Truly experienced Parisian student life and ways of living Past Review
By A student (Political Science and Government., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 12/21/2013 with
Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Different approaches to academics, new paradigms, writing style and independent study. At times frustrating with the school's registrar and admin work, but overall a good and rigorous experience at one of France's best universities.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
French university bureaucracy very disappointing, even at a place like Sciences Po |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Paris has endless options! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You have to make an effort like you do in any new setting |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
School health centre was good |
| * Safety: |
Take precaution like in any big city |
| 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) |
Depends on where you live and how you choose to eat, Paris is affordable |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-$150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's worthwhile looking at places that are outside the city centre but has a convenient metro connection to Sciences Po. This way you'll get a bigger flat for less and cooking is a great alternative to eat out every day. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Intermediate/advanced |
| 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? | Read and keep speaking French even if people reply in English, eventually they will speak to you in French and help you improve |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How bureaucratic and inefficient the administration can be |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
