C'est la vie Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Sciences Po is one of the top Universities in Europe, and it shows. The resident students definitely have it tougher than the exchange students, but you are still required to meet, or exceed, their expectations. In comparison to my home university, i would say it was about the same. You will be doing a lot of outside work because there is not much in class time. The resources are great, there are more than enough books in the libraries to help you get your work done. And the professors all come from prestigious backgrounds.

On-site administration of your program

I didn't have too many issues with the administration on campus. For the most part, the office administrators were where they were supposed to be and the professors were where we thought they'd be.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Expensive and small, but that's Paris for you. I was fortunate enough to find 3 roommates to split the monthly cost. Space in general is limited and that's something you'll have to get used to. We had to use an agent to help us find housing because we didn't have anyone there to check out the apartments for us. It will drive up the cost but it's worth it what with all the scam artists on Craigslist. Unless you have a friend or family member in Paris to check out the apartments for you, i'd suggest using a booking agent or waiting till you get to Paris to find housing. Sciences Po does have some student housing available, but for the most part they were either too expensive or not available.

The cafeteria at Sciences Po isn't bad and the prices are reasonable, comparably speaking. Most of the French students eat there as well. They have all sorts of breads, pastries, snacks, and drinks. Tip: get the 3 cheese panini or the avocado and salmon baguette.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely felt the French and Parisian culture while at Sciences Po. Their different mannerisms and dress were something i was expecting but they still surprised me. Likewise, the French students at Sciences Po were very willing to practice their English with me and learn about American culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while abroad but one of my roommates did. There are 2 or 3 nurse's offices at Sciences Po and my roommate was able to get some medicine when they needed it. The health insurance they make you buy while living in France is pretty high and for me, it was useless as i did not use it. However, my roommate was reimbursed through the mail covering whatever costs he had endured for medication.

I didn't have any safety issues, but i know of other students, mainly female, who had unwanted followers late in the night. Like any big city, i'd say that it's better if you travel in a group rather than alone. Even if it's just one other person, 2 is better than 1. For the most part, the French people were mindful of their own business, and it was only a few creeps that made the city feel less safe. There are pickpockets in Paris, and there are a lot of them. All around the big tourist-y places they will try every trick in the book and then some. Just be mindful of your things and keep them close by. For guys, you might think of investing in a small carry bag/pouch. It may seem lame or tourist-y but even the French wear them. It beats having your phone picked out of your pocket.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It depends on where you live. You'll find that most of the supermarkets are expensive compared to the US, but there are small locally owned shops where you can find food for cheap. If you're lucky, you'll live near a LIDL which is a German supermarket chain and they sell the cheapest food in Paris that we could find. On certain days there are farmer's markets as well where you can try and haggle for cheap fruits & vegetables. There isn't as much fast food as there is in the states, but there are still some places around. And they're not cheap like in the states. Around $6-8 USD.

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• Apartment

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• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Opportunity to study Law
• Meeting so many internationals
• Paris

• French & Exchange student integration
• Orientation week

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