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Graduate Studies, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Rue d'Ulm
This program offers UC graduate students an exceptional opportunity to study at the premier institution of higher education in France for the humanities and theoretical sciences. You can participate in one of two options: you may follow research seminars, or you may be assigned a tutor in your discipline who will provide help in making outside connections to facilitate your research. École Normale Supérieure, Rue d'Ulm (ENS) is competitive and the program is recommended for academically strong graduate students who have a well developed study, research, and scholarly agenda.
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Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Course Opportunities

You may take courses and conduct research in natural and physical sciences, humanities (antiquity, classics), French literature (Middle Ages and 18th to 19th century), foreign literature, geography (contemporary problems in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the environment), and social sciences.
 
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
 
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Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. Units are determined by your graduate advisor based on the Graduate or Professional Student Agreement and Academic Planning form.
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Language of Instruction

French


Language Study

French


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships for academic credit are generally not available in this program. You may engage in research and independent studies projects to supplement regular course work.
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Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars​
*You may make arrangements to complete your fall semester program by late December.
 
Fall :  
early September to late January*​

Spring :  
mid-February through June​

Year :  
early September through June ​
 

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You can extend your EAP participation from the fall to the year option. ​

Housing

You have the option of living in a private home, the ENS student residence, or an apartment.​

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. Local EAP staff provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other logistical matters.
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See the UCEAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program
(if applicable).​

Host Institutions

​EAP will submit your application to ENS on your behalf. ENS will contact you directly if they need further information or documentation and will notify you directly of their final admission decision.

École Normale Supérieure, Paris (Rue d'Ulm)

Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris (rue d'Ulm)
The four Écoles Normales Supérieures (ENS) in France are referred to as grandes écoles. They are tutorial and research institutions where exceptional students prepare for careers in French higher education. In place of the first two years of university work, most ENS candidates do intensive study in their chosen field at specialized lycées, in preparation for highly competitive entrance exams. ENS accepts only a small percentage of candidates. The roster of graduates, which extends back for 200 years, includes many noted intellectuals and political leaders.
 
ENS is not a degree-granting institution; it provides an intellectual and collegiate environment and offers tutorial instruction as students prepare for the licence, maîtrise, and doctoral degrees, or the agrégation, which grants successful candidates a lifelong teaching career at the secondary and tertiary levels.
 
EAP is affiliated solely with the ENS Paris (rue d’Ulm). Founded during the French Revolution in 1794, ENS Paris (rue d’Ulm) currently enrolls about 750 students and has a teaching staff of 125. ENS rue d’Ulm is highly competitive and is recommended only if you are a strong graduate student with a well developed study, research, and scholarly agenda.
 
ENS occupies several buildings in and near the rue d’Ulm in the Latin Quarter. It is near the Universities of Paris I–V and numerous bookstores, cafés, and intellectual meeting spots. The administration and classrooms, housed in the main cluster of buildings, include the historic site of Louis Pasteur’s laboratory and office. “The aquarium,” a large cloister-like courtyard at the center of the main building, permits outdoor study and socializing among the students and faculty. Other facilities are located on the Boulevard Jourdain at the southern edge of Paris, near the Cité Universitaire.
 
 

Estimated Cost

Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (student visa, health clearance, etc.)
  • Round-trip airfare
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at ENS
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Program excursions
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Local transportation
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
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Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Year
  • $13,800
  • $13,400
  • $23,800
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

French
* You must have sufficient knowledge of French upon arrival to understand what is being said in seminars, converse with officials, and conduct research.

GPA:

3.00 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: