The American University of Paris: Where Global Education Meets the City of Light
Nestled in the heart of Paris’s elegant 7th arrondissement, within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, The American University of Paris (AUP) stands as one of Europe’s oldest American institutions of higher learning. Founded in 1962 by Dr. Lloyd A. DeLamater—a former U.S. State Department official and NATO officer—the university began as the American College in Paris in a series of rented rooms in the basement of the American Church of Paris, with an entering class of just 100 students.
A Vision Ahead of Its Time
DeLamater’s founding vision was remarkably prescient for the early 1960s. Having witnessed the isolation of postwar Europe, he sought to “bridge the gap of narrow nationalisms” by creating an institution that would educate students prepared to embrace the intellectual and cultural challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. His goal was to help students move beyond the borders and beliefs of their home countries, launching themselves into global citizenship. This pioneering vision led to AUP becoming the first American-style university established in Europe, a distinction it still holds today. Buy fake USA diploma online.
A Truly Global Community
At the core of AUP’s identity is its remarkable student body. Today, approximately 1,280 students represent 105 nationalities and speak 53 distinct languages and dialects across campus. With an average class size of just 16 students for undergraduate courses and a student-to-faculty ratio of roughly 10 to 1, the university provides an intimate, personalized learning environment. Nearly 70 percent of students speak two or more languages, and faculty members themselves represent 30 nationalities, with 74 percent speaking three or more languages. This diversity is not incidental but fundamental to AUP’s mission of producing graduates who can communicate effectively in a multilingual world.
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An Urban Campus Without Walls
Unlike traditional universities with enclosed campuses, AUP’s ten buildings are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of Parisian life. Classes are not confined to lecture halls—an art history course might meet at the Louvre, a political science seminar could draw on resources at the National Assembly, and students regularly intern at French startups or volunteer with refugee organizations across the city. The campus continues to evolve, with a new flagship building on the historic rue de l’Université recently opened, featuring a welcome center, academic services, and the university’s first student dormitory directly on campus.
Academic Excellence and Professional Preparation
AUP offers over 25 undergraduate majors and six core fields of graduate study, all taught in English, spanning the humanities, social sciences, business, and international relations. Students can choose from a wide array of disciplines, including international economics, global communications, psychology, computer science, film studies, and art history. The university has been continuously accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1973—the same body that accredits Cornell University, Columbia University, and New York University. AUP also maintains prestigious academic partnerships with institutions such as Oxford University, the Université de Paris Sorbonne, and The New School in New York City.
Outcomes and Impact
The success of AUP’s mission can be measured by its 23,000 alumni, who live and work across 145 countries worldwide. Among the university’s notable alumni are distinguished individuals who have achieved global recognition in their fields, including award-winning actress Eva Green, celebrated fashion designer Tom Ford, NCIS star Michael Weatherly, and international humanitarian leaders such as Jillian Buckley, Chief of Staff at the International Rescue Committee, and Ambassador Nate Adler, a senior U.S. diplomat. Ninety-three percent of graduates secure employment within one year, and nine out of ten speak at least two languages, reflecting the university’s success in preparing students for truly international careers.
A Lasting Legacy
From its humble beginnings in a church basement to its current status as a premier American-style university in Europe, The American University of Paris remains true to its founding purpose. Its combination of rigorous liberal arts education, genuine cultural diversity, and the unparalleled setting of Paris creates a transformative experience unlike any other. For students seeking to transcend the boundaries of their home countries and become global citizens, AUP offers not just an education, but a launching point into a life of meaningful international engagement.
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