Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Total Independence Abroad Past Review

By (Economics And French, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in always worthwhile - whether it was a positive or a negative experience. I learned a lot about myself, I became really interested in international affairs and I improved my French.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes are rigorous, especially in the smaller classes where there is a lot discussion. Sciences Po is very focused on current events so it is expected that you keep up to date on everything that is happening. Outside of class, the emphasis is on group work, and throughout the semester you will have numerous group presentations and papers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It is established before you go, that your home institution will not provide you with a lot of support once you are abroad. You are completely on your own in terms of housing and arranging your coursework.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very lucky and found a very nice host family to live with. I found this family through personal connections however and had friends that weren't as lucky. Looking back, it might have been nice to live with other younger students but overall I was satisfied with my host family.

* Food:

The food in France is excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Paris is a large city, it's hard to feel always integrated. That being said, because I lived with a family I felt integrated at home and very much a part of their family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no problems with health care.

* Safety:

For the most part, I felt pretty safe. As always in a big city, young students should take extra precaution but overall I felt pretty safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Paris is very expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? at least $200 not including travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving early. Look for student discounts. Watch your wallet from the beginning of your study abroad time. Book your travel plans early. Don't transfer money internationally.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 210
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Watch movies in the foreign language, listen to music, read newspapers, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The amount of international students
  • The caliber of professors at Sciences Po
* What could be improved?
  • Lack of support in terms of finding housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It always helps to prepare. Start looking for housing early, get all your papers in order early, learn the area, etc.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!