Exchange: Paris - Sciences Po Past Review
By Julia S (Economics, French, Wellesley College) for
Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned about what kind of city makes me happy. What factors are important to me in terms of quality of life (eg. fresh farmer's market versus good shopping nearby). The importance of public transport. I also learned what kind of student I am on a "global" level. It was interesting to have the comparison with French students. I also learned how Americans are seen by French people and most foreigners. I didn't discover much about my academic interests, but I did learn how to relax a bit and take it easier than I ever have at Wellesley. I had several personal events going on this semester, and I think being abroad taught me how to approach them with less stress and more versatility.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was disappointed by the caliber of students at Sciences Po, and found many of the class discussions superficial. I also had trouble figuring out the grading system, which seemed so subjective that it was laughable. I did appreciate the extensive uses of technology and public speaking. My presentation skills and confidence are much better thanks to the mandatory "exposé" that each class requires as part of its assessments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very laissez-faire, had to chase the administration for most tasks, was often scolded for not having a requirement that was never made clear to me to begin with. I still don't know how to get a copy of my transcript. The knowledge of the host country was never made clear to me - I couldn't get an appointment with the Center for the Americas. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a beautiful 2 bedroom apartment on Rue du Château d'Eau, in the 10th arrondissement, just off of Place de la République on the right bank of Paris. <br /><br /> I found my own housing, which was stressful and time consuming, but ended up being fine in the end. I advise future students to NOT BOTHER seriously looking for housing before coming to Paris. No landlord will take you seriously! Instead, I recommend you research the market fully (start looking at general price ranges and availability on websites like pap.fr, the Sciences Po accommodation site and the BDE housing listings, lodgis.fr, fusac.com) and read up so you know what to expect. Then when you get here, make sure to have your documents and copies ready (especially your "garant" form, which is a signed statement from someone in France if possible - otherwise your parents - saying they guarantee to pay your rent if you can't) and do visit after visit. Always look presentable and be polite - France bases a lot on appearances and "togetherness". Always mention that you study at Sciences Po. My neighborhood is not considered safe, but I never had a problem. Close to Place de la République is fine, but anything further north (for example, the OTHER end of Château d'Eau) is not fine. I was extremely lucky to have 6 metro lines, 3 grocery stores, 3 boulangeries, bars/ cafes, the Canal, and a farmer's market all within a 2 block radius. The two most important things to look for when apartment hunting are a metro stop and a supermarket. I am very glad I ended up where I did, rather than the more luxurious but incredibly expensive and not well connected arrondissements. I found furnished housing and needed nothing when I moved in except a new washing machine, which my landlord paid for. |
| * Food: |
I bought and cooked all of it myself! I suggest you try the Canal St Martin for cheap and cute dining spots. There's a cool pizza place that opens in summer on the Canal that you will find by the pink balloons. Also, Chez Prune has a nice neighborhood atmosphere. There is a good medium range Thai place at the end of Rue Lancry by the canal, and a good Lebanese place on Rue Pierre Chausson. These are all neighborhood hangouts- in the end you will probably enjoy eating in those kinds of places rather than the overcrowded student bars in the 5th and 6th. Also - I cannot tell you how sick of French "brasserie" food you will get. It's actually quite boring, fattening, and heavy. So instead I recommend you seek out the cheap "ethnic" eats (where ethnic includes all things not French). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
the PROGRAM had few interesting social aspects, as there was barely a "program," but the social aspects of being in Paris were great after I made some friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I have always felt safe enough. Health issues were not treated by the program. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Varied so much - difficult to give an average estimate as some weeks I had basically no expenses while the next I would have rent due, plane tickets to buy, birthday presents to buy, and 2 parties... I would say in the end I spent about 70 euros a week on food (eating in, but high quality products). There were always cheaper options (I bought fish and meat - you can really save by eating only pasta and salad) - but I didn't go out that much so food was where I spent money. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | French social security (mandatory) is about 200 euros. There is a mandatory 55 euro tax to get your Carte de Sejour (on your visa) after you arrive. You will also pay a depot de garant which is one or two months' rent extra that you get back only after your landlord or agency has verified everything is in order, so make sure you know what "in order" means before you move out. You will probably spend more on traveling than you had anticipated - it's actually not that cheap to travel around Europe once you consider getting to/from the airports, accommodation, food, and sightseeing, let alone going out. I suggest instead that you scale it back - with your Sciences Po ID you get into most museums in Paris FREE. (Including Orsay, Louvre, Rodin, Pompidou...) Last, you will have random unexpected expenses, so try to save (eat in, have house "soirées) on weeks you know you have nothing going on so you can be prepared when your friend from home is spontaneously in town and wants to see all the major sights and go shopping and eat out... |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300-level |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I found it very challenging - but helpful - to have lengthy textbook readings in French. It forced me to keep a longer attention span and learn technical terms and business French. I did use French in everyday interactions, even if I sometimes felt artificial because I knew most of the locals spoke enough English to communicate anyway. The best way to practice the language, in my opinion, is to surround yourself by it outside of school, as well. I had an American flatmate, which was great for emotional support, but not for improving my language skills. Last, I recommend that you get a local group of friends. It truly was the booster that perfected my language skills to the best of my ability. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are really attached to home or haven't traveled that much, I suggest you try one of the sponsored programs (eg Sweet Briar) instead of Sciences Po. Doing a direct exchange really requires you to be extremely independent and almost aggressive in making friends and connections. Being a part of a program relieves that stress. If you do this program, I think you can prepare to have a really authentic experience! It is nice - in kind of an elitist way - to be able to say that. The type of student that would benefit the most from this program is self-motivated, independent, not sensitive, adventurous, and responsible. |
