First Year Dual BA Students Look Ahead to Starting Fall Semester in France

September 08, 2021

This fall, the Dual BA Program between Columbia University and Sciences Po is excited to welcome the largest class of incoming students since its launch in 2010. The Class of 2025 includes a total of 103 bright and talented students out of 638 applicants. Hear more from Clara Barschdorff, Jennifer Su, and Adam Lehodey, who are embarking on their first year in the Dual BA Program in France this year.


 

Dual BA Program Student Clara Barschdorff

Clara Barschdorff

Born and raised in New York City, Clara Barschdorff ‘25GS is an incoming economics major in the Dual BA Program. Growing up learning multiple languages, she is excited to continue to explore new cultures and learn about the different approaches to economics at two different institutions. 

Why did you choose to apply to this program and what do you hope to gain from it over the next few years?

I’ve always wanted a college experience that truly celebrates exploring new cultures and interacting with people from all over the world, and the Dual BA Program felt like the perfect fit for that. My parents, originally from Europe, taught me to speak Swedish and German, and I learned French in school. I applied to the Dual BA Program for the opportunity to practice my French and really get it to a native level, as well as to have the experience of two incredible schools in two countries.

What's the best advice you've received over the past year?

I learned this year, as I had to be more independent, that advocating for yourself is one of the most important skills you can have. I still struggle with it, but if you can’t stick up for yourself, then you’re not giving anyone else a reason to stick up for you either. I think this mentality will be very important in moving to a new country where I don’t know many people. I’ll need to take much more responsibility for myself, which involves being independent and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.

What is the last book you read? (either for a class or for fun)

I just finished a book called “The Dutch House” which reminds me a bit of “The Little Princess.” It’s about a family living in a lavish house but when their father dies, their stepmother kicks them out of the house and the children have to deal with being on their own. It doesn’t sound super riveting, but I think it was written very well and the characters all have many layers to them which are fun to unpack.

Is there any other fun fact you’d like to share?

I really love to bake. My proudest baking accomplishment is making Swedish Princess Cake. If you have any great recipes, send them my way!

Dual BA Program Student Jennifer Su

Jennifer Su 

Jennifer Su ‘25GS, who plans to study politics and government at Sciences Po and philosophy at Columbia, is most excited about immersing herself in American and European political affairs from two distinct perspectives, as well as all of the unpredictable experiences she’s sure to encounter during her time in the Program. 

What are you most looking forward to about starting your journey in the program?

I’m excited about pretty much everything that can’t be predicted, like friendships that form, a surprise interest in an academic field, a new obsession with a pastry, the weather in France, etc. I can’t choose just one thing I’m looking forward to!

Why did you choose to apply to this program and what do you hope to gain from it over the next few years?

Being immersed in American affairs from a non-American perspective and European affairs from a non-European perspective drew me to this program. I strongly believe that the international exchange of ideas is necessary for tackling increasingly global issues. It’s also interesting to see how governance systems differ in two vastly different but very connected regions. Through examining similarities and differences between political institutions, ideologies, and cultures, I hope I’ll be able to contribute to more effective policy solutions. But of course, what is an international education without bonding with others? I hope to develop a lifelong community of curious thinkers, explorers, dreamers, and jokesters with the amazing peers I meet. Hopefully, my French will get a bit more coherent too.

What's the best advice you've received over the past year?

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help! I’ve followed this on several occasions since arriving in France, like asking for help with buying TGV tickets or inquiring about a chicken recipe. Now I’m a pro at almost-not-over-seasoning my meals.

What is the last book you read (either for a class or for fun)?

“Purple Hibiscus” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Knowing exactly what food someone is craving at any given moment. Including myself.

Dual BA Program Student Adam Lehodey

Adam Lehodey

Originally from London, England, incoming student Adam Lehodey ‘25GS is joining the Program after two gap years, during which he worked for a British Parliamentarian. He plans to study economics and societies during his time at Sciences Po and Columbia. 

What are you most looking forward to about starting your journey in the program?

After having taken two gap years where I worked and traveled, I am so excited to embark on this journey. It represents, for me, an opportunity to gain a profound understanding of global issues, to develop the mindset required to solve them, and more widely, to debate and challenge existing assumptions.

Why did you choose to apply to this program and what do you hope to gain from it over the next few years?

I very much loved the program’s international focus both in terms of the course's content and structure, where I'll get to learn about history, economics, politics, and more from two different perspectives, but also in terms of the diversity of students. There are people from all over the world, and everyone really does have something unique and interesting to bring to the table.

What's the best advice you've received over the past year?

Never stop asking questions! Asking the right questions is vital to understanding how things work and why things are the way they are. Oftentimes, the answer to why something is done in a certain way is that “it has always been done like that.” This presents an opportunity to build upon and improve systems.

What is the last book you read? (either for a class or for fun)

"Triumph of the City" by Edward Glaeser. This was a highly fascinating approach to looking at Cities, where Glaeser outlines the ways in which cities are vehicles for social mobility, innovation, and trade. I loved the combination of the fields of urbanism and economics, and have read a number of books on the subject since.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your background, something you're passionate about, what TV show you're currently streaming, your proudest accomplishment, a fun fact about yourself?

Throughout my gap year, I worked for a British Parliamentarian and saw first-hand the importance of international cooperation to solve humanitarian and global issues, such as human rights abuses and persecution of people based on their sexuality. This course really is an opportunity to gain the understanding and skills required for that global cooperation to occur. You are presented with so many opportunities, and all that's left is for you to take them!