Rita Peignien, Class of 2024

Can you describe your academic and professional career?

I began my university career at Sciences Po Aix-en-Provence for my bachelor's degree. During those three years, I was particularly interested in constitutional law, economics and international relations. I also spent a year studying in Taiwan during high school. Following this experience, and with a passion for studying South Asia and the Far East, I decided to join Sciences Po in Paris and Fudan University in Shanghai for a double Master's degree in ‘Europe and Asia in Global Affairs’. My major was Public Administration at Sciences Po and International Relations at Fudan University in Shanghai.

I have had a number of rich professional experiences alongside my studies. My first work placement was with a parliamentary group at the French National Assembly. This unique experience, in the middle of a government reshuffle, confirmed my taste for political affairs.

In my third year abroad, I did a year of internships, first with the UN at UNCTAD, then I was lucky enough to join the Diplomatic Chancellery of the French Embassy in Sri Lanka, a particularly memorable and inspiring six months. Following these internships, I was recruited as a consultant for UNCTAD within the great team that had already welcomed me for my internship.

Why did you choose to enroll in the double degree programme at Fudan University?

The ‘Europe and Asia in Global Affairs’ double degree was a perfect convergence of my interest in public affairs and international relations, with a strong focus on Asia and China in particular. I was passionate about learning Mandarin and Chinese culture and had always dreamed of studying in China. Sciences Po was also the university of choice for me as I was interested in taking competitive entrance exams for the civil service. The opportunity to obtain two degrees from such prestigious universities is a considerable asset.

What do you retain from this experience between France and China?

What I take away from this experience is an exceptional lesson in otherness, especially after many years of studying China through academic books. My year at a Chinese university gave me unique insights into a complex country and a comparative approach between France and China. I have exceptional memories of these two years, surrounded by friends of many different nationalities.

The teaching was very different at the two schools. At Sciences Po, I took fascinating courses on public finance, economics and law, with an approach that combined practice and many technical exercises. At Fudan, the teaching focused on research, including writing a dissertation. This year taught me to work meticulously and in depth. The two courses were very complementary.

What do you see as your next challenges?

As I'm starting a new position within the consular network in China, I'd like to deepen my understanding of the professional world and acquire technical expertise. My immediate goal is also to improve my Mandarin and strengthen my skills in diplomacy and geopolitics. When I return, I plan to take the French civil service entrance exams. In the long term, I'd like to maintain this link between two fascinating countries, France and China, which have been at the heart of my studies.

Would you have any advice for a student or future graduate of the double degree with Fudan University?

Good organisation is a good omen in this double degree, where the pace of work is quite demanding. A good balance between study and free time is essential.

My main advice would be to make full use of all the opportunities offered both within the course and outside the course through conferences, visits and various commitments.

To future students or graduates: Curiosity is far from being a bad habit, but it will be your best asset in this dual degree. If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to never hesitate to ask questions and to get involved in various activities. The cultural combination of two countries and two curricula with different practices means that you need to be able to adapt. However, the exchanges and encounters that result make this a rich and unforgettable experience.