Paris Sciences Po Exchange

The Sciences Po Exchange, offered either fall or spring term or for the full academic year, makes it possible for well-qualified Boston University students to study typically in their junior year at Sciences Po, an institution renowned for its strong programs in political science, international relations, economics, and history. Previous language study is helpful but not required.

Have a Question?

Contact Program Manager Sydney Nicole Tomlin

Key Facts

Area of Study

BU Hub Offered

None

Housing

Language of Instruction

French or English

Requirements & Considerations

All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
Boston University students only
Completion of at least four terms of undergraduate study before going to Sciences Po
Minimum overall GPA of 3.0; students with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Previous language study is helpful but not required, as courses may be taken all in French, English, or a mix of both
Applicants who wish to complete the French certificate program at Sciences Po must have completed at least five terms of college-level French and must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the language.
Admissions requirements for all programs (Students taking all classes in English have no language requirements.)

Curriculum

All students must directly enroll at Sciences Po for 30 Sciences Po ECTS, which is equivalent to 16 – 18 BU units. This can be achieved through taking a combination of course types, including:

Lecture courses in English or French (10 ECTS, worth 5 BU units). These courses have a lecture session and an associated discussion/seminar element.
Elective/Seminar/Language courses (5 ECTS, worth 3 BU units).

Any combination of the above course types is possible so long as 30 ECTS are taken. Students are strongly encouraged to register for a French language course. Students have the opportunity to earn an official Sciences Po Certificate of Studies in Social Sciences and Humanities, which requires registering for at least one Lecture course as part of the overall 30 ECTS enrollment requirement. Students who do not enroll for a Lecture course are not eligible for the certificate.

Please note: students cannot enroll in Pass/Fail courses, Artistic Workshops, or Sports classes for BU unit. More information on course availability can be found on the SciencesPo website.

Academic culture may be very different at a partner institution; Sciences Po provides a rigorous academic experience to both local and visiting students, and you will be subject to their academic policies and procedures during your time at this institution.

Housing & Student Services

Local Homestay

Individual bedrooms in local family home
Each room includes a bed, a desk, and some storage space
Linens are provided and washed regularly
Kitchen access is allowed with reserved space in cabinets and refrigerator, and full use of the appliances to prepare meals
Board not included; students eat 1 meal/week with family. No stipend.
Host families provide laundry and internet

University Dormitory

Single rooms
Rooms include a shower and toilet
Shared kitchen
Board not included, no stipend
Students may eat at the student cafeteria
Laundry facilities at the residence hall

There are gyms at the university and throughout the city. Students can study at the Université de Dauphine library. Many students study at home, as university libraries have more restricted hours than in the US.

Program Dates

This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.

Fall Term

Program Dates

Late August to Mid-December

Fall Term

Applications Open

December 15

Fall Term

Application Deadline

March 15

Spring Term

Program Dates

Mid-January to Late May

Spring Term

Applications Open

June 1*

Spring Term

Application Deadline

September 15

This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.

Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.