Arina I Sciences Po I Master I Study in France

#Master #2019 #SciencesPoParis #France

Name: Arina

From: Russia, Moscow

Studied in: France, Paris

Studies start: 2019

Grade: Master

Program: Full-time

University: Sciences Po Paris

Partner University in your country: –Program satisfaction rate: 5/5

Internship: Yes (alternance)

Job: Still studying

🎓 Application

How did you learn about this program?

Before applying, I participated in the Sciences Po Summer School to improve my French. I discovered the HR Management program while browsing the online rankings for master’s in HR in France (classement des masters RH). I was already working as a recruiter and decided to pursue a master’s abroad. The Sciences Po website was incredibly helpful in preparing my application.

Why did you decide to enrol in this program?

My program ranks 3rd among HR programs in France, and Sciences Po is one of the country’s most prestigious grandes écoles, with a wide network of corporate and public sector partners. Since my goal is to work in France on a permanent contract (CDI), I needed a diploma that is widely recognized, along with strong networking opportunities with alumni and partner companies.

The program also offers alternance (a paid, long-term internship) in the second year — a great way to apply what I’ve learned and start building my career. Companies often hire their alternants or, at the very least, provide recommendations. Tuition during the alternance year is also covered by the employer.

Another important factor was the international student community at Sciences Po. I wanted to connect with people from all disciplines — from political science to finance — and learn from different cultural perspectives. The international environment at Sciences Po is a real added value.

What was your application experience?

To be honest, I applied to Sciences Po twice and was only accepted the second time, once I had about a year of HR work experience. The school looks beyond grades — they also care about relevant internships, professional or extracurricular experience (case competitions, volunteering, etc.).

For admission, I submitted:

• IELTS (7.0+)

• DALF C1

• CV

• Motivation letter

• Academic transcripts (minimum GPA: 4.5/5 for Russian applicants — may be lower if you have strong work experience)

• Two academic recommendation letters

• One professional reference (optional)

• (Depending on the program) a copy of my bachelor’s thesis if relevant

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What level of English is required to enter this program?

IELTS 7.0+

What level of French is required to enter this program?

DALF C1

💡 Your impressions from your study abroad experience

What are your general impressions about this program?

In terms of subjects taught, company partnerships, and internship opportunities, the program met — and exceeded — my expectations. As for classmates, I hoped for a warmer, more open attitude toward international students, but that wasn’t the case. The environment was respectful but cold, and often I felt invisible. Fortunately, I found great friends through student associations — there are plenty at Sciences Po!

What was the major program value for you?

I gained comprehensive HR knowledge — from recruitment and training to compensation & benefits. I developed essential skills: team collaboration, public speaking, structured analysis, concise writing, and presentation delivery. I also became an active member of our student association. Most importantly, thanks to Sciences Po’s corporate partnerships, I found a year-long internship in a field I’m passionate about — recruitment and campus management.

What did you not like about the program?

There were very few international students in my program — just two, including myself — which made things a bit isolating. A couple of professors and general courses felt ineffective or irrelevant, but I believe that happens in every school.

What did you like about the program?

Lots of group projects (including with partner companies), a complete and logical set of HR-related courses — from labor law to HR innovation. We met many alumni, had career coaching, and participated in job market conferences. Learning entirely in French was also a plus — great preparation for the second-year internship.

What is the hardest part of studying abroad?

Adapting to the local mindset and culture. Making French friends is hard — I mostly bonded with international students. The class schedule was intense and unpredictable — sometimes free mid-week, other times packed from 8 AM to 9 PM. Time management was key.

Is this experience different from your experience at your country’s university? If yes, how?

Absolutely. I studied international relations at MGIMO in Russia — a solid theoretical education with strong language training. But one year at Sciences Po gave me more applied and professional knowledge than four years at MGIMO.

In France, we worked on real HR projects with companies like Renault, Ubisoft, Johnson & Johnson, Schneider Electric, etc. — not just theoretical case studies. Group work was constant, building true teamwork culture, which is essential in Western companies. MGIMO, by contrast, emphasized individual work.

Another difference: student clubs at Sciences Po are very active. They organize business games, invite professionals, and host theme events — while student life at MGIMO felt less engaged.

How did your typical day look like?

My class schedule was intense: most days I had classes from 8 or 10 AM until 5, 7, or even 9 PM (with breaks). In the evenings, I often attended student-organized conferences. On Fridays, we had networking events (apéros) with alumni and professors.

📌 Useful resources

If you had questions or issues (studies, language, administration, careers, integration etc), where did you get help/advice?

I contacted the school’s admin team, Sciences Po Facebook groups, and Russian expat groups in Paris — all were helpful.

Did you contact other students with a similar experience? Was their experience helpful?Yes, I spoke with alumni and the student association for my program — their insights helped me choose Sciences Po.

Could you recommend websites which might help study abroad?

• Campus France — for studying and living in France

• QS Top Universities — to compare programs and rankings

💰 Finance

What was the cost of your program? How did you finance your studies?

€14,500/year.My first year was funded by my parents. In the second year, tuition was covered through alternance (paid internship).

🏠 Accommodation

What was your accommodation experience?

I live in central Paris, sharing an apartment with another Sciences Po student (from India) near the Arc de Triomphe. We pay just over €1000 total. We found it via the Lodgis agency — they sometimes have good deals, but you need to start early.

For the lease, we submitted documents confirming:

• Civil status

• University enrollment

• Proof of income (parents or sponsors earning 4x the monthly rent)

How much did you pay for living per month during your studies?

Around €1000 (including rent)

🚀 Career opportunities

Did you do an internship during your studies? How did you find it?

I just started my alternance in September 2020 at Schneider Electric, so I can’t give a full review yet.

Did your university help you in this process?

Yes. I found my internship through a career fair at Sciences Po. We also had workshops on CV writing, cover letters, and interview prep led by alumni.

What was the field of your internship? If you don’t mind please share the remuneration you got.

HR — recruitment and university relations.

Salary: €1500/month

Did you find a job after graduation? Which field and how did you find it?

I’m still studying — I’ll graduate in September 2021.

🌏 Your future plans

What are your plans? Do you plan to stay in the country?

Yes, I plan to stay in France and build a career in HR. My goal is to become an HR Director within the next 10 years.

What do you like about France? And what not?

I love the culture, architecture, art de vivre, the food, and Paris itself — it never ceases to amaze me! I admire the French passion for freedom and fighting for rights.

The downsides: endless bureaucracy. From the prefecture to CPAM to CAF — everything takes forever. You can be on the phone for hours and still get no answers.

Also, some French people (especially at Sciences Po) can seem cold to foreigners. I also miss heartfelt Russian-style conversations — here it’s mostly small talk.

Could you give a piece of advice to future students?

Set ambitious goals and go after them, even if you fail at first. Stay curious, proactive, and resilient. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — from your school, your professors, or your peers. It is only human to make mistakes and ask for help!