SCIENCES PO EXCHANGE 2009-2010

 

 

Description
The Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) is one of the world’s most prestigious public affairs institutions. Qualified UW-Madison students can apply to participate in the Sciences Po International Exchange Program, where they will enroll directly in university classes with French students and other international students.

Location
The Sciences Po campus is located in the heart of Paris’s Latin Quarter , just a short walking distance from Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Sorbonne. Interested students can also apply to Science Po’s campuses in Dijon (East European Studies), Nancy (Franco-German Center), Poitiers (Ibero-American Campus), Menton (Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Studies), or Le Havre (Euro-Asia Campus).

Coursework
Upper-level classes are available in Economics and Business, European Studies, French Studies, History, International Relations, Law, Political Science, and Sociology. Although most classes are conducted in French, a limited number may be offered in English. Certain specialized courses may not be open to exchange students.

Application Requirements
The program is open to all majors. Students must have completed 4 semesters of universitycoursework. As most classes are conducted in French, applicants should be proficient in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. We recommend a minimum of 3 years or equivalent college French, including several 300-level courses before departure.

Academic Calendar
Students may opt for a semester or full-year abroad. Classes run from October-February (Fall Semester), February-June (Spring Semester), or October-June (full year).

Costs
Students pay their regular UW-Madison tuition, but are responsible for their living expenses including room, board, airfare, school supplies, and public transportation. Sciences Po estimates these costs to be around 1100 € ($1620) per month. There are, however, a number of ways to reduce these expenses. University cafeterias provide well-balanced and inexpensive meals. The subway system offers a discounted monthly pass for students under 25. Students may also apply for housing subsidies through the CAF (Caisse d’allocations familiales). The going rate for a round-trip plane ticket is about $1000. For a more detailed breakdown of expenses, click here.

Orientation
Sciences Po offers a Welcome Program at the beginning of each semester which includes 15 hours of intensive French classes as well as guidance in opening a bank account, finding housing, getting around Paris , and obtaining your resident permit (carte de séjour).

Housing
Students find their own accommodations with the help of the International Office at Sciences Po. The Center for Interdisciplinary French Studies will also assist you prior to your departure.

How to apply
Notice: Application is due by October 30.
The Sciences Po 2009-2010 Application Form is currently available on their website. Interested students should complete the Sciences Po application and submit it to Carol Witzeling at the Center for Interdisciplinary French Studies (cawitzel@facstaff.wisc.edu, room 269 Bascom Hall). If you are accepted by UW-Madison, the CIFS will forward your application to Sciences Po who makes the final decision. In addition to the Sciences Po application, candidates must also submit the following documents to Ms. Witzeling as soon as possible:

1. An unofficial copy of your transcript (the one you do not pay for).
2. One letter of recommendation from a professor or your advisor.
3. A second letter of recommendation attesting to your level of French.
(If the professor who wrote your first letter of recommendation speaks French and can attest to your level of French, you do not need a second letter. One letter can cover both criteria.)
4. A cover letter stating your motivations for studying at Sciences Po.

Please contact Carol Witzeling at the Center for Interdisciplinary French Studies (cawitzel@facstaff.wisc.edu, 261-1018) for more information. An information session will be held at the beginning of the spring semester to address any concerns and provide more specific details on the program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION , check out Sciences Po’s website www.sciences-po.fr and follow the links for international student programs.