Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rewarding. I would do it again. December 14, 2023

By (Political Science and Government, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/05/2023 to 05/13/2023 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
-cultural awareness - independence -advocacy for myself and others -time management - French education system - French perspective on international events 100% worth it

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.

The rigor of the courses depend on the professor you have, their experience in teaching and the program you enroll in(classes either in EURAF or EURAM). The majority of the humanities courses have numerous readings of minimum 20 pages each. The readings are really interesting and extremely useful for class as professors often references them and that is truly where you'll get the education from. do not let the amount of reading be daunting, seminars meet once a week and lectures twice a week so the readings are manageable. Professors are hard to reach outside of email since they do not have on campus offices. Must give professor 1-3 business days to respond. Must do follow up emails with professors as well. The Sciences Po libraries are very resourceful and easy to navigate

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

N/A

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

housing application is very competitive. Start as early as possible!

* Food:

Figure out your meal budget asap. Estimate 60€ bi-weekly for necessary elements( veggies, fruits, water) and 20€ for extras(cookies, candies, juice etc)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

there were plenty of student activities hosted by different town organizations (met many different students from various schools in the area). easy to adapt. The environment is a healthy mix between Harvard Square + Wellesley College + Wellesley town

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A no experience

* Safety:

This is a note specifically for my POC/BLACK sibs, you will see a lot of town police/town army people carrying guns armory walking in groups around town. Prepare yourself mentally for that.

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)

100€/ bi-weekly for essential groceries + leisurely items

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 25-30€ / week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? make a meal plan and stick to it. cross check grocery stores for prices that suit you and your financial situation cooking nights with friends are your best friends buy the student bus pass/train pass it WILL benefit you

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • cultural diversity
  • the EURAF courses
* What could be improved?
  • Financial Support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? heck current events(especially concerning the economy-- inflation)

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.