My Exchange at Jean Moulin 3 University
I first found out about an exchange through a friend who had went to Kings College in London. Growing up in Europe, and having finally been over due to the pandemic, it fermented the idea that I would like to go on exchange. Choosing and being accepted to Jean Moulin Lyon 3 was a surreal experience. Arriving in France was a bit difficult at first. We are lucky here in New Zealand where we do not have to worry too much about beucratic measures like getting a key o your room in university student accommodation. In France, I was in for a surprise. Not only was it tiresome, non-sensiscal and time consuming, but it was difficult trying to do all these admin tasks in another language. Once I got the keys to my room however, it was smooth sailing from there. When university started, it was quite overwhelming. The first week was a language intensive week, whereby we had to take 4 hours of French for 4 days Monday-Thursday). After that, the following week classes started along with continuous French but only once a week. The class content and the structure of classes were very favorable in terms of travel. I was fortunate where I would only have classes on Monday evening, and no classes on Friday, meaning that Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I had class. In other words, this was a perfect timetable for travel. being in Lyon, it was very convenient to travel to other parts of Europe and France.2 hour journey to Switzerland, 3 hours to Italy, very cheap flights to Spain and Portugal, and a 2 hour train ride to Paris. This was all a surprise to me as I did not even think about the convuience Lyon had to offer in relation to the resat of Europe. Regardless of the travel, the courses that I learnt in Lyon were extremely informative and prividing a different expereince and perspective that I would have otherwnise not have recieved had I stayed at UOA. It was very informative and gave me an entirely different perpsective on life and the things that I would like to do. The cost of living in Lyon was relatively around the same as in Auckland, with plus or minus a few perks. The coversion rate made everyhing seem more expensive than it was but it was relativeky similar. Howveer, the main game changer for me was paying 25 euros a month (around 50 nzd) and being able to get unlimitted use on trams, metros and buses. Lyon itself as a city was beuatiful. Consisting of the old town, the historical part and the modern part of town, all felt like you were in a different country depending on what part of the city you were in. Another surprise was nowing that Lyon was the gastrominal capital of the world, a great one for any food lovers out there. Finally, veing a more niche destination, everything was relatively in French, pushing myself to practice French and engage more in a different culture, further opening my eyes. if you are after a rich multi-cultural expereince, as well as a unique set of courses to study from while also being provuided with intense French lessons, and not to mention easy travel from Lyon, then Jean Moulin Lyon 3 is for you.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
I really enjoyed the French classes we had. While I was expecting to being able to progress my French, I did not expect it to be to this extent. As mentioned, having doing French intensively, I can confidently say my French has drastically improved. Not only that, but the courses themselves were interesting. A highlight from my academic experience would have to be engaging in debates in relation to the European Union.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Would reccomend going to a bouchan, a typical Lyonaise restaurnt with insanely (somrtimes wierd) food. The French love their art and museums, so would highly recommend visiting museums and art galleries as well as attending sports games, specifically supporting Olympique Lyonnais.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
Having an open mind, being persistent, and down to do whatever comes your way.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I budgeted around 200 euros a week. This was a generous amount, but I budgeted this in case there were emergencies or there were spontaneous events that occurred. Obviously, I would never really reach this limit, but as a buffer it helped me plan my week and I was able to grasp what I could and could not afford. Would highly recommend Wise.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
Understanding how legal frameworks work outside of New Zealand and in other countries, understanding and learning about new cultures and countries and importantly, understanding myself and how I cope in situations outside my comfort zone. All experiences that I would not have been able to have had I stayed in Auckland this past semester.
Is there any advice you could share about accommodation options at your host university and/or in the local area?
I lived in student accomodation Crous. it consisted of a bed, desk, and own bathroom including a shower. There was a shared kitchen with around 30 other people, but that was rarely a problem. There was no oven, only stove tops which at times got a bit annoying. Rent was 283 euros a month (around 470 nzd) including power and Wi-Fi.
Do you have any advice on what mobile phone apps and/or phone plans that were useful in your host country?
I used Wise for banking, Travel Oracle, Insta Bridge for an e sim, trainline for the intercity trains within Europe and city mapper for getting around parts of a city I did not know.
I used a French plan which was around 27 euros a month (It consisted of 250gs, unlimited texts and calls) but this was around Europe. I bought this plan knowing that I would be travelling and would like to be at ease when I am in another country and not having to worry about charges etc.