Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A non-academic education Past Review

By (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/06/2013 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more from the people I met and the time I spent traveling than I learned in the classroom. My advice to anybody going abroad is to not stress school and to embrace what a unique opportunity study abroad is, I wish I could do it again. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses weren't as challenging as at Wellesley and also are, for the most part, entirely comprised of lectures instead of discussions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very slow!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I ended up in a home stay since housing isn't provided. I would suggest that other people find someone to share an apartment with or move into Cite Universitaire!

* Food:

The food in Paris is amazing, but neither the school nor program provides it. Explore on your own!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It took a while to become integrated. I really think spending a year abroad instead of a semester would solve this problem.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only visited the doctor for a physical, you need one to participate on a sports team, and it was incredibly easy and inexpensive! (20 euro for the visit). The only bad thing was your mandatory (and expensive) student insurance doesn't come into effect until October 1st, so you have to pay for visits before then.

* Safety:

Paris is safe, but it's also a city. Be aware and ask locals where you shouldn't go late at night/alone. The only incident I had in Paris was when I got my phone stolen on the metro, but I was holding it out late at night and wasn't being careful enough.

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 crazy expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? basics: $200 a week for rent, $40 for groceries, $150 for going out
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you're worried about saving money, don't go to Paris. You won't have a choice but to spend money if you really want to experience it.

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

I chose to do my courses in French. There is also an English option, but since Wellesley requires you to have taken French to attend Sciences Po, you really might as well just do it all in French.

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 211
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? College courses can only help so much. I think going to French Table or some other speaking group with native speakers is much more beneficial.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • 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?
  • Direct exchange meant you were mixed with French students
  • Joining a sports team (or other clubs) helps you make local friends
  • Classes weren't that hard to pass
* What could be improved?
  • Courses offered for exchange students aren't as interesting as local students
  • More parties for international and local students
  • Not be required to take a full course load
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Give yourself Mondays/Fridays off if you can to travel, don't live with a home stay, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.