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    Infanta Sofia in Paris: What Her Second Year Will Look Like

    Infanta Sofia in Paris: What Her Second Year Will Look Like
    Infanta Sofia in Paris: What Her Second Year Will Look Like. (Special)

    After spending her first year in Lisbon, Infanta Sofia is moving to a new city. In September, she arrives in Paris to begin her second year studying Politics and International Relations at Forward College, located within the Cité Internationale Universitaire.

    We already know what life awaits her there: a room measuring between 13 and 17 square meters, furnished with a single bed, a table, a chair, a flexible desk lamp, and a small closet. The essentials. The residence where she will live is a five-minute walk from campus, so at least getting around won’t be a problem.

    Who took the photos of Infanta Sofia in Lisbon?
    Infanta Sofía in Lisbon. (Casa Real)

    What the campus does have in abundance is plenty to do outside the classroom. There are over 50 sports activities, ranging from an Olympic-size swimming pool to yoga, Zumba, soccer, badminton, and tennis. There are nine music studios with 69 choirs, 140 contemporary music groups, and art workshops at the Théâtre de la Cité Internationale.

    A room for group work
    A room for group work.

    There’s also a research club and a Central Library with free access to collections across various disciplines.
    Princess Leonor’s younger sister will have plenty of options when she wants to take a break from her studies, or simply to spend her free time in a different way.

    Forward College students can join more than 50 student clubs
    Forward College students can join more than 50 student clubs.

    The social aspect is also part of the plan. The Infanta will live alongside about 100 students from up to 40 countries, which aligns quite well with the profile of a degree program focused on international relations.

    It’s no coincidence that Forward College designs its program this way; the diverse mix of backgrounds is part of the learning experience.

    In the spring, students organize picnics or study in the gardens.
    In the spring, students organize picnics or study in the gardens.

    In spring, according to the institution itself, the campus fills with students enjoying picnics in the gardens or studying outdoors. This will be a part of Sofía’s daily life.

    I find it significant that both Leonor and Sofía are enjoying university experiences outside of Spain, without any visible special treatment and mingling with students from completely different backgrounds.

    The student residence is located just a five-minute walk from campus
    The student residence is located just a five-minute walk from campus.

    It’s a clear commitment by King Felipe and Queen Letizia to an education that doesn’t isolate them. It will be interesting to see over time if that later influences how they carry out their institutional roles.