I wanted to learn about the French culture and language.
do you have any additional advice or comments?
Take French courses before leaving, it will help you to feel at ease in the beginning, and try to save some money
so you can get the most out of you stay.
Report 4
faculty/college
level
name study programme
Geesteswetenschappen
bachelor’s
master’s
PhD
Geschiedenis
PREPARATION
exchange application process
The application process whas a bit different for me. Originally I wanted to go to Sout-Africa and I have been
placed in Paris after this did not work out. The application process was stressfull but I think this is also a good
wake-up call. Because if you want to study abroad, you really have to do an effort.
counselling & support at Utrecht University
We did have a meeting, which was usefull, to prepare yourself and see all the others going on an exchange. But
it was the most important you prepare yourself.
academic preparation
The academic preparation was not really good. We did hear some things about France and its institutions,
which can be quite different than the Dutch one, but most of all they told us to go and see. But also, for me this
was part of the experience.
language preparation
For langugage prepariation I and a friend who also went to Paris, took private classes. To prepare ourself. I think
the university Utrecht informed us in a good way, to be prepared. I didn't speak French on a very good level,
and I really took it to a next level, because I went to Paris a month in advance. Where I took four weeks of full
time french lessons. The moment I was surrounded by France and it's language, I started to really get into it.
finances
I didn't prepare my finances very well. I made a calculation, but I didn't save any money. So I was not really well
prepared for the expensive life Paris had to offer me.
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
STUDY ABROAD PERIOD
study programme (content and organisational issues)
The study programme was well organised, but it did arrange a lot of inconvenience. This is because the
Sorbonne uses different ways of organising this. We had to stand in line a lot, to sign up for classes, libraries and
almost everything concerning the university. But we got informed very well at the integration week.
academic quality of education activities
The academic quality of education activities was all right. The coures were only 5 ECTS per course, so the draft
was less than in Utrecht. Also, in Utrecht you have more of your own influence on topic. Where in Paris you had
an assignment and than you just have to deal with it. But this is personal favour. Although the substence of the
courses was less complicated, the language barrier made it more difficult. Sometimes it was hard to keep track
of what we had to read, because there was no clear schedule or overview available. So we had to make a guess,
but luckily there were always native students willing to help.
counselling & support at receiving university abroad
The counselling and support at the Sorbonne was all right. It could take a lot of time to receive a response to an
send email. In the integration week we got informed about a lot of the rules and organisatory tasks, but
because the french are not fond of arrange things onlilne, it could be hard.
transfer of credits
I don't have my transcript of records yet, but if everything goes allright, I hope and think this will be in my own
favour. Because the French system is more strict than the Dutch one. So I hope the credits will turn out good.
STUDENT LIFE
welcome & orientation programme
As I mentionned befor, this was well organised. The Sorbonne works with a buddy system, where you get
assigned a native student of the Sorbonne and my 'mentor' was really nice. The Sorbonne organised a cocktail
in the first week, to meet everyone and there exists an organisation especially for the student life of exchange
students.
accommodation
th
th
I stayed in an small studio in the 7 arrondisement of Paris. My room was small and at th 7 floor, but we did
have an elevator. I think I got one of the nicer rooms of Paris and my view was phenomenal, I could see all of
Paris. Also my rent wasn't too high, speaking of Parisian measurements. A lot of things were broken in my
room, but it was a good experience and I don’t feel that I could have done any better.
leisure & culture
Culture and leisure was one of the best parts of my whole experience. Paris is a city that has so much to offer.
With a group we visited a museum a week and to discover a city like Paris was like a dream to me. In the end I
really felt like it was my city. With my friends we had our hangouts and found a lot of great places. But we also
discovered something new every day. Once you start to get to know a city, you can see it on a new level. Als
because you stay half a year, you see a city in three seasons, for me the summer, autumn and winter. So you
can see a city with all its charmes and secrets. Just only walking around in Paris, and for me biking around, was
an amazing experience, let alone all the beautiful things the city has to offer. I took bootcamps in front of the
Louvre in the Tuileries, for example, it was simply wonderfulll.
suggestions/tips
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
CONCLUSIONS
would you recommend this university/destination abroad to others? please explain
I would definetly recommend Paris and the Sorbonne to others. First of all Paris really has so much to offer. It is
one of the most beautifull cities of the world which has something to offer to everyone. And the Sorbonne is a
great univeristy, not ony the courses but in particular the University itself is wonderfull. To wakl around in the
hallways of the Sorbonne is an experience itself
do you have any additional advice or comments?
