Adventures in Paris: Student Reflections on the International Placement Program

Week 3 and 4: All good things have to come to an end…
The final week is up and we celebrated graduation at SciencesPo by going out together with the teaching staff. It was very sad, as we have enjoyed our classes and our time together over the last five weeks. We enjoyed dinner and drinks and later, the class handed over some nice treats for the coordinators of the European Studies Programme. We all decided to stay in touch via LinkedIn.

After the dinner we were given an academic diploma for the completion of the European Studies Programme at SciencesPo. It is a great addition to my resume and adds value as I seek to reach my aspirations of acquiring an international career.

After finishing classes which have taken up most of our evenings, more free time opened up. As we were pretty used to the fast pace, we suddenly had lots of time spare for sightseeing. Bring on Paris!!

One thing I have noticed which differs a lot from Australia is the amount of people enjoying lovely picnics in the parks. We went several times per week for picnics at various locations in Paris, and we were (clearly) not the only ones! People of all ages enjoy prosciutto ham, brie, wine and baguettes. I do not want to think about all the damage that needs some repair when I return to my trainer in Sydney!

One of my favourite spots was the Luxembourg Gardens. It closes at 9pm, so we had to hurry up after work or go and visit during the weekends. Although Sydney is wonderful, it doesn’t beat the wonderful nature you can find throughout the heart of Paris!

 

It was not very tempting to spend a whole day standing in a queue, so we went to have a look at the Louvre during the evening. Hardly anyone was there and it was really cool to see it in person.

As this was our last weekend, we decided that a trip to Disneyland was a must. We bought tickets online and jumped on a train in the morning which did not take more than 45 minutes. This had been my dream ever since early childhood and it was finally an opportunity for some childhood closure!

We were super lucky with the weather and enjoyed the day. However, Disneyland was in general very over-priced, so I recommend bringing lots of spare cash! Unfortunately it is still a long time until Christmas, as this is a paradise for Christmas shopping (and any other random merchandise you might ‘need’!).

We did not exactly have a lack of activities ahead of us so we decided to stay until the fireworks at the end of the day, at 11pm… and it turned out that was a very good idea!

On a light-hearted note, as a final remark to future IPP students:
Although it is pretty nice to get some international work experience and an extra university diploma, it hardly beat the feeling of having this:

Panne au chocolat/chocolate croissant for breakfast

…..and crepes for lunch:

... and this is even without having anyone looking at you in a strange way!
Au revoir!!

Anette Hansen
Current student at the University of Sydney Business School and participant in the International Placement Program in Paris, France

Adventures in Paris: Student Reflections on the International Placement Program

Week 3
My supervisor presented some of the work that I have been involved in with all member countries present. Therefore, I got to come along and listen to the discussion and questions all the member countries had with my supervisor regarding the 2015 budget allocation. This time I was very prepared and I kept track of the entire discussion without feeling lost (which I did at my first budget committee meeting on my first day). It was such a great feeling to be able to keep track of the discussion and know what everyone was talking about, in detail. After the committee, my supervisors and I went for lunch at a restaurant nearby. We had a pleasant conversation which involved my future career prospects. I could really see myself working for the OECD, and my supervisor suggested that I should apply for the Young Professionals Programme after my graduation. It is certainly something I will consider.

 View of the Budget Committee Room - I was seated behind the Executive Director, Anthony Rottier.

Friday morning we went for a field trip to visit the European Commission and the European Parliament. We took the train early in the morning in order to be in Brussels at 9 am. The train ride did not take more than 90 minutes(ish)!

Representatives from the European External Action Service (EEAS) came to greet us and held presentations about the EU and what they do, before they opened up for an informal discussion regarding the internal work at the EU. First, we met the Head of Sector Correspondence, Corporate Board Secretariat, before Mr Tamas Macazac came and spoke about Australian Trade Relations. It was very interesting to get an understanding of how the EU works from a senior employee’s perspective, and how Australia interacts with European Affairs.

The second part of our field trip was engaging in a role play at the Parlamentarium. It was a location with a set and equipment where we had to go through the same procedures as the official elected parliament representatives when they discuss official matters, negotiate with other parties and come to a consensus. It was harder than I anticipated but great fun!

At the end of the day the group went for dinner locally in Brussels before the travelling to Paris, Amsterdam, London, Rome or Berlin - we had a long weekend which we wanted to take advantage of! First, it was time to taste Belgium waffles, beer and frites!

After returning safely to Paris we celebrated Bastille Day on the 14th which is equivalent to Australia Day. We enjoyed a beautiful picnic during the day and when the fireworks were to begin, we had a stunning view to the Eiffel Tower while we enjoyed Champagne, macaroons and other French nibbles.  The fireworks were fantastic and it represented four significant highlights in the last century: the First and Second World War, the fallen soldiers and peace.

Anette Hansen
Current student at the University of Sydney Business School and participant in the International Placement Program in Paris, France 

Adventures in Paris: Student Reflections on the International Placement Program

Week 2: So far so good!
Finally the jetlag and the feeling of being slightly overwhelmed is disappearing and I am starting to become eager to explore Paris! The first weekend after work we decided to see what Paris had to offer. After a long week at work and classes we decided that we still had energy to check out Paris Pride 2015 - which is equivalent to Sydney Mardi Gras - and we were not disappointed!

On the following day we decided to visit a famous leading macaroon maker in Paris, Laduree, for lunch and dessert. It was so exquisite that it was well worth the 40 Euros for an omelette and a few macaroons!

The rest of the day was spent visiting Notre Dame, going on a boat ride on the Seine, watching Paris from a hilltop in Montmatre and generally enjoy the amazing atmosphere here. We also realised that the sun sets at 10-11pm which gave us an opportunity to sit by the waterfront at the Seine enjoying wine, food and snacks after a long day at work followed by classes.

Picnic at Pont Neuf

Notre Dame

At work things are starting to add up. I have been given three projects to complete by the end of my placement which is very challenging, but teaching me so much. I might even have to adjust my enrolment as I am receiving training in a software program that I planned on learning through ‘Enterprise Systems Management’ during my studies next year. Therefore, I can already consider my placement a ‘win’!

The classes at SciencesPo are very interesting. We have new teachers with different backgrounds at every lecture which gives us a broad perspective of European history and how the Union become the way it did from multiple angles. As an international student from Europe, I now realise how important it is to understand the politics and the economics of Europe for my future career prospects in the Shipping Industry. This unit should be mandatory for everyone who is interested in getting involved in European trade and business.

We also moved into our accommodation at Citè Universitaire and it is stunning. It is a few train stops away from the city but yet it feels like it is rural, as it is surrounded by nature and fresh air. We have our own rooms with bathrooms, which feels really nice after sharing tiny rooms for a week! Au Revoir- So long (now)!

Citè Universitaire Campus

To end, this is our adorable uni-cat which belongs to the SciencesPo. His name is Marcel and he makes the classes a little more interesting!

Anette Hansen
Current student at the University of Sydney Business School and participant in the International Placement Program in Paris, France

Data Exchange In The City Of Light

Q: What’s better than a recent stint in Paris working for the OECD as part of the Business School’s Industry Placement Program?

A: Being invited back last month to attend an important SDMX conference and deliver a presentation on a paper I wrote on that very subject.

For those who may not be aware, SDMX stands for Statistical Data-Metadata Exchange. It’s a relatively new global initiative, by large global organisations and government statistical offices from all around the world, that’s designed to standardise the exchange of data and metadata, reduce global work duplication, and ensure ease of comparability across all industries. It deals with all the statistics they collect, analyse and disseminate, ranging from information on national accounts to trade and economics. The implementation of standardisation of such data will help economists and policy-makers arrive at informed decisions and more accurate policies quicker.

In my paper I examined two key aspects, the first being the business case for SDMX. As a Business School student, I looked at the benefits and impacts of things like reduced work duplication, reduced costs, reduced organisational complexity, and ease of data transfers for both organisations and countries. Secondly, I looked at the openness of data that SDMX can facilitate. This type of global transparency could make data more easily interchangeable between different organisations and render it easily accessible for everyone to utilise. It’s a far more beneficial system than the common approach of having everything housed behind closed doors.

