Un automne à Paris: Dissertations et Tarte Tatins! Past Review
By Savitri R (International Relations, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/19/2015 to 05/11/2015 with
Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I really enjoyed my study abroad program because it was not only an academically challenging experience studying at one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, but also a unique opportunity to become a Parisian and fall in love with the French culture. I learned french only a few months before my program, and then decided to completely immerse myself in the culture bu living with a french woman and taking most of my classes in the language. Sciences Po's multidisciplinary approach allowed me to explore a completely new and exciting academic field: International Law. Living in Paris, the hub of France and Europe's most valuable museums and important historical sites was also an incomparable experience. I can therefore assert without doubt that my study abroad program at Sciences Po was more than just worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Most of my classes were very interesting and handed out the right amount of work/homework. Professors were usually available after class for any inquiry and they provided a broad range of resources. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Onsite administration was not very effective. I usually received delayed responses to my emails and had a hard time trying to contact the right person to talk to regarding administrative matters such as class registration, exam schedules, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a french woman who rented out one of the rooms in her house. She was very nice and welcoming. Her house was very cozy and clean. |
| * Food: |
As part of my housing arrangements, the french woman I lived with cooked for me one meal a day from Monday-Friday. Even though she cooked delicious meals, she was not cautious of the fact that I have some food allergies, regardless of the many times I reminded her. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | varies--because food was included in rent for me. around 70 Euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I saved a lot of money by having my "host mom" cook some meals for me. It saved me a lot of money because I wouldn't have to eat out every day, nor buy expensive groceries every week. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
it was not required to take the courses in the foreign language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | 211 French (required before study abroad) |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | I think staying with a French family and taking some courses in French (other than the Language class) were two key components that helped me improve my language skills. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have been a little more familiar with Sciences Po or France's education system. I was surprised my first week of classes to see how students were choosing/competing for the dates of their final papers and presentations without the professor even asking them to. As expected I was not aware and couldn't choose any of the dates. |
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! |
