The Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), founded in 1872, is an internationally recognized center of academic excellence and is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA). Sciences Po’s reputation as a leading institution in the field attracts elite students from all over the world; over 30% of the full-time student body is made up of international students.  With an urban campus composed of 17th and 18th century buildings in the heart of Paris, students are exposed to the cultural flavor of the Saint Germain district, and world-class historical and cultural attractions such as the Louvre and Notre Dame are all within walking distance.  Participate in the SIS Undergraduate Semester Abroad Program at Sciences Po and have a life-changing experience at an excellent French university.

Coursework

AU students who participate in this one-semester or academic year program enroll in regular courses alongside full-time Sciences Po undergraduate students.  Students must take a full courseload at Sciences Po and earn 15 credits per semester toward their undergraduate program at AU.  Programs of study at Sciences Po include:

• International Relations
• European Studies
• Economics
• Business
• History
• Law
• Political Science
• Humanities
• Sociology
• Journalism
  

French language courses can also be taken for academic credit.

AU students who participate in the Program for an academic year can also choose to apply for Sciences Po’s prestigious Undergraduate Exchange Program Certificate.  Students must follow Sciences Po’s structured French or English/French Programs in order to earn the Certificate. 

Language requirement

AU students enrolled in the Program are required to take the majority of their courses in French. Students who wish to participate in the Program must demonstrate proficiency in French at an intermediate level at the time of application and are encouraged to reach advanced proficiency before enrolling at Sciences Po. Students are required to submit their TOR language exam results as part of the application. Students who are admitted to the Program must also take language assessment tests administered by Sciences Po.

Academic Calendar

Fall: September – January
Spring: February – June

Students may spend one semester or an academic year at Sciences Po.  Due to the differences between the AU and Sciences Po academic calendars, students who want to participate in the Program for one semester only are encouraged to apply for the spring semester. Students should consult their AU academic advisor before deciding which semester(s) they plan to study at Sciences Po.

Registration

1. Students are registered through the SIS Office of International Program Development for fifteen (15) AU-Sciences Po exchange credits (SIS-463).  These exchange credits cover the Program credits only; research and/or internship credits are registered under normal AU guidelines.  
2. Students are required to meet with their AU academic advisor and obtain formal pre-approval before enrolling at Sciences Po.  This ensures that all credits earned on the Program can be applied toward the student’s AU degree.
3. Students register for Sciences Po courses (30 credits per semester) via an online portal prior to the start of the semester.  Students who wish to apply for the Undergraduate Exchange Certificate must do so during this period.

Credit articulation: Grades and credits earned at Sciences Po are articulated through the SIS Office of International Program Development upon receipt of an official transcript from Sciences Po.  For conversion purposes, students should expect 2 Sciences Po credits to equal 1 AU credit.  The grading scale used at Sciences Po is different from that used at AU and will be explained to students prior to their departure.

Tuition and Fees

Students pay regular tuition, emergency international health insurance, and technology fees to AU. Students do not pay the student activity fee or sports center fee while studying at Sciences Po. Students are billed directly by Sciences Po for the Welcome Program fee, student health insurance (sécurité sociale), and other student fees if applicable.

Students are responsible for any incidental costs, such as library fines and lab fees, incurred during the program. Students are responsible for all personal expenses including housing and transportation.

Housing

Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements and for all housing costs. Sciences Po’s Accommodation Office can provide students with some resources for locating housing. Similarly, the SIS Office of International Program Development may be able to connect students with past program participants who are willing to provide information about housing in Paris. However, students should expect to work independently to find housing in Paris.

Visa and Immigration

Once admitted to the Program, students are issued a letter of acceptance by Sciences Po. Students use this document to apply for their student visa at the nearest French embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens must initiate the visa application process via an on-line procedure.

Students are responsible for researching the most up-to-date immigration requirements and arranging all immigration documents.

Student Orientation

During the semester prior to the start of the Program, the SIS Office of International Program Development conducts a mandatory pre-departure meeting.  Topics covered include administrative, logistical, security, and cross-cultural issues.  Sciences Po holds a one- to two-week Welcome Program for international students at the beginning of each semester.  AU students are strongly encouraged to participate, as it is designed to facilitate adjustment to the Sciences Po academic methodology and life in Paris.

How to Apply

Application deadline for study in Fall 2010 or Spring 2011: February 2
There is only one deadline per academic year. 

1. Complete and submit the Program application to the SIS Office of International Program Development by the application deadline. 
   
   After applications are processed and reviewed, students are selected by SIS for nomination to Sciences Po.  Once nominated, students are directed to the Sciences Po website to upload supporting documents and information.
   
   Sciences Po makes the final admissions decision and corresponds directly with Program participants regarding course registration, orientation programs, etc.
   

The program is competitive, and applying does not guarantee admission.