IE Events and News
Making Study Abroad Work for You: Resume Writing Tips
Thurs. Feb. 9, 2012
4:00pm
Glendening Annex
International Education External Review Student Open Forum
Thurs. Feb. 16, 2012
7:00pm
Aldom Lounge (Connected to the Campus Center)
Study Abroad Through their Eyes: Perspectives from Former Study Abroad Students
Thurs. Feb. 23, 2012
7:00pm
Aldom Lounge (Connected to the Campus Center)
Summer 2012, Fall 2012, and Academic Year 2012-13 Application Deadline
Thursday, March 1, 2012
5:00pm
230 Glendening
MIEA Scholarship for Study Abroad Application Deadline
April 2, 2012
International Education
Glendening Hall, Suite 230
240 895-4202
ie@smcm.edu
Semester in PARIS
A Grand École in the Latin Quarter of Paris that's prestigious in the social sciences, Sciences Po offers semester and academic year courses in both French and English. Academic-year students earn an International Program Diploma.
More programs..
Paris, France
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Web site:
Sciences Po -
Location:
Main campus: Paris
Regional campuses: Dijon, Le Havre, Menton, Nancy and Poitiers -
School Size:
7,500 students
1,000 international exchange students -
Language of Instruction:
French and English -
Nine programme disciplines and concentrations (Mentions) offered to exchange students: economics & business, European studies; history; international relations; interdisciplinary studies; journalism (spring only); law; political science; and science and sustainable development.
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More than 60 students clubs, organizations, and sporting activities
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Currency: Euro and cent
Symbol = €
Code = EUR -
Telephone country code = 33
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Exchange students from Sciences Po at St. Mary's
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SMCM Faculty Adviser for Sciences Po is Katie Gantz, ILC
Why Sciences Po?
In the words of SMCM student Anne Marie Metzler
Why did you choose to study at Sciences Po?
I initially chose to study at Sciences Po because it would be a good place to study political science and thought it would be fun to travel in Europe. Science Po exceeded my expectations by pushing me academically and forcing me to think and perform in a new academic setting and format.
What did you experience there that you might not experience elsewhere?
While many of my friends from other universities were in programs with other Americans, Sciences Po really made me feel like I was "in the real world"; I had to find housing, health forms, insurance and new friends with little assistance (however if you seek out assistance, it is available). Sciences Po international office does a solid job at integrating French and Exchange students. While a few professors however can be a little resistant, the majority are accommodating to exchange students.
While the school was far from socio-economically integrated, I met more people from different countries then I ever could have imagined--I made friends from France, many of the French protectorates including La Reunion, Hong Kong, Tunisia, Algeria, Vietnam and so many more! Sciences Po is one of the most prestigious institutions throughout Europe; when I first arrived and people asked me where I went to school it was bizarre to see the recognition given when I said I was at Sciences Po. By the end of the semester, however, it was clear why people were wishing me good luck with my studies!
Why should other students choose Sciences Po and study in France?
Paris is a city filled with history and is located centrally in Europe for travel. It really can be a student friendly city. (I went to the Louvre 7 times for free... Friday night from January-June is free from 6-10!) It also provided the opportunity to see some really interesting political events such as the Olympic protests and several EU related meetings. The president of Colombia even spoke at Sciences Po while I was there!
I really liked the independence Science Po gave and the challenges it dealt. Growing up in a suburb of DC, I missed being close to a city. In high school I frequently went into the city for free museums and events and Paris offered many of these same types of leisure activities -- without the hour and a half drive to DC! If you are looking for a program with a great deal of structure and assistance this is definitely NOT the program for you. If you have a little patience (and speak a little French!), however, Sciences Po is one of the most prestigious universities and will provide you with an experience of a lifetime.
