Immersed into the splendor of Paris as well as French Administration Past Review

By (Near and Middle Eastern Studies., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/26/2013 to 12/22/2013 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Language skills, knowledge of French law and international relations, and the wonderful feeling of feeling like more than a tourist.

Review Photos

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

You have really got to fight if you want any help-- and don't even think about trying to enroll or switch a class after registration (it won't work!)

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment I found on my own and loved it.

* Food:

Expensive, but, I mean--- it's Paris.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy a metro card! Definitely budget your money so that you don't go overboard with non-essential items.

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

My language immersion in my classes (all French) was phenomenal.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 211
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city
  • The language immersion
  • The other international students
* What could be improved?
  • Relations with French students
  • Sciences Po administration
  • Help finding housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it is ESSENTIAL to do the welcome week if you want to really meet other international students!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.