Sciences Po Paris: somewhat disappointing but still an experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Though I had two classes that I enjoyed very much and felt were well-organized and taught, my other two courses were somewhat disappointing. These two classes were taught in French and using the French and Sciences Po teaching style. Professors were fairly distant and unavailable for help as well as unclear in their expectations (i.e. when assignments were due; how assignments were to be graded; how the final grade would be calculated). The content of the "conférence de méthode" that went with my "cours magistral" was particularly disappointing. I was expecting this conférence de méthode to be something like a discussion section to go along with the lecture but on the contrary, when a student wasn't giving a presentation on a topic somewhat unrelated to the content of the lecture, the professor would just go over a list of writers and thinkers giving us a summary of what they said on this unrelated topic and the titles of their works. It seemed that the French courses were just preparing the students to be able to name drop philosophers and writers on command. Moreover, students had to complete assignments in a way that fit a very particular structure (presentations had to consist of so many parts and sub-parts; there was a "right way" to approach a broad topic; etc.). I found that the structure of papers and presentations was given too much importance and that its contents not enough. Overall it was frustrating to learn in such a stifling environment.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a local roommate who was not a student. My roommate was very difficult to deal with and at times hostile; hence the low rating.

Eating out in Paris is expensive as are groceries overall. It was possible, however, to buy inexpensive breakfasts and lunches at the Sciences Po cafeteria.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to get a routine medical examination for my another study abroad program I was doing. I had to figure out how to get this done on my own. The only help I got from the university was in setting me up for the student social security. The examination was not very expensive and I am getting reimbursed for some of the cost by the social security. It was somewhat strange, however, that I had to go get the urine and blood tests done on my own and take the results back to the clinic to finish my examination. In other words I had to make two trips to the clinic (and pay two visits) as well as make a trip to a lab and pay for the tests.

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

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