France Sciences Po ExchangeSpring 2025

You’re in! This Pre-Departure Page is your one stop shop for all the program-related information you will need to prepare for your program.

Check this page regularly! Information will be updated throughout the semester.

To stay on track, use the self-check at the end of each phase.

Your main point of contact is your Program Manager. You can find additional contacts, such as on-site staff, in the Program Contacts section.

Get to know the place you’ll be calling home for the next semester – including cultural customs, academic differences and daily life – in the “In-Country Guide.”

Read French Visa Overview & FAQs: ASAP

One of the most vital tasks you will complete in preparation for your study abroad experience is applying for a visa. BU Study Abroad will help guide you through this process, but it is your responsibility to apply for and secure your visa. This tab will provide general information about the French Visa application process, and your next steps will be in Phase 2. Please make sure to read all of this information very carefully before moving on, and your Program Manager will be sending you more information via email.

WHAT IS A VISA?

A visa is an official sticker that is affixed to your passport before your departure that gives you permission from the French government to be a student in France and must be presented to the border officials at the port of entry.

WHAT KIND OF VISA IS NEEDED TO STUDY ABROAD IN FRANCE?

All students studying in France for more than 90 days (except students who hold a current passport from the European Economic Area member state or Switzerland) must secure a long stay visa for students prior to departure. All programs last longer than 90 days, therefore, the visa is absolutely required in order to participate in the program.

If you do not hold U.S. citizenship, please email your Program Manager to determine whether or not you will need to apply for a visa. Depending on your citizenship, additional steps may be required to apply for your visa.

*Important note: If you are planning to study in France for more than one semester, please contact your Program Manager immediately, as there are additional requirements for students planning to study in France for more than 180 days.

WHERE DO I APPLY FOR A VISA?

You must apply in person at a VFS Global Office. Before making an appointment at a VFS Global Office, you will need to register through Campus France. More information about this process can be found in the French Visa Instructions under Phase 2.

WHEN DO I NEED TO START THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A VISA?

Start thinking now! The visa application process is lengthy, typically taking around two-three months from start to finish, so begin it now to allow adequate time to receive your visa. Students are required to schedule an appointment to submit visa materials, which must be booked several weeks prior to the appointment date. You will also need time to gather documentation required for your visa appointment, such as visa letters, passport photos and proof of residency.

BU Study Abroad recommends scheduling your visa appointment to take place at least 6 weeks prior to your program start date, if possible. You will leave your passport at the VFS Global Office at the time of your appointment for processing. Processing can typically takes up to 3-4 weeks, during which you will be without your passport, so you will need to plan your visa application and international travels accordingly.

*Please note that you cannot apply for a visa more than 3 months before the program’s start date.

WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS?

First, make sure that you have a passport that is valid at least six months past the program end date. You must have a passport before your visa appointment, and the passport must be valid for at least three months after the end of your program (six months is recommended by the US State Department). If you need to apply for or renew your passport, please do so immediately.

Next, there will be a detailed guide to go over Campus France (see tab below), which is the first step to the French visa application process. We encourage you to continue to move forward with preparing your documents for your visa application as instructed. 

Begin Campus France Visa Application Process: SEP - OCT

Apply to Sciences Po: Due OCT 10

As an exchange student, you do need to officially apply to Sciences Po directly now that you have been accepted by BU into the program. There are many steps that you will need to take to register with Sciences Po. Please carefully read through the information found on the Sciences Po page of the BU Paris Website. Be sure to watch out for emails from Sciences Po as soon as you’ve been accepted. Below is a timeline for your next steps to apply directly to Sciences Po:

Your Program Manager will complete an online nomination form for Boston University candidates. Once this step is completed, an automated email will be generated to each student that will provide a personal code number and link to the online Exchange Student Application Form. You can expect to receive this email by early October.
Once you receive an email from Sciences Po, you must fill out and submit the Online Exchange Student Application Form to complete your formal application to Sciences Po no later than OCT 10
- Review the application instructions you will receive, but historically, students need to upload:
  - CV/Resume
  - Cover letter
  - ID photo
  - Official BU transcript
- Upon submission of this application, you will receive a confirmation email. The Online Exchange Student Application Form is very important, as you are not fully accepted into the program until you are accepted by Sciences Po!
- For guidance in completing the application click here and check out these Sciences Po Application FAQs based on past students’ experiences.
Once Sciences Po has reviewed your application, an email will be sent to confirm your admission. In the months preceding your arrival in France, Sciences Po will be in contact with you by email and regular mail to provide further information about course registration (to take place in January) and other administrative matters.
You will also receive a Sciences Po email address. Make sure to check that frequently!

