Overview
Paris, the French capital and one of the world's most beautiful cities, is located in northern France on the River Seine. Paris is a major global center; as a leading business and cultural hub, it boasts exceptional architecture, a rich cultural heritage, and significant contributions to politics, education, media, science, and the arts in the international arena. Paris is also the capital of gastronomy, fashion, and shopping. With such diverse characteristics, numerous iconic landmarks, and world famous institutions, museums, and parks, Paris offers something for everyone.
This program is for graduate students. 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 recommended only if you are an academically strong graduate student with a well developed study, research, and scholarly agenda.
Students attend classes with French and international students.
You may also attend Political Science, Sciences Po in Paris or the Language & Culture Programs, Bordeaux and Lyon.
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:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
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.
Language of Instruction
French
Language Study
You will participate in seminars, converse with officials, and conduct research in French. You may continue to perfect your French during the year through language courses arranged by ENS.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Independent study and internships for academic credit may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the EAP Study Center after arrival. Predeparture preparation may be required.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Year: early September through June
Housing
You have the option of living in a private home, dormitory, apartment, or studio with international students, other UC students, or French students.
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. This program as well as EAP programs throughout Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux are administered by the UC Study Center in Paris. The Study Center Director and local staff help students integrate into French culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other logistical matters.
See the EAP 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
École 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.
Visit the École Normale Supérieure website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP 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 EAP 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 be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 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 host institution
- 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
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Year |
$30,100 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Graduate
Language Prerequisite
Advanced French. You must have sufficient knowledge of French upon arrival to understand what is being said in seminars, converse with officials, and conduct research. If at the time the program begins it will have been a year or more since you last took a course in French, it is recommended that you refresh your proficiency. See your Campus EAP Advisor for details.
GPA
3.0 cumulative GPA in graduate level courses at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.
Other
Graduate standing and departmental approval through completion of the Graduate Preliminary Inquiry form and the Graduate or Professional Student Agreement and Academic Planning form.
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 a 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)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection. The final admission decision is made by École Normale Supérieure, Paris (Rue d'Ulm).
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:
