UMD Exchange: Sciences Po - Instituts d'etudes politiques (France)

 

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution
Sciences Po (Institut d'études politiques de Paris) has been France’s leading university for the Social Sciences for over 130 years. Over the years, Sciences Po has educated some of France's political and diplomatic elite, and the institution is recognized as one of the world’s most reputable and prestigious universities.  Almost half of the student body (10,000 students) is international and comes from 130 countries. 

While the main Sciences Po campus lies in Paris, the University also has six additional campuses in other regions of France that have a specific academic and geographical focus: The Middle East, Asia, Europe, North and South America. The satellite campuses are located in towns with a low cost of living, high quality of life, and have more tailored student services.

Host City
Sciences Po’s main campus is located in Paris, but it is also possible to study at one of the six other campuses located in major French cities. 

The Paris campus is located in the famous district of Saint Germain des Prés, which has been the artistic center of Paris since the 17th century. Sciences Po Paris is an urban campus, housed across several buildings in close vicinity to each other and conveniently located near cafés, cultural landmarks, shopping, and nightlife.  The city of Paris is also centrally located in Europe to make traveling across the continent much easier for exchange students.  London is just two hours by train and Barcelona or Rome is only an hour and a half away by plane. 

The other six regional campuses of Sciences Po are located in the heart of French cities that offer a rich historic identity and offer students an environment that fosters substantial intellectual and cultural exchanges.  Each of these campuses is associated with different regionally-focused areas of studies.  All Sciences Po campuses and academic concentrations are listed below:

Campuses that do not require French proficiency:
Le Havre - European & Asian Studies
Menton - Middle East & Mediterranean Studies Campus
Reims - Europe & North Americas Studies Campus 

Campuses that require French fluency:
Poitiers - Europe & Latin American Studies Campus
Dijon - Central & Eastern European Studies Campus
Nancy - European Franco-German Studies Campus
 

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Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

• 3.0 GPA
• Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
• No language requirement, but French language background highly recommended.

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.

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1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

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Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

• Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
• Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
• Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record

Coursework

Students attending Sciences Po can take classes in English and French in the following disciplines:  Economics, International Relations, Law, History, and Political Science. 

Should a student wish to take a full course load, he or she should take the following courses:

• Lecture course (10 ECTS credits)
• Seminar or elective course (5 ECTS credits)
• Seminar or elective course or artistic workshop or language class (5 credits)
• OPTIONAL: French Civilization course (offered on a Pass/Fail basis, this course is not accepted for credit at UMD)

Students are required to enroll in a French language class at the beginning, intermediate or advanced level and will be required to show proof of proficiency before arriving in France.
 

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD).  If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
 

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree.  Most courses at Sciences Po will be converted as follows:

Sciences Po Credit	UMD Credit
5 ECTS credits	2.5 UMD credits
10 ECTS credits	5 UMD credits

The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on August 7, 2014.
 
Grading

Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.

Sciences Po Grade	UMD Grade
E or 10/20	C  -

 

The Sciences Po Paris campus does not have its own accommodations for university students; therefore, exchange students will need to find their own accommodations with the help of Sciences Po Housing Service, which has numerous housing offers and information to help guide students in their search.  Private apartments and student residence halls are readily available. 

A few of the other regional Sciences Po campuses have guaranteed housing for exchange students. Please see the following website for more information:  http://formation.sciences-po.fr/node/219.
 

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Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
• Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Financial Policies

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Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

Student Clubs and Organizations
There are over 200 different associations available for students to join.

International Welcome/Orientation
Sciences Po offers a range of activities for international newcomers.  Whether it be Welcome Week, a Buddy Program, or a day for students to ask administrative questions, Sciences Po has you covered.

Counseling & Health Services
On the Paris campus, the Sciences Po Health Centre is open to students in need of advice, rest, psychological support or a general practitioner. On the regional campuses, healthcare professionals are available at regular times.
 

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