Exchange students at Sciences Po choose their disciplinary and multidisciplinary courses from the range of course offerings in law, economics, history, the humanities, international relations, political science and sociology, taught by faculty and practitioners, in the first and second year of the BA program. Exchange students can enroll in specific courses on French and European history and culture, which offer supplementary methodological training.
The curriculum can be completed in French, English, or both languages (varies by campus) and includes a diverse range of courses; activities with student clubs and associations also form part of the program.
Core coursework in the social sciences are mostly in English. Qualified students (min. B2 level) may elect to take some or all coursework in French. Beginners in French are welcome. Students have the opportunity to take intensive French-language courses and workshops, allowing students to vastly improve their language ability over a short period of time. See Sciences Po's website for language requirements at each campus.
At Sciences Po, students take full advantage of formal instruction thanks to interactive classes. This format fosters skills such as public speaking, debate and critical thinking. Sciences Po uses the ECTS crediting system in which 1 ECTS is equal to 0.75 UO quarter credit.
- Lecture courses award 10 ECTS credits.
- Seminar courses, elective courses, language course, and artistic workshops award 5 ECTS credits.
Students attending Sciences Po must register for 20-30 ECTS in the fall semester and 30 ECTS in the spring semester.
Note: You should consult with your UO academic advisor before submitting your course enrollment to Sciences Po.
Exchange program on the Paris campus
The main Sciences Po campus is in Paris. It is located near the center of the city, in the Saint Germain neighborhood. Students in the undergraduate exchange program on the Paris campus can choose from a wide range of courses taught in French or in English in the humanities and social sciences: law, economics, history, humanities, political science, sociology and international relations. They can also take culture courses which include learning French methodology, and language classes.
Students must enroll at least one course of 5 ECTS credits and cannot choose more than 30 ECTS credits per semester. To be eligible for the Certificate of Studies in Social Sciences and Humanities, students must pass 20 ECTS credits in one semester (out of 30 ECTS credits attempted) and 45 ECTS credits for one academic year (out of 60 ECTS credits attempted).
Exchange program on the Reims campus
The Sciences Po campus in Reims concentrates on North American studies, and offers a full course selection in English. The Reims campus provides an outstanding study environment, combining a superb architectural heritage and ultra-modern facilities. It is located 45 minutes from Paris by high-speed rail and the cost of living in Reims is much lower than in Paris.
Each semester, Sciences Po's campus in Reims, welcomes exchange students who wish to pursue international studies. This certificate-awarding exchange has been specifically designed for students to thrive in the growing community of media and international scholars and students in France. At the Reims campus, you have the option to enroll in dedicated certificate studies, or to pursue your own study plan.
If you choose one of the certificate programs, you will need to complete two core common seminars, two courses in your chosen track, one language course, and one elective of your choice (30 ECTS credits). For more information about the current certificate programs available at the Sciences Po Riems campus, please visit their website.
Other Campuses
Besides Reims and Paris, as an UO exchange student, you may enroll in any of Sciences Po other campuses, but be sure to verify the campus language requirements and primary language of instruction, as they differ from campus to campus.