You will be receiving emails from your Program Manager with helpful tips, FAQs, and other important information when it is time to complete this step. If you have any questions as you are working on your Sciences Po application, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Program Manager!

Register for Sciences Po Welcome Program

Review Course Selection Process

Although you already submitted an Advisor Support of Participation form as part of your application, you may adjust your course enrollment plans as you learn more about your program. Be sure to do so in consultation with your academic advisor, especially if your courses were pre-approved. You should determine, preferably prior to the start of the program, the precise degree requirements these courses will fulfill. It is your responsibility to research how the courses taken abroad apply towards your overall academic requirements and progress toward your degree.

You will register for courses directly through Sciences Po. After you are officially accepted into the exchange program, you will begin to receive emails from Sciences Po. Please pay close attention to the emails as they will hold important information and instructions as to how and when to register for classes. Typically, course registration for Sciences Po takes place in early January. The deadlines are very strict, so mark your calendars according to the emails that you receive!

In the meantime, you can review the course offerings at the Sciences Po website here. These are subject to change, but they are a good representation of the courses that will be offered during your semester. Due to copyright issues, Sciences Po is not able to publish course syllabi; however, we encourage you to send the course descriptions to your academic advisor for review until you are able to obtain the syllabus in class.

*Please note: Your courses will not appear on your BU transcript until after the program has ended and grades are reported.

SCIENCES PO ACADEMIC CULTURE

Sciences Po is a prestigious French institution with a distinct methodology for teaching. You will learn the exact format which is expected of assignments, presentations, and exams during your welcome orientation. The class style is more formal than a typical U.S. college and university classroom, so be aware of the differences. Do not forget there will be many other international students attending classes at Sciences Po and many of you will be learning this new style together.

Submit Your Housing Questionnaire: OCT

Complete the Phase 1 Self Check

———– END PHASE ONE ———–

———– START PHASE TWO ———–

Submit Campus France Application: OCT

Schedule your VFS Appointment & Submit Visa Application: late OCT - early DEC

Review Flight Information & Book Your Flight

FLIGHT INFORMATION

You will be receiving an email from your Program Manager with information regarding the optional group flight that we are organizing with a travel agency that we work with, Advantage Travel. Airfare is not included in the cost of this program. You are welcome to book the suggested group flight itinerary or make your own independent arrangements.

Please do not make any travel arrangements until the program dates have been confirmed and until you receive the flight and arrival information from your Program Manager. If you have any immediate questions, please email Rachel.

*Please note that there is no deadline to book a seat on the optional, suggested group flight; however, please keep in mind that rates can fluctuate, and it’s recommended to book sooner rather than later.

Why should I book a spot on the suggested flight?

Each term, we work with Advantage Travel to offer an optional group flight, round-trip from the East Coast (New York or Boston) to Paris. Although airfare is not included in the cost of the program, all travel booked through Advantage Travel will be monitored by the travel agency on the day of departure, and they will be able to assist with any schedule changes, delays, or missed connections. The flight also allows you to travel with other students from the program. Students are not required to take the group flight, however, all students are required to submit a round-trip itinerary for our records using the independent flight form. If you plan to book an independent flight please keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.

How do I reserve a seat on the suggested flight?

Specific booking instructions and detailed suggested flight itineraries will be emailed directly to students.

What if I need to book a connecting flight to the departure city?

If you will be traveling from elsewhere prior to the suggested flight, Advantage Travel can also assist you with reserving a flight to the departure city.

What if I want to arrange my own travel?

