Paris - Institut d'Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po)

Q. What does this program offer?
A. This spring semester or academic year program allows you to study political and social sciences at one of Europe's most distinguished universities while living in one of the world's most exciting cities! Located in the heart of Paris, the Institut d'Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) offers you the opportunity to develop your understanding and knowledge of contemporary European society while perfecting your French.

Q. What is it like there?
A. As the capital of France, Paris is a city of over 2 million people (with the inclusion of "Greater Paris," the population rises to approximately 10 million!) covering 460 square miles of northern France along the river Seine. An important European business and cultural center, Paris is a major transportation hub that places nearly all of Europe within an easy train ride. Sciences Po is located in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Près district, also known as the Quartier Latin (named after the original language of instruction in the area's numerous universities). In addition to thousands of students, this district is home to countless cafés, bookstores, clubs and cinemas. Within a few blocks of the university, you can even sip coffee in cafés once frequented by the likes of Verlaine, Picasso, Camus and Sartre!

Q. What will I study?
A. In addition to a French Language course, you may choose from a wide array of lecture courses that deal with European society in the fields of History, Political Science, Sociology, Geography and Economics. Special seminars are also offered each semester covering such varied topics as Food and Culture; Xenophobia and Racism in the U.S.; Nazism and the Holocaust; American Civilization from the Founding Fathers to President Bush, Jr.; and The Internet and Information Society.

Q. When can I go?
A. You can participate in this program for any of the following terms:
 Fall Semester
 Spring Semester
 Academic Year

Q. Where will I live?
A. You will most likely live in an apartment, in a privately owned residence hall or with a family in Paris. Although you will be responsible for securing your own accommodations, Sciences Po has a housing service that provides some assistance in finding suitable accommodations.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each semester of academic work completed abroad, you may earn between 12 and 15 credit hours. Course credit transfers to MU, but your grades will not appear on your MU transcript and are not figured into your GPA. Although you are guaranteed to receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to get pre-approval for how the courses you take might fulfill specific degree requirements. As part of your pre-departure preparation, you will need to look up what courses are available on the program and then arrange to meet with your academic advisor(s) to get pre-approval for the courses you wish to take.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Because this is a reciprocal exchange program, you will pay MU educational fees, non-resident tuition (for non-Missouri residents), student activities fees, information technology fees and the student health center fee. You will also pay a $500 study abroad administrative fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses for this program include international airfare, on-site housing costs, visa fees, health insurance and other miscellaneous expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. If you are a junior or senior with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, and you have completed French 3160 or the equivalent, you are eligible to apply.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Institut d'Etudes Politiques website for more information about the program.