Springtime in Paris

One of the benefits of being a graduate student at SIS is the opportunity to study abroad at a leading university. I will be taking full advantage of this by heading to Sciences Po in Paris, France for the spring 2009 semester (also my final semester of graduate school). This program is particularly suited to me since I am in the field of Comparative and Regional Studies with a concentration on Europe. This semester is sure to hold many surprises for me.


While at Sciences Po, I will be taking graduate courses (en français bien sûr!) on European economics and politics, which will complete my course requirements for SIS! However, the classroom will only be a part of what I gain from the experience. Paris attracts students from around the world, and many of them—myself included—will be at Sciences Po. It will be after class, around an outdoor table at a café, with a glass of vin rouge and friends, that knowledge will be tossed around through discussion and, as is often the case, even (slightly) heated debate. Much like at AU, my peers at Sciences Po will teach me far more than I can ever hope to teach them.

Another block of my time will be consumed by my ‘substantial research paper’ or SRP as we call it in SIS. Sciences Po’s location in the heart of Paris is particularly apt for my research topic about how vintners are harnessing globalization. The chance to take courses in Paris greatly facilitates my ability to realize this project, since I will be able to visit the major wine producing regions in Europe (and France) to conduct interviews as part of my research.

The remainder of my time (if there is any) will be enjoyed at the cafés and markets in search of that joie de vivre for which Paris is so famous.


Brian Calhoon, 2nd year Master Candidate in SIS Contact info: bc0044a@student.american.edu