Institut de Sciences Politiques

at-a-glance:

In 1872 the Ecole Libre des Sciences Politiques was founded in the beautiful and historic St. Germain des Près area on the left bank of Paris.  Today, Sciences Po is a grande école in the French university system, educating over 5,000 students each year in French and English.  Students will discover a rigorous curriculum based in the social sciences which will prepare them for further studies and careers in leadership service.   

academics

Sciences Po is world-renowned institution in the study of social sciences.  Students will emerge with an increased and expanded comprehension of the world today.  Comparative and cross-disciplinary vantage points are central to a curriculum that strives to comprehend global coherence and conflict, as well as the implications of current social, political, and economic debate.  Sciences Po benefits from a teaching core of individuals who are respected practitioners in their fields.  Sciences Po is also a major source of research in the social sciences, further adding to the international respected afforded to this institution. 

Due the French university calendar, students may study abroad at Sciences Po for the full academic year or spring semester only.  Students are expected to take at least some coursework in French while at Sciences Po.  It is recommended that students attend a semester at the Vanderbilt-in-France program in Aix-en-Provence to improve their level of French prior to attending Sciences Po in order to succeed in these courses.

 

Academic Links:

Online Course Catalogue

Sciences Politiques Website

student life

More than 25% of Sciences Po’s student body is from abroad, lending to a vibrant environment of culture and internationalism.  The urban campus in the heart of Paris encourages students to benefit from the education available from the city itself in its many museums, libraries, and other institutions. 

Orientation and entrance materials detail the social opportunities available, including various student associations.  These associations appeal to various interests such as cinema, sports, arts and more.  Overall, as a direct exchange, the Sciences Po program will appeal to an independent student who seeks to immerse themself in French culture and the French university experience.

 

housing

Students will be responsible for finding their own housing in Paris.  Students who attend the full year program will have housing during the month-long orientation and can use this time to seek other accommodation for after orientation.  As in the U.S., there are various internet services students can use to aid in their search.  Students who attend the spring semester will ideally spend their fall semester at the Vanderbilt-in-France program in order to facilitate finding housing for the spring.

location

As a truly great world city, Paris offers endless opportunities for enrichment and enjoyment.  The immediate area surrounding the 17^th and 18^th Century mansions which comprise Sciences Po is full of cafes, galleries, restaurants, bookstores, theaters, and more.  The Saint Germain neighborhood also houses La Sorbonne and so is full of students and energy.  Paris offers excellent access to all of Europe and is extensively connected to major capitols by train and by plane.

expenses

Program Costs: Semester Costs; Summer Costs

application

Sciences Politiques Application