Pre-Requisites
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Foreign Language: Minimum French requirement based on Sciences Po
- Approval of the SMCM French Language Faculty
- Judicial Check
Currently Accepting Applications for:
- Spring 2022: Program Dates TBD
- SMCM Application Deadline: October 15th
- Sciences Po Application Deadline: TBD
Highlights
- Study at any of the following Sciences Po academically themed campuses: Reims, Menton, Dijon, Le Havre, Nancy, Poitiers
- Take courses in both English and French
- Earn an International Program Diploma
About the Program
The Sciences Po experience is a significant departure from life at St. Mary’s. The successful student will be independent, a good problem solver, will have at least intermediate-level French language skills, and be up to the challenges of the French system’s approach to rigorous and self-directed coursework. The grande école offers great opportunities for cultural immersion and intellectual growth, but it isn’t a good fit for everyone. Interested in Sciences Po? Step one is an advising appointment with one of our French faculty who’ll help you talk through your goals and your preparation to determine if you’re a good candidate for a nomination.
Sciences Po offers semester and academic year courses primarily in the social sciences with instruction in both French and English. Academic-year students earn an International Program Diploma. You may choose to study at Sciences Po’s campus in Reims, or at one of five other regional campuses throughout France with their own distinct academic themes: Dijon focuses on Eastern European studies; Nancy on French-German; Poitiers on Latin America, Spain, and Portugal; Menton on Middle East and Mediterranean; and Le Havre on Asia.
Read more about Science Po’s campuses outside Paris >>
Location
Study in Reims, the French city rich in wine and French royal history. Reims is home to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims (where 34 sovereigns, two dozen of whom were kings, were crowned from 816 to 1825), the Palais du Tau, and many other famous sites. Students will also take in historic sights, and taste the culinary culture of Reims. Additionally, they will have access to all of Europe via train and air to explore on weekends and school holidays.
Academics
Exchange students may participate in the Undergraduate Exchange Programme for one semester or one year. The vast majority of students enroll for one academic year in order to fully benefit from the Exchange Programme design. Students may choose to study in English, in French or in both languages.
All students wishing to go on the Sciences Po program must have the permission of the French Department and their home academic department in order to participate on this program.
Types of Courses
Cours magistraux (French Lecture Courses)
These lecture courses are animated by distinguished professors and class sizes vary from 60 students to large lecture hall audiences. A lecture course forms part of a module consisting of lecture plus methodology seminar.
Conférences de méthode (French Methodology Seminars)
At the core of Sciences Po’s pedagogical tools, the conférences de méthode are part of the cours magistraux and conférences de méthode module. Taught by professors and assistant professors, these courses are designed to allow students to develop the subject of the cours magistraux through compulsory readings, written and oral exercises, and discussions. Small class sizes of 20-25 students provide a concentrated environment in which to work rigorously at Sciences Po methodology. Active participation is mandatory and a great deal of emphasis is given to verbal expression through the famous “exposés,” or oral presentations.
English Lecture Courses
These lecture courses have a class size of 60-70 students and are geared toward encouraging interaction among students: 30 minutes of each session is reserved for questions and discussion on assigned readings, current events, and course content.
Enseignements électifs or Electives
These seminar courses cover diverse subjects and entail compulsory readings, written and oral exercises, and an interactive classroom dynamic.
Foreign Language Courses
It is strongly recommended that all non-francophone students take advantage of the excellent foreign language services to perfect their French while at Sciences Po. In addition, students may study one of the 15 languages taught at Sciences Po. To do so, they must have previously studied the language (except for French) at their home university, and must have taken the language placement test online. Regional campuses may have different language requirements.
Sports Electives (optional)
Students may enroll in one Sports Elective per semester, in addition to their regular course load.
Source: Sciences Po Undergraduate Exchange Program Brochure
Transfer Credits and ILC Department, French
SMCM students in French often satisfy part of their major or minor requirements by studying abroad. Credits for courses taken abroad must meet certain conditions to count for the major or minor at St. Mary’s. Please work with your advisor and the ILC Department on how your courses would transfer back to SMCM.
Note: Credits at Sciences Po are in the European Transfer Credit System (ECTS). Students enroll for 30 ECTS credits per semester and these transfer back to SMCM as 15 (American) credits.
Housing and Meals
Student residence halls are independent from Sciences Po, and are run by either a governmental agency or by a private business. Residences are made up of furnished apartments (mainly studios), and offer a variety of services. You can also choose to live in a hostel; reservations must be made very early in the year. Specific housing option vary by campus, so be sure to check out the housing options of the campus at which you are planning to study. At the Reims campus, international students are eligible for Crous housing as a part of the agreement between the Crous in Reims and Sciences Po. Click here for more information on the housing options available at the various Sciences Po campuses.
Students also will pay for their meals as they eat them, so you’ll have a lot of options for where you eat and how much you spend.
Student Life
Student Activities
Exchange students are considered regularly enrolled Sciences Po students, and as such, benefit from access to all campus facilities and services. You will be encouraged to take part in campus life through the more than 60 student clubs, associations, sport activities, as well as daily conferences and special lectures.
Computing at Sciences Po
Sciences Po students have direct access to several computer rooms. Sciences-Po’s network is available to all students at all times thanks to its Wifi equipment. Students can browse the web from the main hall, from the garden, in the library, etc.: it is ideal to check your e-mails and run bibliographical researches. In order to establish this connection no additional peripheral device is necessary.
Important Links
Faculty Liaison
Dr. George Macleod – gsmacleod@smcm.edu
Transfer Credit Policy
How credits taken abroad will transfer back to SMCM.
Academic and Judicial Policies
The academic and judicial requirements for any student considering studying abroad.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
How financial aid will apply towards your study abroad program and what scholarships are available.
Payments and Services
Payment processes for semester-long, short-term, and non-SMCM study abroad programs.
