Reviews of Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Bordeaux (IEP BORDEAUX) | France

Useful | 6

Sandra

University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
International Relations, Undergraduate, Erasmus

Overall

I wish I had known...

I wish I had known a bit more how different the way of studying is at the IEP and at grandes ecoles in general in France. Even if my major in the UK was International Relations trhe way I studied International RElations/Poiltics was very different in France. I found the study sysem at times quite challenging but in the end it was definately a very useful and interesting insight and experience. For the rest, as it was not my first time living abroad, I did not have any particular problems at all.

In my opinion:

I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

4

Culture

4

Costs

2

Activities

2

Campus life

2

Party / people

4

Weather / location

4

Personal recommendation

Make sure you kno wexactly what studying at IEP means - that i sstructure, courses and ways of assessment. The Ersamus co-ordinator at the time I was there was an extremely helpful lady.

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

4

Traveled

3

Improved language skills

4

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

4

Partied a lot

3

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

3

Final comments

I had a great experience in Bordeaux on the whole. But as everything it becomes what you make of it and your own approach and effort to the whole thing. Sure at times I had some ups-and-downs and problems - but I personally recommend to try not to stick too much with other Ersamus and foreign students and instead trying to meet French people. Also to be patient and give it some time to get used to. Also explore the city, find your own favourite spots, try the local food and the brilliant wine etc! Be open and make an effort! Bordeaux is a lovely place if you enjoy good food and wine. It´s very nice situated close to the Basque country and the Atlantic coast and the beaches and all the wine regions of course. On the whole I really recommend trying Bordeaux as it gives you an insight of a typical French town and French ways of living. There is so much more I could add or comment on, so please don´t hesitate to contact me if there is anything!

Useful | 0

“Etudes parfois trop générales mais couvrant une large palette de compétences”

Alexia K

France, Graduate
Art, 2023

Overall

Cours parfois peu utiles à la vie professionnelle mais élargissant la culture générale
Professeurs très compétents pour les matières plus concrètes (Macro et Micro Economie, Droit Constitutionnel et Administratif, Langues) mais moins pédagogues pour les métières optionnelles
Vie associative très large et permettant à chacun de s'épanouir et d'apprendre professionnellement dans les domaines qui nous intéressent, tant sportifs que culturels
Possibilité de bourse permettant la totale gratuité des études

Pros

Vie associative

Cons

Mobilité à l'étranger pour tous

Useful | 0

antonio p

,
international relations economics, Graduate, Independent

Overall

I wish I had known...

go to the see the coordinator, she is very nice

In my opinion:

Most people loved it.

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

3

Culture

4

Costs

4

Activities

2

Campus life

2

Party / people

4

Weather / location

4

Personal recommendation

if want can study hard and be a party animal at the same time, you are welcome!!

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

4

Traveled

4

Improved language skills

3

Met people from other countries

2

Became more independent

3

Partied a lot

3

Experienced a change in life

3

Advanced my studies & career

4

Final comments

check the CIJA , a student association, in the center of Bordeaux, for any student tips Go to the '"place de la Victoire 'to party Use the public transport, cheap and very well organized Do not go living on the campus, but in the center in district such"Quartier saint michel, or place de la bourse'"

Useful | 1

Sandra

University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
International Relations, Undergraduate, Erasmus

Student life

Describe host city:

Student life dominates the city

Travel, Activities, Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment

Personal social experience

Activities

Nightlife

Travel

Overall

Personal comments

My favourite places were in the centre of town and especially Quartier St Pierre where there are lots of really nice pedestrian streets with cafes, restaurants and pretty squares. Also the centre is good as it´s a rather refined area where everything is close - shops, bars etc. There is a really nice market in spring next to the river and an old warship. It´s open on Sundays & one can buy local foods (cheeses etc) and also have meals at a good price like oysters (very typical of the region) and a glass a of white wine! (...very nice indeed as a sunday brunch ;))

Useful | 2

Sandra

University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
International Relations, Undergraduate, Erasmus

Housing

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why?

I rented a studio on my own right in the city centre, in the old part of town, I really liked the location and living like this.

Personal assessment

Cost

Facilities

Location

Cleanliness

Space

Personal comments

I had th eoption to choose campus accomodation but the rooms and facilities I saw were not nice at all & I really didn´t want to live in them. Besides the campus is quite far out from town which is something to keep in mind as it can be very isolating and not practical for going out etc.

Useful | 2