Osilama Udochi: Shaping a Path Through Psychology, Entrepreneurship and Helping Others

For Osilama Udochi, choosing AUP was as much about practicality as it was about fulfilling a dream. Originally from Nigeria, Osilama sought a school that combined her passion for psychology with the accessibility of being taught in English. “AUP was the only school in Paris offering psychology at the undergraduate level in English,” she explains. With scholarships covering about 75% of her studies, AUP was also the only university that could make her dream of studying in Paris a reality. 

Osilama first visited Paris through AUP’s summer program, where she was paired with an admissions counselor and participated in a French immersion course. That experience, combined with the University’s international community and personalized education, solidified her decision to enroll full-time.

Now in her second year at AUP, Osilama has embraced the flexibility of the liberal arts education, which has allowed her to explore different disciplines. “I wanted to study something with people—maybe forensic psychology or chemistry,” she recalls. “And AUP gave me the chance to mix fields.” Currently, she’s exploring the intersection of psychology and gender studies, with a minor in Entrepreneurship. 

One of her favorite aspects of AUP’s academic environment is its interdisciplinary approach. “The collaboration between classes is so interesting,” she says. “You’re introduced to new concepts and perspectives that help you view the world differently.”

Osilama’s involvement in campus life is as dynamic as her academic journey. As a Junior Class Representative in the Student Senate, she has worked to organize events such as the Internship Fair and the Majors Fair, aimed at helping her peers navigate their AUP journeys. Furthermore, her dedication to supporting others extends to her role in the First Year Success Program. After participating as a first-year student, Osilama became an advisor, guiding new students through the challenges of transitioning to AUP.  She is also an active member of Bread of Life, a Bible-based club for Christian students, and uses her entrepreneurial spirit to run a small nail business—an idea sparked by an entrepreneurship project she did at AUP. 

For Osilama, the diversity at AUP has been both a challenge and a gift. “The first year was about getting used to the fact that you’ll meet people who don’t share your beliefs,” she reflects. “It’s a constant learning experience. Everyone comes from such different cultural backgrounds.” 

Despite its small size, AUP feels expansive to her. “You’re always meeting new people—it’s a small university, but it feels big,” she says. She emphasizes the importance of making the most of your peers and of using all the resources available at the University, such as the ACE Center (for finding internships, for example) and the Library, which “isn’t just for academics,” she reminds students. “Take advantage of everything!”