Challenging, Immersive, Local Past Review

By (Peace and Justice Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 05/13/2015 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The classes were very interesting and I gained a new confidence in my French writing ability.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Fine with me since I am fluent in French, might be more difficult if there is a language barrier.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my housing, but had to find it on my own.

* Food:

Same as above.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You have to work on your own to make sure you are integrating into life in Paris, there is little to no organized interaction.

* 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)

Paris is very very expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 ish, but I also had a food included partially for my dorm
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Although tempting, try not to shop too much. Always bring a student ID, most things in Paris have a discount if you are under 26.

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

All classes were in French, fluency needed.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
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? Fluency
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take classes in French, even if you think it may be difficult.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Independent
  • All in French
  • Great Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation at Beginning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It will be very independent and you need to put in extra effort to meet people and make sure you are integrating well into the school.

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.