The cultureshock is real, you really have to adopt to another life and city and people. And a lot of people may
get scared because the french language, but this is nothing to worry about. The dutch are used to talking Englis
very good and expect to have to talk French on a same niveau, but looking at other students from all over the
world, you probably still speak French and Englis a lot better than them. So the French part should not
discourage anyone, you are able of a lot more than you expect.
2014-2015
Report 1
faculty/college
level
name study programme
Humanities, French Language and Culture
bachelor’s
master’s
PhD
Franse Taal en Cultuur
PREPARATION
exchange application process
The exchange application process, I feel, is exhaustive and stressful; there's a number of applications you have to
proceed in such as the first application after which the University of Utrecht will check if you're ready to get into
the programme of your choosing and the awaiting of the approval of the reveiving institution. The number of
documents to hand in is exhaustive and you have to get every document triple-signed : by the home institution,
by the receiving institution and by yourself. Communication between yourself and institutions is sometimes hard
and you sometimes have to be persistent to get documents signed and stamped on time.
counselling & support at Utrecht University
For questions I have found that I can always mail miss Leijtens of the International Office and she will always
give detailed answers, though not all counsellors are equally as attentive. I am very happy I attended the predeparture meeting and was thus informed about the different aspects of the exchange.
academic preparation
Two years of the bachelor 'French Language and Culture'
language preparation
Two years of the bachelor 'French Language and Culture'
finances
Monthly governmental students allowance (studiefinanciering uitwonend), monthly governmental allowance
for student's travel expenses (OV-vergoeding), monthly parental allowance. In November I received the
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
conditionally rewarded Erasmus Grant. Life in Paris is very expensive.
STUDY ABROAD PERIOD
study programme (content and organisational issues)
I have loved my study programme, History. I had not followed a single course in History at any university before
so it was quite hard to follow at times since I was following third year courses . I truly plunged into subjects I
knew nothing about. I have actively followed 7 courses, although I have only managed to complete 5 of them.
The courses I have followed were the following : La Révolution Française ; as a student of French Language and
Culture I wanted to take this opportunity to learn about a subject that isn't offered at my home institution yet
has shaped so much of modern day France. This course shows all the aspects of how the Revolution has been
shaped by a succession of events and sentiments. It was very interesting to consider the different factors that
lead to such a Revolution and to consider other factors than just the Lumières that are mostly attributed to the
beginning of the Revolution. Furthermore, I have followed the course Histoire des Institutions de l'Europe
Moderne, where I have learned the construction of the beginning of diplomatic Europe. It was very interesting
to see how diplomatic relations have developed from late medieval Italian establishments that started from a
commercial point of view (since the havens of Venice were a convenient meeting point for various superpowers
th
at the time) to more governmental based establishments in the 17 century - and to learn about the different
diplomats (among whom our very own Constantijn Huygens) and their ways of maintaining these new
international relations between superpowers. Thirdly, I have followed a course called Histoire des Relations
Internationales, where I have studied the development and construction of European states and the balances of
power after the Convention of Vienna of 1815. The focus in this course was the understanding of the balances
th
of power and the different conventions and treaties that held place in the 19 century. Fourthly, I have
followed a course in Histoire des Sciences . In this course I have studied the history of science itself. This was
explained by focusing on various viewpoints. Throughout the Renaissance to the Lumières we studied the
different aspects of science : ideological, political as well as material. Fifthly, I have taken the course in Histoire
des Politiques Symboliques. In this course I have learned the significance of symbolism in contemporary
societies, found in monuments, flags and ceremonies. I have found it very interesting to see what function
symbolism has in societies and it made me reflect about all the symbolism I see in my own Dutch society. Lastly,
I would like to mention that the two courses I have followed but finally deleted from my Learning Agreement,
namely Histoire de Consommation and Histoire de Mondialisation were very interesting courses of which I do
not regret having followed them (although unfruitfully) because they have taught me so much and got me
inspired to read certain books.
