Sebastien Derveeuw | UBC–Sciences Po Dual Degree Program

Name: Sebastien Derveeuw

Hometown and Country: Ghent, Belgium

Graduation Year: 2017

Degree Completed at Sciences Po: Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Degree Completed at Sciences Po: Bachelor of Arts, Major in Political Science and Minor in International Relations

Why did you choose to pursue the UBC Sciences Po Dual Degree?

I wanted to have a chance to study closer to my home in Europe rather than spending four whole years in Canada. it was also a great way to get a Bachelor’s degree from an institution that was well-known in Europe which improved my chances of networking when I came back to the country.

What are some of the highlights from your time at Sciences Po, and at UBC?

At Sciences Po, making close friends with the small community was astounding. It was comforting to find such a close-knit community throughout the two years that we studied there. UBC on the other hand is a very large and multicultural campus. it gave me the opportunity to get out and try so much more than I did in France. Activities like hiking, swing dancing, there was always something to do in the city!

What were some of the challenges that you faced at Sciences Po, and at UBC?

Sciences po had a strict way of doing presentations and papers which was relatively difficult at the beginning. once we learned it, it was an easy system to keep using. For UBC, I’d say the weather was a real challenge. It’s very simple to just stay in bed all day when the city starts raining, but that’s when you end up missing some great activities.

Can you tell us about some clubs, affiliations, and experiential learning opportunities that you participated in?

At Sciences Po, I was part of RIMUN and the Bureau des Eleves. At UBC, I was part of the Boxing Club and the Zeta Psi Fraternity.

What advice would you give to students who are considering this program, mor just starting out in this program?

This program offers a great chance to both experience Europe and Canada. It offers a one-of-a-kind transatlantic education that creates a unique profile for your application to future Masters and job applications. Sometimes the program gets tough, but the best thing is that you are going through it with other like-minded individuals who will end up being your friends for life.

What’s next for you?

I’m off to complete a Masters in Public Affairs and Management at Sciences Po Paris. I’m hoping that the connections and networking I can do during this time will help me land an internship working with the UNDP in Cambodia.