Avis sur Université Panthéon-Sorbonne: Paris I

If you are expecting an anglo-saxon view on teaching, forget it immediately. Courses here are taught by extremely distinguished professors of the highest order. Classes usually include a famous professor reading into a microphone from his/her own textbook, which you will likely already own, and which you will recopy word for word. It is only in later years of study (3rd-4th and on) that you will experience guest lecturers or even meet your professor personally. It is rare that questions are asked in class - this is something you have to bother your tutorial professor about, not the official teacher presiding the course. If you choose to ask a question outloud to the professor in the middle of a class in the ampitheatre, don't be surprised if all the students look at you funny. Professors, however, seem to welcome this since it happens so rarely. All TA's or teachers of the "TD's" (travaux dirigés) are also extremely educated - No third year students passing you their notes here. It is mandatory that each tutorial leader be in the midst of preparing a doctorate, or he/she must have already obtained one. Overall, the professors are some of the best in their field, though they tend to be extremely unapproachable. See your TA. Also - Be prepared to work absolutely nonstop. You'll find yourself bringing your books when you go grocery shopping and to the bar. You will need to be a major geek to succeed in the demanding curriculum - especially if French is not your native language. Enjoy! :)

If French is not your first language or is not something you can manage with perfection, don't hesitate to seek help from tutors and other students. I've found the public to be extremely helpful and understanding of language barriers and they tend to be extemely willing to help, especially considering the stamina required to study at this school. The courses are difficult, and you will learn many interesting things from some of the best professors in the world. As a critique, however, I have to say that there is a sentiment that students are to be extremely dependant on professors. You are required to do a multitude of projects at home and on your own time (like in all universities) but the presence of your TA is very notable - Attendance is mandatory, and your absences are monitored as are your daily homework assignements. You can party hard in Paris, but you can't get away with it without working extremely hard as well.

The interlectual standard is quite high, don't expect to get any help from the academics. The French at this uni work a lot harder than the internationals, and it's hard to socialise with them because of that. But the Erasmus students coming from lots of different countries and being motivated to party, you never get bored.

I recommend this university for people who are seeking: - A short time abroad for the language experience. It will be dangerously fun for you, and you will never want to leave. You will make wonderful friends, and a fantastic academic experience is ensured. You will probably come back for your honeymoon and every other possible excuse you can find. - I would recommend this for people who appreciate the need to work extraordinarily hard to obtain a degree. If you plan to come here for several years of study, be prepared to fall in love with cobblestone streets, French wine and cheese, theatre and music... All the while experiencing much stress. The Sorbonne is a prestegious school due to the academic program, not merely the cute cafés that surround it. If you're coming here for an education, you're guaranteed a good one... The passion of the city is a fantastic bonus.