Olivia (Sem 1, 2023)

My Exchange at Jean Moulin – Lyon 3 University

I took Global Studies as I heard it was a great course to lead into an exchange semester. I was very excited when I first arrived in Lyon but I was also nervous to start a life in a new country all on my own. Although I very quickly made friends through my accommodation, it was nothing special but enough. The best part of the accommodation was the amazing friends I met who I will likely remain friends with. Orientation for the Self Program was very useful but very intensive.

One of the biggest cultural shocks for me was the teaching style, it is much more formal and less assignment-based, and I feel my grades were impacted by this change. Lyon was incredibly beautiful and very quickly felt like home. This was my first time living away from my parents so adjusting to paying my way was different but the cost of living was pretty good, and I managed to keep a good budget. There are many student support opportunities including free groceries every week.

I didn’t spend a lot of time on campus but it was a beautiful campus with a very cheap cafeteria where you got served full meals for 5NZD. The highlights of my exchange were the amazing people I met and the beautiful places I got to visit. The biggest challenges were likely financial but there were no severe struggles for myself. If you are thinking about going on exchange, do it, it’s that simple. It was the best 5 months of my life. 

Q&A

What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?

I had professors from many different countries, and it gave me new cultural insights, specifically in humanities-based subjects.

What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?

1. Go to the Erasmus Party in Lyon parties they are a great way to meet new people.
2. Visit the little towns, they are so beautiful even if you just visit for a couple of hours (and take the Flixbus).
3. Try french tacos!

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 had 6,000NZD in savings when I went to France and additionally had support from my parents. Without the support from my parents, I would have struggled a lot with getting by and wouldn’t have been able to make the most of the exchange experience.

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

You have to travel and experience other countries’ ways of life, it will change you in ways you could never expect.