Education Abroad Office
Sciences Po
| Area: | Global Exchange |
| Location: | Paris |
| Country: | France |
| Term: | Spring, Fall, Academic Year |
*THIS EXCHANGE IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW AND IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE SPRING PRIORITY DEADLINE. Students wishing to study abroad in France are advised to meet with an education abroad advisor to explore other options*
USC's exchange program in France is designed to help American students gain firsthand knowledge of French life and culture. The program at Institut d'Études Politiques, also known as Sciences Po, is situated in the heart of Paris in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés/Quartier Latin neighborhood. Students also have the option of studying at one of Sciences Po's regional campuses located throughout France. Founded in 1872, Sciences Po is well-known for preparing graduates for future careers in business, public administration, communications, and media. Only USC undergraduate students are eligible to participate in this program.
The program at Sciences Po offers a specifically designed program for international students. Students have the option of taking courses in French, English or a combination of the two. All classes are taught by French faculty who are practitioners in their respective fields. All non-francophone students are encouraged to take a French language course. Students can choose to study in Paris or at one of the Sciences Po regional campuses. Each regional campus has a specific academic and language focus.
*THIS EXCHANGE IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW AND IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE SPRING PRIORITY DEADLINE. Students wishing to study abroad in France are advised to meet with an education abroad advisor to explore other options*
Cost: USC resident tuition rates + in-country costs
Requirements: 3.0 GPA, Undergraduate standing
Students participating in the Sciences Po exchange will be charged in state tuition from USC and will pay all living expenses on site. Students must note that Paris is an expensive city to live in compared to others in Europe. To get an idea of life on site, you will find on the numbeo website indications on the cost of living in France compared to other countries in the world.
Students typically enroll in 24-30 ECTS. Students should plan be flexible about course choices as it is likely their top choices will fill up quickly, and are encouraged to choose alternate classes in case their first choices are not available. To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table.
The program does not offer organized excursions. Students have the opportunity for individual travel or to become involved on campus through various student clubs.
Per university policy, all USC students will be charged for emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance of for their time abroad. Students will be enrolled in this insurance by the education abroad office prior to their departure. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.
Sciences Po does not offer on-campus housing at the Paris campus, but does provide resources to students to help them arrange accommodation. Students should arrive in advance of the semester start date in order to secure housing in Paris.
The fall semester begins in late August and runs until mid-December. The spring semester typically begins in mid-January and runs until the end of May.
Sciences Po offers a welcome programme for students enrolled in the exchange programme on the Paris campus for a semester or an academic year. It is optional and takes place a week before classes start. It covers information on courses, information meetings and activities to offer help students settle in to Sciences Po as well as possible.
Students who attend Sciences Po for a semester or academic year are required to register with Campus France and go in person to a VFS office to obtain a French visa.