September’s conference was a collaborative opportunity for global organisations to come together and share their experiences thus far with SDMX. It was a chance for countries to showcase what they’ve done and how they’re implementing this standard, as well as to discuss the challenges they’ve encountered. Representing Sydney University at this important event and also being one of the only Australians in attendance was very exciting. 

Author: Mitchell Green, current Bachelor of Commerce (Major in Business Information Systems) student at the University of Sydney Business School

Bonjour everyone!

It’s been almost 6 weeks in Paris and I cannot believe that it’s almost over. No more 1-euro baguettes and eating raspberry tarts for lunchtime dessert, I think I’m starting to develop Post-Paris Depression.

*Melancholic sigh*

Since my fellow students already blogged about how beautiful and magical Paris is, let me tell you more about my internship at the OECD (Yes, it’s the one with the Chateau!).

I work at the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs (DAF). At DAF, we write papers to identify and design the best practices and policies for governments in order to keep the global markets open, competitive, and sustainable.

Did I just hear you say writing papers, isn’t that what PhD or Honours students do? Yes, and I am neither of them. Here at the OECD, interns are given so many learning opportunities and never will you be left alone in the dark. Employees at the OECD can also take free French or English classes to improve help them improve their second language (I really need to take more French classes just so I can order something else other than croissants for morning tea).

What’s even better? The 2-hour lunch break and the obligatory morning tea. It is not uncommon to see people visiting the swimming pool or local shops during lunchtime. Now that’s what you call a good work-life balance!

If I were to summarise OECD in one word it would be “diversity”. Here, not only will you meet and work with the most talented people from all over the world, but you also work on tasks that are part of a bigger picture that affect the lives of millions.

You never forget your first sight of a new city

After more than 30 hours on the road, I’d been rather disappointed by the fact that my first impressions of Paris would be clouded by an intense desire to be unconscious. We’d arrived at this city on a grey morning, with the dawn that had chased us across the northern continents just skirting the horizon. The orange sky had made the glowing web of city below us so much more poignant to behold.

This first impression has been carried with me through my five weeks here, and whenever I close my eyes and think of Paris, that is still the first image that comes to mind.

On this trip, each of us had been assigned to different internship positions, and mine was at the OECD within the Public Affairs and Communications Division. I was given my own project of analysing the readership of the OECD Observer magazine, comparing it to online subscriptions and other OECD publications. In between this, I got to attend international forums, and stare out of my office to into the Seine.

When I was first told that I would be interning at the OECD, I’d felt an equal mixture of excitement and fear. It was very daunting, so be within such a huge, influential organisation! After 5 weeks here though, I could almost say that I’m entirely comfortable. Perhaps the most enlightening realisation I’ve gained here isn’t the skills I’ve learnt, but realising that each corporation is made up of people all of whom are willing to have fun and lend a helping hand. We even have our own interdivision football championships!

After the first week, we moved into accommodations at Cite Universitaire, a collection of college houses reputed to be more beautiful than the University of Sydney. There are three wings to each floor, accessed by two spiral staircases, all very movie-esque. The common kitchens are a perfect hub for conversation, and meeting new people from all over the world, speaking all their different languages. My neighbour on the right is German, and the other is Italian!

Paris is an endlessly fascinating city. It is a maze of winding alleys and small streets that feed into wide open boulevards. Around each corner is another architectural gem, statutes of sombre marble, gleaming gold domes or piercing copper spires. To find anything, first, you have to get lost.

To be honest, this is my first trip to Europe, and first time away from home. As I lie on an endless stretch of lawn infront of the International House writing this blog, with a church spire red in the 10pm sunset piercing the blue sky, I realise that this is the beginning of a lifelong romance. What better city to fall in love with than the city of love?

17h00: Off to Sciences Po.

There are 6 of us here at OECD La Muette and we meet after work each day by the couches in the lobby to head off to Sciences Po. When my colleagues first told me to catch Bus 63 which runs along the Seine and stops right outside the University, I really had no idea what to expect. Not only does this route take us through Trocadero with a picture-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower, but we also pass Invalides, Assemblee Nationale, Musee d’Orsay and Boulevard St Germain. Who needs a tourist bus when there’s the 63…

Author: Gloy Tuchinda, current student at the University of Sydney Business School

9h00: OECD – Organisation of Economic Co-Operation Development

When I tell people that I work in a Chateau, they don’t believe me. The main entrance is through the OECD building which is connected to Chateau de la Muette. It is a modern building filled with security guards, x-ray machines and diplomats who are visiting for conferences. My employee card gives me access to all the security glass doors so I can bypass the queues and x-rays in the morning.

On my first day, I asked my colleagues ‘So how often do you get to go to the Chateau?’and after a moment of awkward silence followed by hysterical laughter they replied ‘Gloy, we’re in the chateau right now!’. Built in the 16th Century, occupied by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinnette, the site of the first hot air balloon by the Mongolier brothers, and now the headquarters of the OECD….not bad for an office.

9h00 – 17h00: Daily routine at work

My job at the OECD involves analysing current political and economic developments in different regions, with a personal focus on Thailand. Each of my colleagues work on a different country ranging from China to Peru, Lithuania to Malaysia, and the office is usually echoing with conference calls in Chinese, French, Spanish, German and even Portuguese. The role of the OECD itself is to work closely with national governments to implement policies in member and non-member countries, to promote social and economic development through addressing issues such as education, sustainability, health care systems and agriculture – just to name a few.

As an intern, the OECD provides an amazing opportunity to discover what it’s like to work for an inter-governmental organization and the people you meet here come from the most exotic cultural backgrounds and have the most incredible stories to tell. At lunch time, everyone in the office has lunch together, which either involves a picnic on the lawns in front of the Chateau, or in the cafeteria. Lunch breaks provide a great opportunity to really get to know your co-workers and understand the career path that has led them to the OECD. They all help me out in the office such as giving me tips on accessing different resources, inviting me to join them in important meetings and even sharing local secrets of what to do in Paris over the weekend (i.e where to discover life changing baguettes and gelato, the best crepe shops in Paris, the most scenic bus route to take from the OECD to uni). Words cannot express how amazing it is to be accepted into such a fantastic team, and despite 40 long hours of work each week, somehow, I still walk into the office each day feeling so proud to be part of the OECD community.

Author: Gloy Tuchinda, current student at the University of Sydney Business School

8h30: Le Metro – A Parisian version of City Rail? Us against the metro

Each morning we would face the crowd of Parisians on their way to work and getting a seat was out of the question. When you’re wedged between an accordion player and a French business man, even breathing becomes a challenge. To get to the OECD headquarters, where a few of us work, we catch the 8:30 train from Cite Universite to Notre Dame, changing to RER C (the yellow line) towards Boulanvilliers. My favourite part of this journey is between Champ de Mars and Avenue Du Point Kennedy. We pass it every single day, but somehow, this 270 degree panoramic view of the Eiffel tower, just casually chilling in the Seine, still gives me goosebumps every time.

The station is a 5 minute walk from work through the Eastern Suburbs equivalent of Paris, Arrondissement 16. We pass rows and rows of cafes and the smell of hot baguettes and croissants in the morning has become part of our daily routine into work. Usually we stop by the same patisserie every morning to order a ‘café de crème avec un pain aux chocolat’ or something to keep for lunch. BMWs, Mercedes and Jaguars are all parked along the side of the road, so close they’re almost touching. I would hate to try parallel parking in Paris.

Author: Gloy Tuchinda, current student at the University of Sydney Business School

7h00: Le Matin

People think I’m crazy for waking up at such a ridiculous hour every day. And I agree. When you’re working from 9am to 5pm during the week, followed by 3 hours of classes each night, sleep is more valuable than a Chanel handbag from the Champs Elysees. However... with only 6 weeks to explore this incredible city, and with the sun waking me up in my dorm room at College Franco Britannique, a morning out in the lavish gardens of the Cite Universite Campus is the best start to the day. Sometimes we run. Other times we rent bicycles for 1.87 euros from the Velib station just outside. And somehow, we still have time to shower, suit up, have a quick breakfast and trek it to work, arriving just on time. A fresh summer breeze to wake you up, cycling between rows of ancient trees, and watching the sunrise over historical residential colleges – 7am doesn’t seem so crazy after all.



Author: Gloy Tuchinda, current student at the University of Sydney Business School

6 weeks of summer in Paris – It doesn’t get much better than this

I’ve been to Paris before, many years ago, but it’s a whole different experience when you’re not hopping on and off tour buses, getting lost amongst a sea of tourists or exploring the streets of Paris through DSLR lenses.

Travelling with Australian interns to work in a French Chateau in Paris; sharing an office with colleagues from 12 different countries who speak a minimum of 3 languages; researching country developments in Thailand during the day and attending European economic classes at night (taught by an Italian lecturer) - There’s really nothing like the Paris Placement Program.
Whether it’s passing the Eiffel tower from the Metro with a French busker serenading us on the way to work, catching the bus from the OECD headquarters down Quai D’Orsay through Trocadero every afternoon, stopping by Laduree down the road for a Macaron treat before class, walking along the Seine watching the sunset at 9pm after Uni, or casually waltzing through Cathedrale Notre Dame before going home – what more could you ask for?



Author: Gloy Tuchinda, current student at the University of Sydney Business School

Love Letter to Paris #1

Bonjour Tout le monde

We have just successfully finished our first week in Paris and to say it has been an amazing, splendid, brilliant and spectacular week would be an understatement.

I won’t lie, I did expect Paris to be special. I expected to be eating baguettes, cheese and wine while working at my placement. However, this is just the ‘touristy’ layer of stereotypes attached to Paris, and it's only upon living here do you realize there is so much more.

From the sun casting a magical glow over the city in a prolonged dusk to the way cobble-stone streets meander into the distance littered with buskers - Paris really does carry a unique and effortless charm.

But let’s start from the beginning

My Placement
You know how in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix there is that scene at the Ministry of Magic where the wizards and witches are walking on a mission, going through glass doors and security measures muttering something important under their breath before striding off to their respective offices? That’s what the OECD reminds me of and this is where I call ‘work’ for the next 6 weeks. However, I am lucky enough to intern at the Financial Action Task Force (which is independent from the OECD but located in the same building).

What is the FATF you ask? One of my colleagues said ‘ it’s the most important organization that no one knows of.’ Too right it is! The FATF is in charge of promoting the effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

I know what you’re thinking – sounds intense. But it’s fascinatingly intense. The OECD building feels like this world hidden inside Paris – where people with the most exotic accents swerve seamlessly through about four different languages and there seems to be something very important and official happening every single day!

Our amazing first Saturday.
From the budding young age of 14 I had an eccentric art teacher (the one who jumps up on tables and prances around) and since then Paris has been a BHAG on my bucket list (Yay for business reference). Our weekend started with a lazy stroll through a Jazz festival located in the middle of a typical Parisian park complete with lake, roses and cafes.

After a quick metro ride we found ourselves smack bang under the disarming grandeur of the Eiffel Tower and we couldn’t deny ourselves the opportunity to have an impromptu and oh-so-French Appertif under the afternoon sun. I thought this only happens on special occasions but as nightfall approached the Eiffel Towers starts slowly glowing an incredible golden hue and for a good couple of hours Paris is graced with an amazing contrast of the glowing tower against an aqua blue evening sky. Many photos and laughs later we bid the Tower farewell after which it spectacularly lit up in thousands of fairy lights before returning to its golden glow. I think it was then that I actually grasped the fact that I’m in Paris.

Upon editing this blog I realized it sounds like a massive love letter to Paris – which I see no problem with. So I’ll leave it here for Love Letter #1 and I’ll be back to tell you more about our classes, more of Paris and our time here!

Author: Anjali ( Or Anne-jolie as the French say, my name has never sounded so awesome).