For all my courses I had to follow one hour of Cours Magistral (hoorcollege) and two hours of Travaux Dirigés
(werkcollege) a week. I had courses throughout the week, from Monday to Friday. All in all I am very content
with my chosen courses. I feel my courses have truly broadened my horizon and made me understand the way
modern day Europe was constructed by reflecting on its intercultural relations, revolutions, symbolism,
conventions and the rise of modern science on the inside of Europe and also the relation of Europe with respect
to the rest of the world. Only by understanding its history, I can start to understand its present.
academic quality of education activities
For each subject I had to do different assignments, but I was overall very content with the academic quality of
education activities. I personally liked the fact that we had to write down all the professors said. This helped me
memorizing the things they said more easily. What I liked less was the absence of Powerpoint and beamers ( I
heard there were three in the entire building) and the fact that we weren't expected to truly discuss the
subjects during the courses. The assignments were definitely sufficiently challenging and profound. For Histoire
de La Révolution Française, I had to hand in a dissertation of 8 pages and do an oral test. For Histoire des
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
Institutions de l'Europe Moderne I had to hand in 2 documents each of 4 pages, called 'commentaire de
document' and 'fiche de lecture'. Also, I had to make the final exam (partiels). For Histoire des Relations
Internationales I had to hand in an assignment which consisted of a résumé of an article and the answering of
questions. Also, I had to make the final exam (partiels). For Histoire des Sciences, I had to do a small
presentation and a big presentation about two articles. Also, I had to make the final exam (partiels). For Histoire
des Politiques Symboliques I had to do a big presentation, a discussion and hand in a dissertation.
counselling & support at receiving university abroad
The counsellor we had most contact with, mr Hulbert, was always very nice and helpful. He also answers his
mails very quickly. However, in general, the administration is not very well arranged at this receiving university.
The Secretary was only open 4 hours per day, on hours when I had my courses, and in another part of Paris, so
it was sometimes hard to go there and get the information or approval you need.
transfer of credits
We are yet to receive our credits and I have to admit this causes me quite some stress since our deadline is the
st
1 of March. I have been informed that apparently it is normal for this receiving institution to not have given
any transfer of credits yet.
STUDENT LIFE
welcome & orientation programme
I have participated fully in the Semaine d'Intégration that has been organised by the International Office of
Paris I. This week of introduction was not, as most seem to expect, a week of partying and having fun but rather
of getting to know the different types of papers and essays you are expected to write and how you are
supposed to do research in the semester to come (filed under méthodologie générale, méthodologie
documentaire spécialisée and ENT & EPI). Furthermore, the week started off with a language test based upon
which you would be following language courses from Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. After these courses
the courses of méthodologie and ENT/EPI would take place until 5 or 6 PM. Although the Semaine d'Intégration
was thus very packed with academic courses and activities, it was still nice to meet people and be in this part of
the city (Tolbiac) where I wouldn't have course again afterwards. Also there was a cocktail meeting on Friday
after the last course at 6 pm which was a nice opportunity to finally talk to the people I didn't have time to talk
to before.
accommodation
I have shared an apartment with my boyfriend (whom I've been with for over 3 years at that time) in Paris.
Since he works and already had the apartment for some time I have only paid 250 euros rent a month. I only
shared the shower, bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and living room with my boyfriend and we shared the costs for
food and toilet paper and other home-related things. We lived in the tenth arrondissement at Rue la Fayette.
Although this arrondissement is close to Gare du Nord (which is not particularly known for being a good
neighborhood) I liked this street and quartier a lot. In my street I could find all sorts of shops, there was a
plethora of supermarkets to choose from for daily purchases and I have never felt unsafe. The metro line 7 was
a five minute walk away from my house and Gare du Nord a ten minute walk. At night I did choose not to take
the RER-train from or to Gare du Nord when I was alone. I realize my situation is quite particular and personal
and might not be applicable to the greater part of students, but if you do have this opportunity I would most
definitely recommend it!
