Mischa (Sem 2, 2023)

My Exchange at Sciences Po, Paris

I arrived in Paris, France, on the 13th of August, ecstatic but also holding realistic expectations of the city. Honestly, my first impression was “…where is everyone?!”. As one of the big cities in the world, it was surprisingly calm and pleasant. Turns out many leave during this time in summer and it was the best time to explore and adjust to Parisian life without navigating intense crowds. My favourite activity was simply walking for hours anywhere and everywhere, not necessarily visiting tourist places, but getting lost in the beautiful streets, admiring the goregous architecture, and taking in the buzzy atmosphere. I loved the lifestyle of walking and having the metro available every 3 minutes if needed. Food is indeed delicious and as a sweet-tooth, I couldn’t get enough of the delicious pastries freshly baked on-site each day. The cost of living is very expensive, but I expected this and had worked hard in advance for it. Paris is grungy, it’s not perfect, but it is an iconic, timeless, metropolitan city with so much to experience.

The highlight of the exchange was living with my host Anne. I decided to live with a homestay because my goal was to improve and develop my language and cultural understanding. There are numerous companies but I decided to trust the company listed on my exchange University’s website. Thankfully, it worked out so well I now have a French grandma! It was relieving to arrive and be welcomed by a local, she showed me around while teaching me fun facts and mini history lessons. Throughout my stay, we only discussed in French which was a dream, and she would always make time for me and share her stories, life advice, cooking recipes, and other cultural traditions and experiences. Each night, she would prepare the traditional entrée, main, and dessert so I could learn new dishes. I loved talking with her for hours on end over French meals and within even a few days, my language skills had improved so much. Also, there can be a perception that you are more limited with homestays but that was not the case. I could come and leave whenever and was respected as an adult.

Life on the University campus was super cool. SciencesPo is a prestigious university and difficult to be accepted into, so it was an incredible opportunity to attend for a semester and learn with other dedicated students. I loved meeting people from around the world and each class was engaging and enjoyable. The teachers were passionate and I had so much motivation to study and learn. Also, the location was unbelievable, right in the heart of Paris and only a few minutes walk to the Louvre, Jardin du Luxembourg, Seine River, and other famous locations. A small disappointment would be that everyone spoke in English, and the exchange students and French students tended to be separate. However, with various groups and events happening both in and outside the University, I could easily meet new friends and practise my French.

For the students thinking about going on exchange, I would encourage you to DO IT!!! It is such an enriching experience and an incredible opportunity to live in another country while young and meet students from across the world. The experience and growth you gain is invaluable. I would also advise to know in advance what your personal goals are for the exchange, then to stick with it. My goals were to improve my language and cultural understanding, meet locals, and explore France. However, many students were constantly travelling to other countries and it led me at times to doubt whether I was making a mistake. But upon reflecting, I am glad to have stuck to my goals because it was more important to me to immerse myself in the cultural exchange. So in short, set your own goals and don’t compare your experience with others. 

Q&A

What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?

A highlight was being taught by teachers who all have such expertise in their subjects while also being passionate about teaching. Each of my classes were enjoyable, engaging, and I appreciated the real-life examples and comparisons across countries to the theories we had been learning. Also, the students were all dedicated to learn which created a pleasant learning environment and helped me become more motivated with my own studies.

I was definitely challenged, for example oral presentations are particularly emphasised and I had to do multiple across the semester. As someone who actively avoids any kind of presentation, this forced me to grow in an area I am not normally comfortable in. Also, the way in which I learn changed for the better. I become a lot more reflective and an active learner rather than passive and regurgitating information. I am really grateful to have the opportunity to study in such a prestigious university.

Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?

The Christmas markets in France are gorgeous. Strasbourg is known as the capital of Christmas, and there is another smaller city called Colmar, which is about a 30-minute train ride away. I was gobsmacked by both cities, the architecture is stunning and quaint, and the Christmas markets do feel magical. My friend described Colmar as Disneyland, but in real life. The city was surreal. I cannot recommend exploring European Christmas markets enough. 

I would recommend doing a baking/cooking class. SciencesPo also offers an oenology class where you learn about wine making.

If you have a student visa in France, you get free entry to many different museums and other tourist places, so make the most of it.

What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?

1. Definitely step out of your comfort zone, embrace new opportunities, try new things.

2. Make sure you balance travelling and exploring your host country / city with your university workload. Keep important university due dates in mind so when you organise trips and activities there will be no clashes.

3. Be kind to yourself and do not compare any part of your exchange with others. Enjoy what experiences you have chosen to do!

How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?

I have been working during my University years and when I had about a month before leaving on the exchange, I worked most days to also save up. I found this to be enough for the exchange, but I could have definitely budgeted better. 

I would recommend asking or searching online for places in your host country that offer discounts for students. For example, in Paris there is a place called Crous which sell lunch meals at a subsidised price. I was super grateful to have a substantial and rich meal each day that was also delicious. Also, since I did not need to make lunch meals, it saved me time that allowed me to explore or study more. I would recommend keeping a weekly or monthly budget and check back to ensure you are not overspending.

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

My most significant takeaway would be the personal growth I experienced as an individual and how I learnt to become more independent. Growing up, I was very much reliant on people and always seeking reassurance for things. However, going overseas forced me to break out of that dependent lifestyle and gave me new confidence in the decisions I take, rather than seeking that reassurance from others again. I also learnt to become more grounded in my identity and what I like and dislike without seeking to please others or join in activities that I do not actually enjoy.

Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?

I visited Aix-en-provence, Marseille, Cassis, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, and Colmar. 

While it is fun to travel to new countries and explore big cities, I would also encourage to explore different places in the country you have chosen, even the smaller cities or towns. There is so much to explore in the country you are in.

I would recommend visiting the South of France in the summer time / warmer, sunnier weather to make the most of it.