If you prefer to travel independently from the group, you are welcome to do so. You can make a reservation completely on your own or Advantage Travel can assist you with reservations from a different airport or on different dates. Housing will not be provided before or after these dates, and late arrivals/early departures are not permitted.

Before making your arrangements, please make sure to review the Arrival Information tab below!

All students who book independent travel are required to submit the flight information to BU Study Abroad. Once you’ve confirmed your travel plans, please complete our Independent Flight Form in your Study Abroad Application Portal.

Review Arrival Information

Academic Accommodations at Sciences Po

Complete the Phase 2 Self Check

———– END PHASE TWO ———–

———– START PHASE THREE ———–

Attend Online Academic Orientation: Early DEC

Contact Sciences Po Language Department: JAN

Register for Your Courses: JAN

Mobile Phones & Internet Access

Packing List and Tips

Student Identification

Bring your student university I.D. card with you. It is always helpful to have an extra form of photo I.D.

Climate

The most important thing to remember when packing clothes is that whatever you pack will probably be more than you will need. Paris can be cold during the winter months, so bring along plenty of warm clothes. Fall, winter, and even spring can be cool and wet, with average temperatures between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit from November to May. Layers of various weights are the best way to have a warm and flexible wardrobe both indoors and out. No matter what semester you’ll be in Paris, make sure you bring rain gear and an umbrella. A coat with a removable lining is probably your best bet to cope with the changing seasons.

Clothing

Since you should plan to bring as little as possible, you will do best to bring clothes that are easily mixed and matched. It’s a good idea to bring more dark colors than bright ones; dark clothing does not show dirt and wear as easily as light clothing, and therefore may require less washing. The main component of French students’ wardrobes is jeans, but you should be prepared with some semi-dressy clothes for special occasions and nights out. Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are needed for city life as well as travel. You may need flip-flops for the shower and bring a towel and bathrobe since you will be sharing a bathroom in the residence hall or in your French family housing. Remember that you will probably buy clothes in Paris, so it’s best to leave some room in your suitcase.

Computers

The program facilities are equipped with a computer lab with 10 PC computers and a printer for student use. Students who wish to use the available computers should bring their own flash drive to save their work. We have WIFI and encourage you to bring your laptop. If you are bringing your own computer, keep in mind the following:

Make a complete backup of all the information/ software on the computer. If the computer has one, bring along the computer system maintenance or operation system disk.

Computers should be insured, under your family’s general household policy or a specialized student insurance policy to the full value of the computer including any peripherals such as a modem, CD ROM, etc. Check with companies such as Safeware or National Student Services for specialized coverage.

A security kit is essential, because of the possibility of theft. There are a range of kits available from Kensington or Targus.

Check whether your computer has a built-in transformer which can handle voltages of 110 (U.S.) to 220 (Europe). Most newer computers are equipped with this. If so, all you will need to get is an adapter. If your computer can handle only 110 volts, then you will need to get a transformer, which can be quite bulky and expensive. Consider buying these before leaving. Sometimes electrical surges can result in the computer’s hard drive overheating. A surge protector is always a good buy. If in doubt, consult your computer’s manufacturer or the instruction manual for information on using your computer abroad.

Make sure that you are entirely familiar with the workings/programs of your computer as we do not have a technical or computer support department in our Paris office.

You must ensure that your computer is loaded with up-to-date anti- virus software. Boston University students can either visit the Boston University Web site to download the free software for both Mac and PC laptops, or visit the BU IT Help centers at 179 Amory Street and at Mugar Library with your laptop for configuration. Help is also available through the IS&T website by writing to ithelp@bu.eduor by calling 617-353-HELP (4357). Visiting students should consult with the computer/technology support department at their home institution. Don’t have your parents send you a portable computer as it can get caught up in Customs.

Mail

You should use the Boston University Center’s address until you are settled and can notify your family and friends of your new address. We encourage you to have mail sent to your residence as soon as it is established and not to the BU Paris office. Airmail takes about four days to get to Paris. Boston University will not take responsibility for mail which arrives after the program ends.

Mailing address:

Name of Student
c/o Boston University
89 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine
75011 Paris
FRANCE

UPS/FedEx/DHL shipments should be limited to documents.

