Visiting Exchange Student Profile

Name: Julien Sauné

Home country: France

Home university: Sciences-Po, Paris

At Sciences-Po University in Paris, students have to complete a year of their studies abroad. When Julien Sauné started to think about where he would go, he came up with a number of criteria. He wanted to experience a different university system, he wanted to go to an English-speaking country and he wanted to make sure his destination was a long way away. “If you get the chance to go abroad, why would you choose to go next door?” said Julien.

Given all that, Australia was probably a logical choice. Even so, Julien really didn’t know much about the country or the ANU. When he made his final choice, he did some research, but deliberately didn’t investigate too deeply. “I wanted to discover, to still be a bit innocent,” he said.

Julien’s first impressions were not great. It was the middle of winter when he arrived, and it was also the middle of holidays, so there was nobody around. Julien relied on a positive attitude to pull him through the early days. “I remained open,” he said.

As time passed, Canberra started to grow on him. “I’m getting to like it more and more,” said Julien. In particular, he likes the focus on the environment and the fact that it is “quiet, but not too quiet”. “There are a lot of beautiful places. There are a lot of interesting things to learn, because it is the capital,” he said.

Julien has found the French and Australian university systems to be similar. While he thinks some Australian tutors are less experienced than their French counterparts, the relationship between lecturers and students is more open at ANU. “It is easier to get in contact with the lecturers here,” said Julien. He has also been impressed by the ANU administration. “The administration is really efficient compared to a lot of universities in France,” he said.

Julien, who lives at Burton and Garran Hall, recommends that visiting students stay in the university residences. “I really like it. I think it’s perfect for an exchange,” he said. “It’s very enriching. You meet people from all over the world,” said Julien.

Outside of the classroom, Julien has spent most of his time working part-time and travelling. He has had a range of jobs, from working in restaurants to teaching French. Balancing work and study has been easy for Julien. “I’ve been able to study quite seriously and save money as well,” he said.