leisure & culture
It is hard not to find a thing to do in Paris, especially if you are an Erasmus student. I would like to start by
telling about a most memorable party that was organised by the CROUS Paris and took place in the Salle des
Fêtes of the Hôtel de Ville. This was a magnificent evening in which the exchange students of Paris I were
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
welcomed into the city. The Salle des Fêtes is not a place anyone would normally come, so it was a unique
opportunity and made everybody feel very welcome. Furthermore, there is a plethora of museums to see, it is
magnificent to see your favorite art in real life: of course the well known Louvre is a must go, if only for the
Mona Lisa. Musée d'Orsay hosts some of my favorite paintings (Lempicka, Jeune Fille Vert). Another museum I
would recommend is the Musée de Quai Branly (an ethnographic museum). It is very easy to visit all the
museums you want because when you are under 26 years old the entrance is always free for permanent
collections! But you do not always need to enter a museum to see age-old, beautiful and surprising things. Just
look around - walking through Paris I discovered for example the house of Victor Hugo and Nicolas Flamel - yes,
the alchemist you read about in Harry Potter. It is impossible to name all the amazing things you can do in Paris
: Party on a boat floating past the Eiffel Tower, meeting people from all around the world, have picnics with
new friends at Parc du Luxembourg, go to the 'Grandes Eaux Nocturnes' in Versailles, celebrate Halloween at
Disneyland Paris, but also just the day to day life : eating a freshly baked baguette, taking the metro, taking a
Velib (bike), trying out different food and things and routes through the city and of course, speaking French all
the time.
suggestions/tips
Follow all the facebookgroups that have anything in common with the university and Erasmus! This way, you
will get invited to tons of events and get to choose to whichever event you feel like going. Either way, the ISAP
foreign students organisation of the university will give you lots of opportunities to meet new people and the
city. They also organise trips to other parts in France.
CONCLUSIONS
would you recommend this university/destination abroad to others? please explain
I would recommend this university to others, if only for the sheer pleasure of looking out of your window and
seeing the age-old buildings of the Sorbonne and getting to see and experience Paris in a unique way. The
courses are interesting and the professors are competent. I will never forget my time in Paris.
do you have any additional advice or comments?
Be patient yet persistent when it comes to administration. Administration will be complicated and
contradictive, but stay calm and talk to other Erasmus-students : you'll find that they encounter the same
problems and that you are not alone.
Report 2
faculty/college
level
name study programme
Geesteswetenschappen/Universiteit Utrecht
bachelor’s
master’s
PhD
Liberal Arts & Sciences (UU) and UFR09 HIstoire (in Paris)
PREPARATION
exchange application process
I think in the end I underestimated the whole application process. Especially when going to Paris, the
administration isn't very clear and the people often the least helpful. Matt Hulbert from the international office
in Paris is luckily the utmost helpful and faster than the speed of light with replying. The other french people in
departments at the Sorbonne were unfortunately not so helpful nor understanding the difficulty of a 'lost'
Erasmus student new to the french university system. I don't think I wouldn't have gone studying abroad even if I
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
knew about these administrative application troubles, but I think it was good I didn't know what was waiting for
me exactly :-)
counselling & support at Utrecht University
The support and preparation was great in Utrecht. I think the pre-departure meeting was nice and informing.
They noted us on the cultural shock when coming back and I kept that carefully in mind. I think I can 'diagnose'
myself with that now, so it is very helpful to have been attended on it before leaving so that now I know what
feeling I am having.
What I did find very regrettable, was that I would have loved to study literature in Paris. I was told there was
only a studying agreement with the department of History. However, on Osiris I could apply for the Université
Paris Sorbonne IV. On the last day of applying I was very surprised and scared by the fact that the Université
Paris Sorbonne I wasn't on the list in Osiris. The woman in the international office in Utrecht told me I was the
first to notice, and told me there was no problem. It would be changed to Paris I - because that was the
university I was applying for after all. When I was in Paris I learned that all the Sorbonne universities have
different numbers and are actually all independent universities, offering different studies. I then learned that
the Sorbonne IV is exactly where to study literature. When I heard this, my heart broke. How much I would
have loved to study literature in Paris, which would have suited my studies of literature in Utrecht so well! It
turned out the International Office in Utrecht wasn't even aware of this difference in Sorbonne universities and
faculties…
academic preparation
I felt like my academic preparation was sufficient and good. It was a little difficult since I was following history
courses, while never having really studied history. Nevertheless, it was doable and I managed!
language preparation
While being raised bilingually, I had some language barriers in the beginning. It might have to do with the
somewhat "cultural shock" when arriving in Paris and in addition to that, having to express yourself in another
language with people not too vigilent and indulgent if you can't come up with the correct words straight away.
