1 July 2014

Adventures in Paris: Student Reflections on the International Placement Program

Week 2: So far so good!
Finally the jetlag and the feeling of being slightly overwhelmed is disappearing and I am starting to become eager to explore Paris! The first weekend after work we decided to see what Paris had to offer. After a long week at work and classes we decided that we still had energy to check out Paris Pride 2015 - which is equivalent to Sydney Mardi Gras - and we were not disappointed!

On the following day we decided to visit a famous leading macaroon maker in Paris, Laduree, for lunch and dessert. It was so exquisite that it was well worth the 40 Euros for an omelette and a few macaroons!


The rest of the day was spent visiting Notre Dame, going on a boat ride on the Seine, watching Paris from a hilltop in Montmatre and generally enjoy the amazing atmosphere here. We also realised that the sun sets at 10-11pm which gave us an opportunity to sit by the waterfront at the Seine enjoying wine, food and snacks after a long day at work followed by classes.


Picnic at Pont Neuf
Notre Dame


At work things are starting to add up. I have been given three projects to complete by the end of my placement which is very challenging, but teaching me so much. I might even have to adjust my enrolment as I am receiving training in a software program that I planned on learning through ‘Enterprise Systems Management’ during my studies next year. Therefore, I can already consider my placement a ‘win’!

The classes at SciencesPo are very interesting. We have new teachers with different backgrounds at every lecture which gives us a broad perspective of European history and how the Union become the way it did from multiple angles. As an international student from Europe, I now realise how important it is to understand the politics and the economics of Europe for my future career prospects in the Shipping Industry. This unit should be mandatory for everyone who is interested in getting involved in European trade and business.

We also moved into our accommodation at Citè Universitaire and it is stunning. It is a few train stops away from the city but yet it feels like it is rural, as it is surrounded by nature and fresh air. We have our own rooms with bathrooms, which feels really nice after sharing tiny rooms for a week! Au Revoir- So long (now)!

Citè Universitaire Campus

To end, this is our adorable uni-cat which belongs to the SciencesPo. His name is Marcel and he makes the classes a little more interesting!



Anette Hansen
Current student at the University of Sydney Business School and participant in the International Placement Program in Paris, France

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