364 reviews
4.03 / 5 based on 364 reviews
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Kristi18
Languages
Language of instruction: French
Was learning French a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your French?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
This is the best way to learn the language. I took 3 years of college level French before I went and found that I really knew nothing. Immersion is the only way to learn a language, even if the first 2 months are extremely difficult. Also, try not to just socialize with international students, speaking french in everyday situations will be the largest factor in improvement.
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Kristi18
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Government assistance
Work opportunities:
I didn't want/need to work
Personal spending habits
Basic neccessities in Paris are about the same, if not cheaper, than in the United States. However, nightlife activities and travel will take a large part out of your budget.
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Telephone, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Food, Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
The government will help you pay for your housing, but you need to make sure to follow through with your Carte de sejour.
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4
Kristi18
Overall
I wish I had known...
It is really necessary to know the language before you leave. Take at least 3 years of college level french.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
This university is amazing. It is considered the 'Harvard' of France, and the professors are all experts in their fields. This university is great if you want an academic challenge.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Don't go to Sciences-Po if you want to 'party' and travel a lot. I would suggest the Sorbonne for that. However, Sciences-Po will give you one of the most beneficial academic experiences available among Political Science universities in the world.
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Kristi18
Academic
Course recommendations
Take the regular french courses and avoid the courses for international students as much as possible. The calibre is much high in genuine sciences po courses.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
The key to success at Sciences Po is to find the right book... text books are not provided, so you will succeed based upon the fact of whether or not you can research well in libraries.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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10
Kristi18
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Part of experiencing French culture is dealing with Parisian landlords and living in one of the many 'historic' buildings. Even though landlords might be a hassle, it is a genuine part of parisian culture, and much better than living in a stereotypical dorm facility.
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Personal comments
The university does not help students find housing, however I did not find it difficult to locate an apartment. Students should allow themselves around 2 weeks to look for an apartment.
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Kristi18
Student life
Describe host city:
Students interact with the local community without much university involvement
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Activities, Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Les Etages in Saint Germain is a great place to study! Overall, there are just too many great places to visit in paris to list!
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