52 reviews
4.11 / 5 based on 52 reviews
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6
Sandra
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.
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In my opinion:
I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
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.
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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
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!
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2
Sandra
Academic
Course recommendations
It´s good to ask French students for advice or comments on how the teachers and courses are etc. The courses can be quite hard when one is not a native French student/speaker as the way of studying at Scienes Po is regarded as pretty difficult and of high standard. The way political science is dealt with at Scienes Po Bordeaux is also quite particular and typical of the French ´grandes ecoles´ - system.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
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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1
Sandra
Languages
Language of instruction: French
Was learning French a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my French
How much did you improve your French?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
My level of French was already of a pretty good standard before coming to Bordeaux and I did not have any particular language problems at all, especially in a social context. I did find it quite hard at times when I was studying to follow 2 hours intense lectures and manage to take good notes from them too. I made many French friends and in the end I had really improved my knowledge of slang and how young people speak in general and everyday-French.
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1
Sandra
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Family<br>
An ERASMUS grant
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
Note: All the above ratings depend if I compare it to my university years in Brighton - in this case Bordeaux was a bit cheaper in all senses, especially accomodation. Compared to my current home, Spain I´d say prices were about the same.
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Food, Nightlife, Travel, Telephone, Overall, Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
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2
Sandra
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.
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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.
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1
Sandra
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Nightlife, Activities, Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Personal social experience
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 ;))
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