BU’s five Paris programs make the most of France’s capital city. The Sciences Po Exchange, offered either fall or spring semester 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.
BU Abroad: Voulez-Vous Diner Avec Moi Ce Soir?
BU Abroad: Voulez-Vous Diner Avec Moi Ce Soir?
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 semesters 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 semesters 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 credits. This can be achieved through taking a combination of course types, including:
- Lecture courses in English or French (10 ECTS, worth 5 BU credits). These courses have a lecture session and an associated discussion/seminar element.
- Elective/Seminar/Language courses (5 ECTS, worth 3 BU credits).
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 credit. 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 |
or |
University Dormitory |
- 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
|
- 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 in town. Students can study at the BU Paris Center. Many students study at home, as university libraries have more restricted hours than in the US.
Program Dates
- Academic Year: late August to late May
- Fall Semester: late August to mid-December
- Spring Semester: mid-January to late May
Application Timeline
Fall Semester
- Applications Open December 15
- Applications Deadline March 15
Spring Semester
- Applications Open June 1*
- Applications 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.
Cost & Financial Considerations