Avoid having personal items, gifts or medication sent to you. The cost of shipping and potential customs tax may well exceed the value of the item and can be assessed well after delivery. We recommend that packages be sent via the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, or DHL. No matter how the package is sent, be sure to mark the package clearly as USED PERSONAL ITEMS NOT FOR RESALE (in the case of sending extra clothing) or UNSOLICITED GIFT (in the case of birthday presents, etc.) Packages are inspected by customs agents and duty will be collected from the student if the forms are not filled out correctly.

Textbooks and Course Materials

You will obtain your textbooks in Paris, but do bring a good French/English dictionary, such as Le Robert & Collins, and a good grammar book.

Linens

Bed linens are provided, but you should bring at least one towel.

Prescriptions and Drug Store Items

You should be sure to bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you may need and for glasses or contact lenses. Since it sometimes can be difficult to get the appropriate equivalent medication, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply of whatever medications you may use while abroad. Any medications you do bring should be in the original, properly labeled bottles. You should also bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. You also might want to bring your preferred over-the-counter drugs (Tylenol, cold medicine, and sore throat lozenges), a supply of deodorant, a thermometer and contact lens solution.

Odds and Ends

Appointment book or calendar to note your interviews, class schedule and excursions.

Guidebooks to France and Europe.

A gift for your French host. You can bring a book with photos from your hometown, a calendar, or anything that represents the place where you are from.

Parent Passports

Encourage your parents to have a valid passport in the unlikely event of an emergency that would make it necessary for them to travel to France.

Withdrawals: Deadline JAN 11

Complete the Phase 3 Self Check

———– END PHASE THREE ———–

———– START CONTACT ———–

Program Contacts

As you prepare for and embark on your study abroad experience, you will be in contact with various staff members from BU Study Abroad, both in Boston and abroad. To avoid missing important information, please add “@bu.edu” to your address book. Please keep all emails in a folder for your reference as you prepare for your semester abroad. Here are the names and email addresses of some people who will be in touch with you this semester, and/or whom you may want to contact with questions.

Boston-based Staff:

Rachel Parola, Program Manager – Rachel will be your primary contact during the pre-departure process as you prepare for your semester in France.

Paris-based Staff:

Renée Pontbriand, Director

Isabelle Briere, Assistant Director – Isabelle also coordinates housing placements for all of our programs in Paris. She will be in touch with you about 2-3 weeks before departure about your housing placement.

Emmanuelle Farhi, Academic Director – Emmanuelle is in charge of managing academic aspects for all Paris programs.

General Inquiries: You can contact the BU Paris Staff directly at the general email.

———– END CONTACT ———–

———– START CALENDAR ———–

The Spring 2025 Sciences Po Exchange Program dates are:

January 19 (depart US on January 18) – May 14th, 2025

Tentative Program Schedule:

TBA

Neither late arrivals nor early departures are permitted. We urge students to not make any weekend or mid-semester break (if applicable) travel plans until they arrive on site and receive the finalized course and program schedule. During the semester, students must fulfill strict attendance requirements and will be very busy with classes, program activities, and assignments. If family and friends plan to visit, please schedule trips to take place before the start of on-site orientation, during a scheduled program break, or after the semester ends. By timing visits to coincide with scheduled program breaks, you can meet attendance requirements and take full advantage of your study abroad experience.

*Please do not book any flights until you have received the group flight email from Rachel, and do not make any travel plans for your semester until you have arrived in Paris and received your confirmed course schedules.

———– END CALENDAR ———–

———– START GUIDE ———–

1. Get To Know Paris

History, Geography and Politics

Local news, readings and culture

NEWS:

Libération
Le Monde
Le Figaro

BOOKS

Dessine-moi un parisien by Olivier MAGNY 2015
Les trépidantes aventures d’un Américain en France by Sebastian MARX 2017
Naaande !? Les Tribulations D’une Japonaise a Parisby Eriko Nakamura 2013
The Bonjour Effect: The Secret Codes of French Conversation Revealed by Jean-Benoit Nadeau,‎ Julie Barlow 2017
All the Light We Cannot See: by Anthony Doerr 2017
When in French: Love in a Second Language by Lauren Collins 2016
L’Appart: The Delights and Disasters of Making My Paris Home by David Lebovitz 2017

