Muhammad Asad Arif

I consider myself very lucky to be one of the Eiffel Scholars, and it is something not just French but other internationals are aware of as well, hence they know it is a very prestigious award. Right from the beginning, the assistance from the French Embassy in Islamabad and also from Campus France has been very helpful, since it is not easy leaving your home and moving to a foreign country. Campus France helped me a lot, especially in case of providing me with a wonderful choice of accommodation within Cité Universitaire. It is a wonderful and a very student friendly residential area, and also very affordable keeping in mind that you are living in Paris. And about Paris, what can I say? It is a city that has everything. Of course there will be tough times too, but what the city offers is beyond anything. The museums, the scenery, the culture, and for students especially the ability to transport easily, thanks to the well-spread Metro system of Paris. There might be some delays here and there, but you eventually get to your destination.

I am very lucky to study at Sciences-Po, at the Paris School of International Affairs, which is one of the best schools of Politics in the world. The teachers are approachable, and they are there to help you. I can say that I have learned more in these last few months, then I did during my undergraduate degree. My advice is that be prepared, there will be problems and all you must have is the will to come up with solutions. The language barrier will be problematic in the beginning, but it would be a good idea to take French language in your university. It will be hard in the beginning, but you will eventually get used to it. Rest make friends from all over the world, learn from them and about them, which allows you to clear the stereotypes you have in your mind. Make sure you are carrying all the documents you need with you, and get documents translated in French before coming to France, like your Birth Certificate for instance. Being an Eiffel Scholar is a wonderful honor, and I wish best of luck to others who will be applying for it. Thank you!