It was an absolutely amazing learning/living experience! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Sciences Po was a very different academic experience from what I was used to, which was great. Though some lecture classes were quite big (upwards of 75 students), I felt that the professors had a vast knowledge of their respective fields. However, as per the french system, most of the smaller classes were spent evaluating students in the subject (e.g. through presentations, exams, etc.), which made it more difficult to learn during the classes. Nevertheless, taking courses in French definitely improved my speaking and especially my writing abilities in the language. The grading, of course, is also very different, and I was surprised by how difficult it was to receive what I would normally deem a good grade, especially since part of being abroad is experiencing the culture as well (so less time was devoted to academics). The french classes I took both had presentations and long papers that were in french (e.g. 10 pages or above). It was definitely challenging to write complex papers and presentations in French, but I felt that it was a great way to better learn the language.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was very difficult to find a relatively affordable place to live, and the housing office at Sciences Po was not very helpful. I got lucky, and ended up finding a place to live after several weeks of staying with a friend.

As a gluten-intolerant traveler, it is definitely difficult to eat cheaply in Paris. However, I knew enough french to make sure that I ate properly.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in Paris, most people speak English, and the majority (at least in my experience), wanted to speak English versus French. However, if you persevere and continue speaking French even when someone is speaking English, you can definitely practice the language. Day to day things also helped me feel integrated and allowed me to be immersed into the culture: simpler things like going to the markets, opening bank accounts, and renting a room. However, it was difficult to make many french student friends, as I was only in Paris for the semester.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not experience the healthcare system in Paris.

For the most part, I felt relatively safe in Paris. However, it is quite dangerous at night, and especially girls have to be aware that men will follow you. I had a lot of incidents in which I was followed for long periods of times, grabbed inappropriately, etc. For future study abroad students, I suggest always being with at least one other person, especially at night, and preferably be with a male companion.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was very difficult to live on a student's budget, especially since I did not work during my semester abroad. I was very lucky and got reasonable housing (about 475 euros a month), but since I am also gluten intolerant, food was very expensive for me (essentially I can only eat meat and vegetables), which became very difficult towards the end of the abroad program.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It was greatly encouraged, but particularly in my classes that were taught in French.

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• Dorm

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• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Meeting other international students, and getting to know the french culture.
• Learning about and being immersed in the issues plaguing the EU
• Living in Paris!

• Help with students trying to find housing or host families
• A better explanation of the French grading system/ academic system
• Understanding of Paris layout, safe places, etc.

The Academic or Linguist