Culture Smart! France, a quick guide to customs & etiquette; by Barry Tomalin, (Kuperard Press, 2007)
My Life in France by Julia Child (Anchor Books, 2006)
Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong: Why We Love France but Not the French; Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow, (Sourcebooks Trade, 2003)
Culture from the Inside Out: Travel and Meet Yourself ; Alan Cornes, (Intercultural Press, 2004)
French and Americans: The Other Shore, Pascal Baudry, (Les Frenchies, Inc., 2005)

MUSIC:

Jacques Brel, Olivia Ruiz, Barbara, Benabar, Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg
Georges Brassens, Sanséverino, Noir Désir, Oxmo Puccino, Booba
France Gall, Camille, Yelle, Bigflo et Olli

Spotify offers a wide variety of French music playlists to introduce you to new and classic French music.
Le Tour de France: a huge collection of French music from all genres
Les Viral 50: the most shared music in France
L’essentiel du Rap Français
L’essentiel de la Chanson Française
L’essentiel du Rock Français
Métro, Boulot, Morceau x: songs named after Parisian métro stations
French Holiday: relaxing classics

FILMS

Classics
400 Coups, Cyrano de Bergerac de Jean-Paul Rappeneau
Le dernier métro, A bout de souffle, Au revoir, les enfants
Les parapluies de Cherbourg, Hiroshima, mon amour, La reine Margot

Contemporary
The Artist, La Haine, Paris, je t’aime
Intouchables, Gainsbourg, vie héroïque
Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain, Un prophète
Les triplettes de Belleville , Polisse, Swimming Pool,
Les adieux à la reine, Le roi danse
Amour, Populaire, Les femmes du 6e étage, L’esquive
Le passé, La Cité rose, Yves Saint Laurent, Casse-tête chinois

BLOGS

My Parisian Life
Lost in Cheeseland

2. Daily Life

Food & Dining

Helpful Language Tips, Phrases and Greetings

Language preparation

Even though you will enroll in intensive French language courses in Paris, you need to brush up on your French before your departure so that everyday life is easier for you.

Try watching French movies and French news on television or on the internet. Your language studies will have a greater impact. You should begin reviewing your French early! Converse with a language partner and begin to familiarize yourself with idiomatic and colloquial French. If you would like to brush up on your reading skills, pick up French newspapers and magazines to read or read them online. L’Express and Le Nouvel Observateur are two examples.

Goal Setting

There is more to preparing for your semester in Paris than applying for your visa or deciding what to pack. You’ll also need to identify your own goals and objectives:

Establish some general priorities before you go—academic, personal, linguistic, and professional—and try to keep them in mind throughout the semester.

Think about how you might accomplish those goals. Remember to keep an open mind — learn from all your experiences.

Cultural Awareness

During your time abroad, you can expect to experience many changes that will challenge your sense of order. Consider the following list of factors in the physical and cultural environment that vary from place to place: climate, language, non-verbal communication, market life, religion, family life, use of space, entertainment, recreation, food and drink etiquette, expression of emotions. Culture shapes and molds our thoughts and actions, telling us what is important and what is right. You may find certain aspects of a culture hard to adapt to, such as eating raw meat or voicing your political views. It is important to keep in mind the distinction between adapting and adopting. You do not have to change, but try to understand. The first person you meet in a cross-cultural interaction is yourself.

“Living in a foreign culture is like playing a game you’ve never played before and for which the rules haven’t been explained very well. The challenge is to enjoy the game without missing too many plays, learning the rules and developing skills as you go along.”
–Robert Kohls

How much do you know about your host country? (You can do the same exercise for your own country.)

