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.
Sciences Po is an elite and highly selective school that offers traditional training in political science and international relations for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. EAP students enroll in the Programme International, which offers courses in French society, politics, history, economics, and international relations with a special emphasis on the new Europe. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach and rigorous methodological training in social science research. Acceptance into this program is highly competitive. Students attend classes with French, international, and other UC students.
Course Opportunities
This program focuses on political science and related fields.
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:
- MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
Units
You will take a full-time course of study while abroad; 21 UC quarter units are required per semester.
Graduate students: Your units are determined by your graduate advisor based on the Graduate or Professional Student Agreement and Academic Planning form.
Language of Instruction
French and English
Language Study
The program begins with the Sciences Po Welcome Programme, which introduces you to the campus and the academic expectations and culture of Sciences Po. You will receive methodology training and French language instruction. French language study during the semester is required if your other classes are all taught in English.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Internships for academic credit and independent study may be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made at the EAP Study Center after arrival. Non-credit summer internships for two to four months may also be available following the academic year.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Spring: February to late June
Year: late August to late June
Housing
You have the choice of sharing a private home, dorm, apartment, or studio with international, French, or UC 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. A UC faculty director and local EAP staff member in Paris will help you integrate into the French culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
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
Institut d’Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po), Paris
The Institut d’Etudes Politiques, Paris (Sciences Po) is an elite and highly selective school that offers a traditional training in political science and international relations. Sciences Po functions like a business school with an emphasis on training. It was founded in 1872, and from its very beginning has taken on the responsibility of training a merit-based elite for leadership roles. Situated in the midst of the Saint-Germain district of Paris, Sciences Po is neighbor to the decision centers of French life, including ministries, corporate headquarters, and the Assemblée Nationale.
Visit the Sciences Po 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
- Welcome Programme
- Room and board
- 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. |
| Spring |
$18,300 |
| Year |
$31,600 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
Two years of university-level French and high proficiency in spoken and written French by time of departure for course work in French. 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.
There is no language prerequisite for course work in English.
GPA
3.2 cumulative GPA and 3.2 language GPA for students taking course work in French, and 3.2 cumulative GPA for students taking course work in English. Prerequisites need to be met at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions.
Other
Background in political science and related fields. Excellent relevant academic record required, and at least two years of university course work (high school AP credit does not count).
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 Sciences Po.
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:
