Emma Escuder-I-Solsona is a European Studies (French pathway) undergraduate at King’s and has recently returned from a year in Paris studying at partner institution, Sciences Po.
Her year abroad afforded Emma the chance to experience everything the French capital has to offer, make plenty of new friends and enrich her learning experience with teaching at one of the leading educational institutions in Paris.
Here, Emma reflects on her preparations, her experience in Paris, and her advice for anyone considering a study abroad opportunity…
How did you find your year studying abroad?
I truly enjoyed my year abroad. The people, especially fellow international students, were eager to make friends, and Paris and its surroundings offered a wealth of activities for everyone.
Living in a new city put me in different situations and taught me a lot about myself. It also allowed me to deepen my understanding of the local culture. I fell in love with French literature and culture, and Paris will always hold a special place in my heart.
Studying at Sciences Po was also incredibly enriching and stimulating. I loved learning from passionate teachers and engaging with dedicated students. Throughout the year, I also forged lifelong friendships that I cherish deeply.
What was learning and using the language like?
I was initially unsure about my French level because I started learning the language from scratch at university. To make sure I was truly at a B2 level, I enrolled in an intensive course at the Institut Français in London over summer.
When classes at Sciences Po started, I could understand most things, which I realize was somewhat easier for me due to my background in Catalan and Spanish, but taking notes in real-time was still quite challenging. Luckily, some of my French classmates kindly shared their notes with me. People were really supportive when you asked for help.
In the beginning, it was exhausting — I had to concentrate much harder than usual, and I wasn’t used to listening to French for two hours straight. However, by the end of the year, I could follow everything without needing to be so intensely focused.
Overall, I’ve seen significant improvement in my reading and listening skills, and my writing has also developed a lot. My speaking has improved too, although I feel it could have progressed more. I think this is partly because most of my friends were international, and I was a bit shy about participating actively in class discussions. I had to remind myself that my French classmates and teachers were genuinely helpful and didn’t mind if my French wasn’t perfect—they were more interested in hearing my perspective so we could all learn from each other.
Regarding the use of French in public spaces, shops, and everyday situations, I quickly adapted and found it wasn’t hard at all to use the language once I was there.
In the end, I’m really pleased with the progress I’ve made. The experience has given me a strong foundation to keep improving without as much effort in the future.
What did the preparation for the year abroad involve?
Regarding the preparation for the year abroad, the most challenging part was finding accommodation. In the end, I found it easier to book a studio in private student halls. Of course, you have to do some research to find out which areas are safer or more suitable for you!
As I mentioned earlier, I also took a French course over the summer to ensure my language skills were strong enough.
Additionally, I applied to join the welcome week program, which was incredibly helpful. It helped me meet new people right from the start and also taught me about the city and the organisation of the university.
What is studying at Sciences Po like?
Sciences Po is a very renowned institution, and studying there was an incredibly enriching and intellectually stimulating experience. While there’s a lot of work, it’s very manageable if you stay organized. Being taught in French was challenging, but it was equally rewarding to see the progress I made over time.
The course selection is extensive, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests. I had the opportunity to take very interesting courses in philosophy, law, politics, geopolitics, and more. The teachers are excellent. They are dedicated and passionate about what they teach, making the learning experience even better.
The university also has a lively community with numerous student associations and events. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by like-minded, engaged students who are passionate about making a difference in the world.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying abroad?
To anyone considering studying abroad, I would encourage you to go for it. It’s an incredibly enriching experience, both intellectually and personally. Being in a different country pushes you out of your comfort zone, placing you in situations you’ve never encountered before—and that’s where real growth and learning happen.
You’ll meet new people and build meaningful friendships while still maintaining the connections you have back home. Since study abroad experiences are usually for a limited time, everyone is eager to make the most of it, leading to an intense and unforgettable experience.
Studying abroad will also allow you to fully immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new method of teaching.
However, it’s important to be organised and plan ahead. Make sure you know what to expect in terms of budget, accommodation, and other practical matters. Being well-prepared allows you to focus more on enjoying the experience!