Great University for Studying European Studies Past Review
By A student (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/10/2014 to 05/09/2014 with
Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The experience is what you make of 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 academic rigor of Sciences Po isn't quite what they claim it to be. Most of my classes were either less rigorous or just as rigorous as UT classes. Not one of my professors required that we utilized the "Sciences Po" method. However, Sciences Po has a great lecture program. Not only do they regularly hold interesting lectures with professors and regional experts, but occasionally they bring big-names to campus. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
No host country program administrator |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived at Foyer International Des Etudiants. It is an all-girls student dorm across the street from the Garden of Luxembourg. The Foyer is about 20 minutes walk from Sciences Po. I would suggest the Foyer to any girl studying in Paris. It is very cheap, in a great neighborhood. The administration is great. They provide a very great dorm experience that is hard to find in Paris. |
| * Food: |
Sciences Po cafeteria is the best! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Most of my classes were only filled with International Students. The French students made little effort to socialize with International Students. I only integrated with local culture thanks to the Foyer. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Paris is extremely safe. |
| 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 expensive. Food costs lots of money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150+ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you are a girl, live in the Foyer International des Etudiants. It is a great French experience, and it only costs $550 per month. You'll be hard pressed to find a better deal in Paris. |
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 |
The UT study abroad encouraged me not to take French-language courses while at Sciences Po. Thus, following their advice, I only took 1 french-language course, which was quite easy. I feel that the UT study abroad advisor overestimated the difficulty of Sciences Po courses. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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 3, 2nd semester |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Take only French-language courses, get a host-family. Otherwise, you will not speak any French during the program. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't listen to the advisors, take French-language classes. |
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! |
