George Birman will spend his junior year in France at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris (aka Sciences-Po). As an International Politics major in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, with a minor in International Business Diplomacy, he will share his experience at intervals with Stacie Berdan.
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Stacie Berdan
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Why have you decided to spend a year abroad?
Several reasons ... family history, curiosity, language skills and desire to travel. I want an academic program comparable to Georgetown – yet in a foreign language. Sciences-Po offers a rigorous program and all of my courses will be completed in French.
Who has guided you most in your decision?
I received encouragement from upperclassmen who spent a year abroad. Of greatest importance was my French professor. He told me a semester would pass too quickly and I would not be fully immersed. He argued that it would be time to leave just as I was getting settled after only a semester.
What have you done to prepare?
I was fortunate to land an internship at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C. There I've spoken French on a daily basis, while interacting with French expatriates and diplomats - a great preview for upcoming cultural exchange. I also participated in an independent study with a French professor and wrote research paper entirely in French.
How would you describe Georgetown’s assistance?
Indispensable. Georgetown actively promotes study abroad opportunities, maintains the Office of International Programs dedicated to students studying abroad, and provides efficient, organized help as students sort through the complicated paperwork. Georgetown enables significant credit transfer, including courses counting toward my major, essential to an on-time graduation.
What do you hope to accomplish?
I want an international career. I envision this year as a risk-free way to determine whether I will enjoy life in Europe. I need enough time and real-world experience to see if the initial “romance” will wear off and to see if the realities of functioning in another language and society take hold.
Best wishes George, until we hear from you again mid-year.
Stacie Nevadomski Berdan has spent years living and working abroad. She is a speaker and co-author of Get Ahead By Going Abroad: A Woman’s Guide to Fast-Track Career Success.
Reach her at StacieNBerdan@aol.com or 203.228.4062.