Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Menton is a nice place to be, but make sure you travel most weekends. Past Review

By (Sociology., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

Sciences Po Paris in Menton: Menton - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about living with people from different cultures, and I would have to say that my experiences of travelling and meeting new people made the stay in Menton worthwhile. I would not have wanted to stay longer than a semester.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Sciences Po Menton is a very small university that concentrates on the Middle East and North Africa. The academics, in my experience, were very low and it was common to only meet once a week for each class. The regular students had a lot of work because of the amount of classes, but as an exchange program, there is little to do in terms of school work. The library is small and not open on weekends, so it's hard to find a place to study outside of where you live.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very inefficient and it took a long time to solve issues with them because they never seemed to be in their offices.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the "dorms" during my semester in Menton, and while I loved the people, the dorm itself was constantly dirty, old, and moldy in the showers. Overall, I didn't mind staying there for the semester, but had I been there for a year, it would have been difficult.

* Food:

I cooked for myself, so my food was fine. The main thing that annoyed me was that the university didn't have a campus cafe or restaurant because it was so small.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was little interaction with people from Menton, but I felt that the students at the university were amazing people. It was a great experience to meet so many people from different backgrounds!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually went to the emergency room during my stay for food poisoning, and the doctors were very professional and kind. The administration did not help me at all with my insurance later, but since my home university had me buy health insurance, it wasn't a problem. My ambulance ride, stay in the emergency room, IV fluids and medication came out to 85 euros. I didn't need any specific vaccines for my trip.

* Safety:

Menton is very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 50-70 euros on food, plus a lot more was spent on travelling.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own food and don't eat out. Weekend trips add up in cost.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • People
  • Easy place to travel from
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Language immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the academics were very poor, and you have a lot of free time as an exchange student.

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!