For recent graduate Victor Lin, economics has always been more than numbers and theory — it’s a way to understand the world and shape positive change.
Victor first discovered Economics in high school and was immediately drawn to how it explained the world around him. As he continued his studies, he grew to appreciate that economics is not just about models or equations; it’s a tool for analysing complex social issues and finding solutions that can improve people’s lives.
That curiosity eventually led Victor to the Bachelor of Economics (Dual Degree: Sciences Po, France), a unique four-year pathway that combines international study with rigorous academic training.
For Victor, the decision to apply to the dual degree program came naturally. He wanted to study Economics for his undergraduate studies but also wanted an international outlook to his experience.
The program took Victor across three continents - Europe, Australia, and the United States - where he immersed himself in new cultures, new ways of learning, and new communities. The dual degree program gave Victor not only academic skills but also a broadened worldview.
Studying in such diverse environments presented both opportunities and challenges. Each location brought its own rhythm. In Le Havre, France, days were filled with classes and spending time with friends. At Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Victor enjoyed the calm, focused environment of a small college town surrounded by nature. Sydney offered an eventful lifestyle, with the beach always just a short bus ride away.
Australia stood out not just for its strong academics, but also for its laid-back atmosphere and good vibes that were felt both on and off campus.
When asked about the most rewarding aspects of the program, the deeply international nature of the program was valued. Victor formed friendships with people from diverse backgrounds that has shaped him in ways he couldn’t have imagined before starting the program. Having friends all over the world was also great for traveling - Victor stayed with friends in places like Japan and the U.S., and those connections have been invaluable.
Living and studying in three different countries has made me more open-minded and adaptable. It was a lot of fun to experience different places and meet new people
Victor Lin
There was, however, a more bittersweet side to the experience. Victor admits that the hardest part was saying goodbye. Just when he started to feel at home in a place, it was time to move again. But the process taught him to be fully present and make the most of the time he had. Academically, a standout moment came during his second year in France when he took a course on Policy Evaluation in a Pandemic. It was his first hands-on experience with the programming language R, a tool in economics valued for its specialised statistical capacity, where Victora designed an independent research project from the ground up.
It was challenging but incredibly rewarding to see how the tools I was learning could be applied to real-world issues
Victor Lin
Looking ahead, Victor credits the program with equipping him both personally and professionally. Living and studying across different countries has helped Victor grow in maturity and broadened his outlook on life. He's also gained a strong foundation in economics,
quantitative analysis, and critical thinking, along with practical skills such as programming.
While he’s still exploring exactly where his career will take him, Victor is considering policy-oriented strategic consulting, a field that will allow him to work on diverse, real-world problems while applying strategic thinking and the international perspective he's gained.
Victor’s message to future students is clear: stay open-minded.
If you feel drawn to studying abroad, I’d say go for it. It pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way. Living abroad meant going through a rollercoaster of experiences — some amazing, some tough — but all of it shaped who I am today. Looking back, I truly believe it was all worth it.