Rhea Harris, 4 BACP,
My time at the Institut Catholique de Paris was truly unforgettable. I spent six months in one of the world’s greatest cities, studying subjects such as art history, cinema, and literature while living alongside historic sites and monuments.
The faculty and student committees at ICP were extremely welcoming and helped make the experience memorable through educational tours and cultural activities, including a Seine River cruise for exchange students.
I was especially fascinated by the teaching styles of the art history faculty. Attending both lecture-based and tutorial-style classes made learning engaging, and despite having no prior background in American art history, it quickly became one of my favourite subjects.
Although I took nine subjects during the semester, the pacing and structure of the courses still allowed ample time to explore Paris and experience its culture firsthand.
I am grateful to the Department of Media Studies, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) for providing me with this enriching opportunity.
Riddhi Sharma, 4 BACE
Going on an exchange programme was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only is Paris an incredible city, with beauty and history flowing through its streets and the undercurrents of the Seine, but it is also a brewing ground for personal growth and transformation.
At the Catholic University of Paris, I delved into subjects that truly interested me, while being exposed to different teaching methods and assessment practices. I was challenged in a healthy way, not just academically, but also personally. By navigating daily life alone in a different country, I was able to gain a newfound sense of independence and confidence.
Reflecting back on this wonderful experience, my memories are filled with the joys of new friendships, exciting discoveries, and enriching knowledge. I have grown tremendously, and I now feel more confident to step out into this world and achieve my goals.
Oveee Kulkarni, 4 BACP
This program truly lived up to its name. It was full of exchanges: exchanges of culture, stories, language, and educational perspectives. I experienced life in a way that I had never before. The most valuable lesson I learned was: All you have to do is ask.
There were a lot of struggles and adjustments I had to make to get through these 5 months, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without help. Through these experiences, I came to understand the beauty of mistakes- and I made plenty of them. More importantly, I learned to accept and move on from the mistakes, to let go.
Academically, the classes held were refreshingly different. The educational approach at ICP was more flexible and engaging; classrooms were small, one-to-one student-teacher communication became easier, and exams had different structures. I personally found it easier to keep up with the coursework, but I would have loved a challenge too. This program allowed me to see both the world and myself through a different lens, and I loved this new set of glasses it offered me.
I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would strongly encourage more students to participate in exchange programs abroad. It allows you to grow, explore and learn values that textbooks cannot teach you.
