France

University of Auckland students have the opportunity to study at six partner universities in France: ESSEC Business School, INSA Rennes (Science only), Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, Toulouse Business School, and Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3.  

Let’s hear what our students have to say…

On my first tour around the city I fell in love with its majestic grey buildings, historical monuments and the sound of Parisians chatting on the streets. I could understand why people call Paris one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

                                                                                                                  – Catherine, Sciences Po

The exchange was the first proper travelling that I have ever done and as such has broadened my opinions on the world and allowed me to get a better idea of our own, somewhat insignificant place in the world as New Zealanders.

– Daniel, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

The city itself is very old, dating back to Antiquity, with ancient ruins dotted around the relatively younger buildings in the typical French style. Lyon is also lauded as the gastronomic capital of the world, and it is very easy to see (and taste!) why. The streets are dotted with bouchons – little bistros serving traditional food – and daily marchés where you can buy fresh produce, wine, and local delicacies. Everyone looks to Paris when they think of France, but for me, Lyon is a hidden gem! There is so much to do in the city, from the many musées and art galleries, to the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of Fourvière on the hill, to Parc de la Tête d’Or, a giant park in the north of the city that holds the zoo, botanical gardens, and a large lake.”

– Samantha, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

Many an afternoon, evening, and wee hours of the morning were spent relaxing along the edges of the Rhône and the Saône, enjoying fresh market fruits and wine. French life is very easy to assimilate to – even if you find yourself surrounded by a bevy of international students instead of French ones. Picnics were a staple of life there, with all the cheeses you could ever want and fresh baguette for 1 euro.

– Susy, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

I loved Lyon and France. Lyon is beautiful, big enough to be exciting and have lots to see and do, but not massive so that it is daunting and expensive. Much more relaxed than Paris and much cheaper and cleaner. Highly recommended. So easy to get around with plenty of public transport options and unlimited use of them with your student transport card – around 30 euro a month. There is also a public bike system, which some of my friends used exclusively.

– Gabriella, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

French people love food and they really know how to enjoy every moment of their meal. There are cafes, restaurants, boulangeries and patisseries everywhere in the city and most of them are usually crowded. My favourite food was the baguette, anyone who visits France must try it! When you bite into it the crust crackles under your teeth and the bread inside is moist and chewy and it melts on your tongue.

– Catherine, Sciences Po Paris

I fell in love with Lyon the minute I arrived. Lyon is an amazing city with tons to do. Buses are very cheap to go to nearby destinations, as are trains if you book them well in advance. There is also a website called blabla car which offers cheap carpooling for places that are hard to get to by public transport – I highly recommend this.

– Elise, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

Looking back on my exchange, Lyon was definitely one of my favourite places that I visited in Europe and I cannot wait to return there one day. It is a city rich in history and culture, and if travelling and exploring is a priority for your exchange, then Lyon is definitely the perfect place!

– Samantha, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

Being in France meant that I was just a cheap flight away from many other European countries which are all amazing in themselves! Four day weekends meant that I could make the most of quick trips around the continent.

– Phoebe, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3