3rd Year Abroad: Simon at Trinidad and Tobago, a Perfect Match

All students in their third year of bachelor's degree (the “3A”) at Sciences Po's College must leave for a year abroad. They can choose to spend their entire year at one of our 478 partner universities or do a mixed year including an internship semester. This international openness is at the heart of Sciences Po's values and offers undergraduate students an unforgettable experience of discovery, sharing and learning.

This summer, we got in touch with several students on their return from 3A and ask them to tell us about this extraordinary year. Meet Simon Rühle who went for Trinidad and Tobago, its particular economy, its carnival and its surf spots.

WHO ARE YOU AND WHY DID YOU CHOSE SCIENCES PO?

My name is Simon, I come from Berlin and I spent my first two years of bachelor's degree at Sciences Po on the Nancy campus, European Union minor, Franco-German partnership.

I learned about Sciences Po at an event organised by the Institut Français in Berlin. In high school, I was interested in all social sciences. It was therefore an opportunity to continue my studies in this field and in a Franco-German environment. I sent my application and joined the institution after a gap year. Being immersed in a community, where everyone knows everyone, has been a really enjoyable experience.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION AND HOST UNIVERSITY?
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE?

My three criteria for choosing my 3A destination were to live in an English-speaking country, to study an undiversified national economy and to go surfing. I also wanted to live in a country whose culture was unfamiliar to me. One autumn evening, I consulted all the destinations with a friend on the Sciences Po intranet. At the end of the list, I saw Trinidad and Tobago and I immediately fell it was the perfect match.

Studying for a year on the huge campus of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine (UWI, St. Augustine) was really nice and full of surprises. I loved my 3A in the Caribbean, especially the incredible carnival period. The island of Tobago also holds a special place in my heart for the waves I have surfed there.

WHAT DID THIS YEAR BRING TO YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?

Staying in Trinidad and Tobago brought me a knowledge of the Caribbean that I would never have had without living there for an entire year. In addition, my experience made me want to continue my studies with a master's degree in the field of finance and development. This desire materialised thanks to the discovery of a country highly dependent on fossil fuel income and therefore having difficulty diversifying its economy.

It was extremely interesting to discover this “new” region of the world, which will forever be a part of me for now on.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE STUDENTS GETTING READY FOR THEIR THIRD YEAR ABROAD?

Whatever you do, you'll love it! Follow your heart to make you choice, whether it leads you towards the beach or the mountains.

CAN YOU SUM UP YOUR EXPERIENCE IN A WORD?

Good vibes only!