Mobility specification

Country:France

Institution:Sciences Po Bordeaux

City:Bordeaux

Program:Erasmus+ for study

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2022/2023

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Social Studies / Department of Political Science

Study level abroad:Bachelor

🎓Hit the books! How do you rate the university experience?

Can you enroll in a course where you can learn the local language?yes

Does the university offer enough courses in English?they have tons

Are your credits converted?yes

Can you give an example?All courses are credited as B subjects with their corresponding credits.

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?The grading system is different to MUNI. The highest grade is 20 and many students consider it hard to obtain so it is not really like when you get an A at MUNI. If teachers grade your work as very good, you can get grade 16-18, which is considered great.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?Yes, Sciences Po Bordeaux has an organisation called Erasmix that offered many activities during the week, including trips and activities to discover the French culture.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?Barrier-free access to classrooms and dormitories
Special examination conditions (e.g., extended time, quiet rooms)
Crisis intervention
I haven’t noticed

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:17500 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?no

Do you have any tips on how to find private accommodation?Look at StudApart, Leboncoin and make sure to have a guarantor (either a French friend or a company) as many landlords require it. I also recommend asking people from MUNI that already lived in Bordeaux, they might know a good place.
Be careful when looking for private accommodation as there can be scams. Do not pay a deposit if you’re not 100% sure the place exists. Check on google maps and agency websites etc.

What about unexpected expenses? Did anything surprise you?Get ready to pay deposit and agency fees when moving in a private accommodation. Setting up a tram card can be an investment at first but you can also opt for a monthly payment and not pay too much at once.

Do you have any tips on how to save money?There is a free food distribution program called Linkee where you can receive food items like pasta, potatoes, vegetables, fruit and some hygiene products for no cost, you just have to sign up and stand in a (often long) queue. It is worth it!

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?almost without problems

How does public transport work in the city?neutral

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?Download TBM app to get tram timetables and the SNCF app for trains.

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?The Jardin Public is my favourite spot in the city and make sure to also go see the lake, the Darwin centre and the Science and Nature Museum.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Dune du Pilat and Arcachon are a must but my all time favourite trip was to the Pyrenees. Make sure to visit Biarritz and Bayonne that are right on the coast.

Share your best experience:Our road trip to the Pyrenees was definitely one of the best trips. It is not too far from Bordeaux and when you rent a car it makes a really unique trip with incredible views.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Plane

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?There is not a direct flight from Czech Republic to Bordeaux anymore so you will have to fly via Nice or take a train from Paris. The train ride is a very nice one so if you don’t have too much luggage I recommend it.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?Apart from the usual, make sure to take some beach or picnic blanket, as there are many nice spots to chill outside. If you like hiking, pack som hiking boots as well.

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?My Erasmus stay in Bordeaux was the best time of my life, I think about it every day. The city offers anything you could imagine and if you find a good group of friends, I’m sure you’ll have the best experience.