Name as many people you know, who are prominent in France today. In what field/area are they (politics, athletics, religion, philosophy, the arts, etc.)?
Are there national heroes and heroines? If so, can you name any?
What is the place of religion in French life? Is there a predominant one? How are other religions considered?
What is the place of education? Is it free? Mandatory? How do public and private schools compare? How do students select a university? Are there universities considered better than others in the country? How selective is the application process?
What are the “Grandes Ecoles”?
Are there other languages spoken besides the dominant language? What are the social and political implications of language usage?
What is the attitude to foreigners (Europeans, non-Europeans) in France? How much is this related to history?
France is known for its food and wine. What is the attitude toward eating? Drinking?
Are there things/ topics of discussion taboo in this society?
What are the large circulation newspapers? What is their attitude toward the government? Toward the United States?
What kinds of programs do you find on TV? Are the channels public, private? How much advertisement is there?
What is the normal work schedule? How much free time do people have? How much holiday time?
Are there recreational activities/sports more popular than others? How much do French people practice a sport, and what kind?
What is the etiquette for dinner: if you are invited, should you arrive early, on time, late? If late, how late? Are you expected to bring something?

3. Student Life

Facilities

Field Trips and Program Activities

4. Money Matters

Banking and Currency

Tipping

Paris On a Budget

5. Traveling

Local Transportation

Personal Travel

6. Staying Healthy

What To Do If You Get Sick

7. Staying Safe

Local Embassy

Keeping Yourself Safe In Paris

———– END GUIDE ———–

———– START FINE PRINT ———–

Academic Policies for Students Directly Enrolling in Courses at a Foreign University

As a student who will be directly enrolled in one or more courses at a foreign university, you are subject to a set of specific policies that apply to your classes, credits, and grades on this program. You are expected to be familiar with these policies before going abroad. Please read the academic policies below and make sure you understand them fully. You may download a copy of these policies here. Contact your Program Manager if you have any questions.

ACADEMIC POLICIES FOR STUDENTS DIRECTLY ENROLLING IN COURSES AT A FOREIGN UNIVERSITY

You will be enrolled in a course or courses at a university whose policies, teaching methods, and grading systems will differ from Boston University’s. Please read the policies outlined below very carefully and refer to your program-specific informational materials, which may include additional policies that modify or supplement the below.

Full-time status. You are required to maintain full-time student status, equivalent to 12 or more BU credits per semester, while abroad. You may need to take more than 12 credits at your host university in order to earn the equivalent of 12 BU credits. Some foreign universities require that you take more than 12 BU credits in order to meet their requirements for full-time status.
BU degree progress. You are responsible for verifying with your department in advance how the classes you take abroad will apply towards your major or minor degree requirements. An Academic Worksheet is available to you for this purpose.
Auditing classes. You are not permitted to audit classes while studying abroad.
Registering for final exams. Some universities abroad require students to register in advance for their final exams. It is your responsibility to know whether you need to register for your final exam, and to do so by the deadline. At some universities abroad, failure to register for or take a final exam results in a failing grade for that course. Although some universities abroad allow their matriculated students more than one opportunity to sit for final exams, BU Study Abroad program participants will sit the final exam only once.
Grading Conversion and Credit Transfer. It is a student’s responsibility to understand the grading system and grade conversion scale for their host university courses. Some courses offered abroad may carry fewer than four credits.
Grades and transcripts. Boston University cannot edit, modify or changein any way the final grades that are issued by your host institution and indicated on your host university transcript. Any questions regarding your grades should be directed to your host university faculty. All grades assigned to you by the host institution will be recorded on your BU transcript and all grades earned abroad will be factored into your GPA. You cannot opt to omit courses taken abroad and/or grades earned abroad from your BU transcript.
Pass/Fail. No credit will be given to courses taken Pass/Fail.
Withdrawals. If you withdraw from one of your classes abroad and a ‘W’ appears on your host university transcript, that ‘W’ will also appear on your BU transcript. However, a grade of ‘W’ will not be recorded on your transcript retroactively and post-program.
Incompletes and Failing Grades. No grades of ‘Incomplete’ will be given; all coursework must be completed with your host institution, including the completion of all final exams before the end date of your program. You will also receive an ‘F’ on your BU transcript for any class that is ‘Incomplete’ on your host institution transcript. A failing grade earned in a class taken abroad will appear on your transcript as an ‘F’ and will count towards your GPA. In keeping with BU academic policy, you will not earn academic credit for incomplete or failed courses even though the grades appear on your transcript and impact your GPA.