Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very French! March 02, 2026

By (International Relations, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2025 to 12/19/2025 with

Sciences Po: Paris - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I greatly developed my French and adaptability skills. Because I was in Europe, I was able to travel to visit family members I hadn't seen in years.

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.

Sciences Po is a very rigorous and intellectually stimulating program, but it is, as listed, a highly independent study abroad program. There is very little student help available, particularly for those adjusting to a new (French) system. The classes and opportunities are very unique, and my experience there, while stressful at times, was incredibly beneficial to the development of my French proficiency and comfort in the language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I found independent housing, which was in a very convenient location.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated enough, in the sense that I was comfortable in the language, but it was difficult to make friends – both exchange students and domestic French students – as most had already formed their own friend groups. Because of the nature of the classes, there was little room for socialization/engagement opportunities with class mates. This probably would have been easier, had I been an extrovert.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had one (positive) experience with the healthcare system, though it was arranged by my cousin, as I wasn't sure how to go about scheduling an appointment. There were no prevalent health issues nor did I need any vaccines for this program.

* Safety:

I lived close to campus and never felt unsafe, even when walking home late at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I'm not entirely sure if I would choose this program again. I think I would have had a better social and less stressful academic experience if I had been enrolled in English-speaking classes or an English speaking program, but the linguistic French development I gained is also irreplaceable. I think I would have enjoyed a less urban environment more.

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)

I worked two jobs the summer before I went abroad, in order to ensure that I could afford my semester there. However, because I was in a capital city, daily expenses were more than usual, and I was anxious by the fact that I was spending money continuously and did not have a means of earning more.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up! Also, reach out to local Wellesley alum or cultural groups in the city you're in, if you're willing to babysit/dog walk/etc.

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

All my classes and assignments were in French.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French 232
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? Don't be afraid to engage with native speakers, and be sure to consume language-content to familiarize yourself with speech/oral comprehension.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Language exposure
  • New experience
  • Independent living
* What could be improved?
  • Exchange student support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been prepared on the structural format and grading policy that is expected at French institutions – this was most likely the roughest transition.

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 Linguist
You 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!