[Alumni of the Month / August 2023] Akshaya Jose

Q: What led you to choose France as your study destination? 

A: I was interested in Europe because most international organizations have headquarters in the region and I wanted to be close to these policymakers, leading me to France. I was particularly interested in the kind of work that Sciences Po alumni were doing and the policy-oriented practitioner-based curriculum the school offered, which is why I chose to study for my masters there instead of in the UK.

Q: What was your experience like in France?

A: It was interesting because I moved to France in the middle of the pandemic-induced lockdown, which meant most of my classes were remote, which was a challenge of its own, especially in Sciences Po which heavily focuses on a group-based learning model. I did have some beautiful moments though, like experiencing the Eiffel Tower and Mona Lisa in solitude without the crowds, and had some wonderful moments in my student residence at Cite Universitaire (which I would strongly recommend!)  What I really enjoyed about my university experience was that there was a lot of space for diverse perspectives in the classroom. Most professors encouraged debate and discussion which was very important for me because sometimes international relations can be Eurocentric.  It was challenging to understand the French grading system, which was rather different from the Indian one. The cultural access and exposure that France provides to its youth (entry to most monuments and museums is free if you’re below 26 years) is fantastic and was the favorite part of my experience there!

Q: Would you advise learning French before going to France?

A: Undoubtedly! Even if you are not in a French-taught program, learning the language is important for your daily life, helps you integrate better with locals, and opens up several opportunities, in the job market, to you as most jobs in France require a certain level of fluency in the language.  Don't worry though, you can pick up well if you’re open to learning (and importantly, making mistakes while trying!) as you will end up talking to everyone, from your grocer to doctor, and administration in French! During my first month there I almost canceled my credit card because I totally misunderstood what the banker was saying and I kept saying ‘oui’, so you’ll definitely have many funny stories along the way!  

Q: What do you expect from the France Alumni network in India?

A: More Alumni should come forward to support potential students in any way they can by sharing their experiences, participating in sessions or even doing small efforts like this interview. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Alumni as it is one of the best ways to get a real picture of the experience, and tips for living in the country, and more of us can engage with the students by sharing our bits. The France Alumni network can be that platform that brings together alumni and students to promote ‘Study in France’.