A life changing and enlightening experience that changes your goals Past Review

By Mayra V (International Relations, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/10/2015 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Being abroad showed me how Americans are socialized to believe our country is the best in a lot of fields and lifestyle etc. However being abroad you get to see another cultures different view of success and lifestyle therefore making you question your own lifestyle and goals.

Review Photos

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The Welcome Program really helps you to get settled in and meet people.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Sciences Po doesn't help at all with housing. Housing in Paris is really expensive and hard to find something at a reasonable price. I ended up being unsatisfied with my airbnb living arrangement and after the first month in Paris I used Craigslist to find a very sweet lady to live with in the 13eme.
* Food:	Cooked a lot in Paris to save money and learned at the same time how to make some french dishes. Eating out is expensive in Paris.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Towards the end I would say I integrated really well. The first month was hectic and confusing especially figuring out the metro and the best metro plan to buy. At first it felt like French people were just cold and rude but then you begin to understand them.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Paris is known for it's pickpocketing I actually had my phone stolen while jogging in the 19eme district at Parc de la villette I would stay away from this park. Paris is not the safest as it is a big city but as long as you are always with people you should be safer.
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 doesn't have to be expensive if you eat and shop smart.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	170
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Cook your own food and learn how to cook while abroad. Buy your navigo metro card as soon as you arrive in Paris.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	International Students Host Family Other
* 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?	Sciences Po has students from all around the world which makes it impossible to stick with other Americans. City environment
* What could be improved?	Sciences Po's aid with housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	If you have an iphone in a public place it is likely to get stolen in Paris. I would have brought back more souvenirs from all of the countries I visited while abroad.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	In the Shadows of War and Politics: A History Covert Actions
Course Department:
Instructor:	Alexandre Rios Bordes
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was nothing but presentations for your grade and the professor would constantly interrupt students making it really embarrassing and uncomfortable. I regret taking this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: