My Exchange at Science Po, Paris
My name is Rosie and I am a Global Studies student at the University of Auckland. Through 360 International, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at Sciences Po’s Menton Campus. I first learned about the program in 2022, and the opportunity to study overseas while paying domestic fees immediately caught my interest. Having completed a high school exchange to France, I knew the experience would be transformative for my personal growth and language skills. Returning to France to improve my French and broaden my global perspective was an easy decision.
After receiving my acceptance to Sciences Po, I was given the option to choose between seven campuses. I ultimately chose the Menton campus for several reasons. Firstly, the Menton campus offered a unique academic focus on the Middle East and Mediterranean studies. I felt my education had been Eurocentric and wanted to challenge myself by exploring regions less covered in New Zealand’s education system. The stunning location was another key factor in my decision. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Menton offered breathtaking scenery and easy access to nearby destinations. I lived just 500 meters from the Italian border, with Monaco 10 minutes away by train and Nice 30 minutes away, making it easy to explore while enjoying Menton’s beauty.
Practical considerations also played a big role in my decision to choose Menton. The city offered more affordable accommodation compared to other campuses, with rent ranging from 500 to 800 euros per month. I opted for a 750-euro studio all to myself, in an apartment complex with a pool—perfect for the warm temperatures when I arrived. While this was on the pricier side for Menton, it was still more affordable than smaller apartments in Paris. I highly recommend considering the regional campuses of Sciences Po for better value in both accommodation and living costs.
When I first arrived in Menton, my impressions were largely positive. The town’s smaller size made moving overseas feel much less overwhelming. It offered a safe, close-knit community while still being well-connected to larger cities. Everywhere I looked, it was as stunning as I had imagined, with breathtaking views of the coast. The campus itself was just as beautiful, situated right on the beach. Compared to the University of Auckland, the campus in Menton felt much more intimate, with only around 350 students. This smaller size made it easy to navigate; all my classes were in the same building, which made settling in simple. Within a week, everyone’s faces became familiar, and we even managed to fit into one group chat for event planning—something that would’ve been impossible at UoA. In Menton, no matter where you went, you almost always ran into someone you knew.
Having lived in northern France before, I found Menton to be a very different experience. Located on the Italian border, it felt less French, with almost as much Italian spoken as French and a strong Italian influence in the town’s architecture and restaurants. I even did my groceries in Italy, just a 10-minute train ride away, where food was cheaper—so I ended up eating a lot of pizza, pasta, and gelato. Menton felt like a fusion of two cultures, which I loved, but it wasn’t the typical French experience.
The academic experience at Sciences Po was a significant step up from what I was used to at the University of Auckland. The classes were smaller and more intimate, with a strong emphasis on participation, which was a major shift for me. Participation grades were a much bigger component of the overall grade than I was accustomed to. At first, I found this challenging due to my natural shyness about speaking in front of the class. I also struggled with the cultural difference, as the “tall poppy syndrome” in New Zealand made me less confident compared to my peers, who were very vocal and engaged. However, over time, I became more comfortable contributing in class, which improved my academic performance and boosted my confidence. The experience of actively engaging with the material and other students was incredibly rewarding, and I left the semester feeling more confident in my ability to engage in academic discussions.
Another major difference was the strict attendance policy. At Sciences Po, you could miss no more than two classes per course, which was a big shift from the more lenient attendance policies I was used to at UoA. While this initially felt like a lot of pressure, it encouraged me to be more present and proactive in my studies, ultimately helping me stay on top of my coursework.
Reflecting on my time in Menton, this exchange has been an incredibly transformative experience. It broadened my academic perspectives, helped me grow personally, and deepened my confidence. Living in a unique cultural blend of French and Italian influences, exploring new academic fields, and making lasting connections were highlights of my time abroad. The challenges I faced, like adapting to a more participatory academic style, only made me stronger. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I would highly recommend studying at Sciences Po’s Menton campus for anyone seeking a unique, enriching experience.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
A major highlight of my exchange was a Sciences Po-organized trip to Egypt during the mid-semester break. Each year, the campus organizes a trip to the Middle East, and this year it was to Egypt. Experiencing the country’s rich culture and history firsthand was an incredible complement to what I had been learning in class, and it also gave me a unique opportunity to forge deeper connections with my peers.
The quality of teaching at Sciences Po was exceptional, and the classes were incredibly enriching. It wasn’t surprising to me that it’s a highly ranked institution, given the expertise of both the faculty and the students. The students, in particular, were impressive, with a deep and nuanced understanding of global affairs. With over 60 nationalities represented among just 350 students, the campus fostered an environment full of diverse perspectives. This international mix allowed me to learn from peers with expertise in different regions, broadening my understanding of global issues.
The campus’s unique focus on the Middle East was especially impactful for me. It really opened my eyes to how little I knew about the region, particularly since New Zealand doesn’t offer much education on it. The emphasis on class participation made the experience even more enriching. There were frequent debates, and students brought a wide range of perspectives, which made the discussions both interesting and insightful. I learned so much from my peers, and these conversations helped me see the world from angles I hadn’t considered before.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
I highly recommend getting involved in Orientation Week at the Menton Campus, as it played a crucial role in helping me settle in quickly. Organized by students, the week offered a packed schedule of events catering to a wide range of interests. From night swims, campus breakfasts, and drinking games to evenings at the student bar and parties at hired beach clubs, there was always something happening. For those into sports and outdoor activities, there were water sports, group hikes, and beach cleanups. Creative events like tote bag painting and sing-alongs at the beach added a fun touch, while relaxed gatherings like garden brunches provided a chance to unwind. The diversity of events meant there was something for everyone, whether you enjoy partying, sports, art, or simply relaxing by the sea. Orientation Week was a highlight for me—meeting so many people and experiencing everything with fresh excitement. It felt like I had connected with nearly everyone on campus in just one week.
I also recommend joining clubs, as they were a great way for me to meet people. I became a member of the Menton Environment Club, where I helped organize events like beach cleanups and sustainable cooking nights. It was a fantastic way to meet new people while giving back to the community. Additionally, I joined the Hiking Club, which allowed me to explore the stunning landscapes of the Côte d’Azur with others.
Another club I highly recommend is the Sciences Po Refugee Help Club. This student association provides humanitarian aid to refugees crossing the French-Italian border, where human rights challenges are significant. Since Menton is the first town in France that refugees encounter after crossing from Italy, the club plays a vital role. They assist refugees by writing reports on the situation and providing food. As the largest club on campus, it offers an incredibly rewarding experience for those involved. I wish I had joined, as it’s such an impactful cause.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
· Join lots of clubs – it’s a great way to meet people.
· Go easy on yourself – don’t compare your exchange to anyone else’s experience. There will be tough moments like homesickness and culture shock, and social media often only shows the highlights.
· Take the opportunity to practice the language as much as possible, whether in class or through daily interactions. It will enrich your experience and help you feel more integrated.
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 budgeted around 10,000 euros for my time in Europe, which was more than enough when combined with my StudyLink money, receiving $316 NZD per week. For anyone planning to travel around Europe, I highly recommend Eurail, which offers unlimited travel on European trains for a fixed price, saving a lot of money. Additionally, in southern France, students can purchase a 90-euro train pass that covers all trains in the region from Menton to Avignon for a year. This pass can be bought through SNCF, the French national railway, and it’s a great way to save on travel costs.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
My exchange taught me the importance of connection and how much I thrive on daily social interaction. Living alone for the first time, I realized how different it was from having flatmates back home, where socializing was effortless—I could always knock on someone’s door. In Menton, I had to be intentional about meeting people, which highlighted the value of joining clubs and seeking out connections. I also learned to make a habit of leaving the house, whether to study in the library or attend events, as these small efforts were essential for my well-being.
I also gained a deep understanding of the Middle East through my classes, as the university specializes in the region. This knowledge was further enriched by the group trip to Egypt, where I had the chance to engage with locals, learn about the culture, and experience the region firsthand. Additionally, the highly international environment at Sciences Po exposed me to a diverse range of perspectives and cultures through conversations with students from all over the world, which was an invaluable part of my exchange experience.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
I stayed for a month after my exchange to see more of Europe. During that time, I did all of my traveling around Europe and to England using the Eurail pass, which was an excellent way to save money while seeing a lot of places. I also had the opportunity to visit Egypt on the Sciences Po trip, which was a major highlight of my time abroad. One of the great things about traveling in Europe is how easy it is to visit multiple countries since they are all so close to each other—definitely a big difference compared to New Zealand!
Is there any advice you could share about accommodation options at your host university and/or in the local area?
I lived off-campus in an apartment in Menton, which I found through the Sciences Po housing website. The site only lists approved landlords, providing added security and reliability. I contacted the landlord directly through the platform, arranged a video call, and received the lease afterward. Knowing the process was facilitated by Sciences Po and involved approved landlords made the experience feel secure and legitimate.
Do you have any advice on what mobile phone apps and/or phone plans that were useful in your host country?
I also recommend using Bolt for getting around. In my area of France, it was used more frequently than Uber, which was often unavailable. When Uber was available, Bolt was almost always cheaper, making it a more reliable and cost-effective option for rides.
The SNCF app for booking and tracking trains in France. It helps you plan trips, buy tickets, and check real-time updates on train schedules. It’s super helpful for getting around France and Europe by train.
The Wise app is really easy to navigate and a great tool to manage your money while studying abroad. I recommend getting a Wise Card to use instead of your NZ bank card. It lets you hold multiple currencies and spend directly in those currencies without high fees. You can transfer money from your NZ bank account into any currency, get great exchange rates, and use the card to withdraw cash from ATMs with low fees, making it a cheaper and more convenient option for managing your money overseas.
I had the €16.99 Orange prepaid phone plan in France, which was super easy to set up and didn’t require a long-term commitment. It included 60GB of data, unlimited calls and texts, and could be used across Europe, making it perfect for traveling. You just prepay each month, and the plan stops if you don’t top up—simple and flexible!