But it got better every day and in the end I didn't even notice it anymore.
finances
It was really helpful that my parents were willing to pay my housing, otherwise I wouldn't be sure if I would
have been able to live so 'easily'. In addition to that, the life in Paris is I think, on average, 1.5 times more
expensive than in the Netherlands. I never really got used to it, but that's litteraly the price you have to pay to
live in such an enchanting and decadent city as Paris.
STUDY ABROAD PERIOD
study programme (content and organisational issues)
Since I never really took (university) history classes, it was quite a challenge to follow history courses (and then
also in French). I didn't have any prior knowledge and I wasn't familiar with the historical jargon. The philosophy
courses I followed as well as the choir classes and exam felt as if they were more corresponding to me and my
prior curriculum. I also took classical dance classes every week, and I found it a shame that French students
receive credits for these classical ballet classes. Apparently, as a foreign Erasmus student this isn't possible,
although we were doing exactly the same classes and doing the same effort. I find this disappointing.
Besides, it has to be repeated that French administration isn't the best (to say the least) and that French people
in general aren't very helpful when it comes down to helping (foreigners).
academic quality of education activities
My 'cultural shock' comprised an educational shock too. I found French education very 'parrot' like, meaning
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
that everything a professor says needs to be written down. It was shocking to me to see all French students
with their laptop, blindly copying everything the professor was saying. There is very little room for critical
thinking and asking questions. Especially in the beginning I had to adapt myself to this.
counselling & support at receiving university abroad
The 'Maison Internationale' where Matthieu Hulbert is seated is very nice and super helpful. Everything you ask
him is answered within a day. Apart from that, the administrative part for choosing courses was quite
complicated. Since I followed 2 philosophy courses and the choir, I had to go by several offices (with rigid and
small opening hours) to confirm and register for the courses. Because I was subscribed at UFR09 Histoire this
wasn't always easy (see next point)
transfer of credits
I still only received something like 4 grades from all the exams I did in Paris. I still am uncertain which grades I
received and, most of all, if all my professors correctly transferred all my grades to the UFR09 Histoire office.
The 2 courses in philosophy and the choir classes were not at the UFR09 so I asked all the professors several
time to transmit my grade to the UFR09. Because the transfer of grades are going past the student, I am still
simply praying that all the professors kindly followed my instructions and transferred all my grades to the
UFR09.
STUDENT LIFE
welcome & orientation programme
The welcome programme was very formal and educational and far from 'simply socializing'. We had just one get
together drink and besides that, a whole introduction week consisting of classes of French language with an
exam at the end of the week as well as intensive French methodological classes. It was not the a relaxing 'get to
know other foreign students' meeting.
accommodation
th
I stayed in a girls Foyer with around 90 other girls. It was in the 6 arrondissement and I could do everything
easily by bike. It was an amazing spot! Besides that, an aunt of mine and many other friends live in Paris. I called
myself lucky to know so many people beforehand.
leisure & culture
Paris is The City when it comes down to culture. The (Erasmus) student associations organised many activities
which was very great. There is almost so much happening in Paris that sometimes I got nervous of all the things
and options I had and the little time I in fact had for them.
suggestions/tips
Biking is a wonderful way to get to know Paris - much cheaper and more sportive too :-)
CONCLUSIONS
would you recommend this university/destination abroad to others? please explain
Yes, I think Paris is an amazing city to live in and by studying you get really 'in' to French life, university,
students. I really had to adapt to the different way of teaching but all in all it was a very rich experience - with
all the good as well as the bad moments.
do you have any additional advice or comments?
Don't worry about the administrational side, you are not alone and everything will turn out fine. People will
contradict one another in the information they give you, but just hold on and triple-check everything. And
Exchange Experiences
International Office
France - Paris - Université Paris 1 - Panthéon Sorbonne
comfortingly enough: there are many more Erasmus students with exactly the same troubles. And everything is
twice over worth it!