Sciences Po Lille, founded in 1991, is one of the nine Institut d'études politiques (Institutes for Political Studies) in France. More than 1,500 students are enrolled in its Diploma course. All IEP students study abroad during their third year, and in return, the IEP welcomes 200 international exchange students each year.
Students are drawn to Sciences Po for its commitments to understanding the contemporary world through a interdisciplinary grounding in the social sciences.
Exchange students from UVA will chose their courses at Sciences Po Lille from those offered in the second and fourth years (foundation courses, specialized courses and open lectures). Courses reserved for international students are also available.
While it is possible to enroll only in courses taught in English, UVA exchange students who are proficient in French and who participate in the exchange for an academic year can enroll in a special degree program while at the IEP: le Certificat d'Études Politiques (CEP). Upon completion program, students will receive a certificate recognized throughout the European Union.
Location
Lille is a city full of history, and a university city with other 180,000 students. Major elements from the XIXth century are still in evidence, such as the boulevards and buildings left by the architects of the Second Empire. A mere stone's throw away from the town center and the Grand Place is the stuff of a more distant past. As the second most important museum in France after the Louvre, the Museum of Fine Arts in Lille has become a major international attraction since its reopening in 1997. Visitors from all over Europe come to admire its collections and temporary exhibitions in a building that has been splendidly restored and extended.
The markets of Greater Lille have achieved a virtually ritualistic status for the thousands of people from the region who come to them for their shopping and immerse themselves in the special atmosphere that accompanies them. Some form of activity or entertainment, or perhaps a street band, is never far away, giving these markets something of a festive air.
Greater Lille has a wealth of delights to offer lovers of nature. Rambling and riding trails in the surrounding woodlands and countryside, and walks around a variety of themes, can lead on to leisure activities of a much more active, sporting variety.
Academics
Curriculum
Political Science, Economics, Sociology.
You may learn more about course offerings here.
Terms
Fall Term: mid September - late December*
Spring Term: January - May
*The fall academic calendar at Sciences Po Lille ends before the Christmas holidays.
Requirements
- 3.0 GPA.
- Students must have completed at least 4 semesters of college-level coursework.
- Courses offered in English are available; previous knowledge of French is not required, but recommended.
Accommodation
As on-campus housing is not available at Sciences Po Lille, exchange students should expect to arrange their accommodations. However, the International Office at Lille can help exchange students arrange accommodations by providing landlords' and housing agencies' contacts. Check the host institution web site for accommodation choices, cost, and application procedures. The average cost of housing in Lille is 500 Euros per month.
Please note that in order to obtain a French student visa students must provide proof of housing.
Cost
UVA students will pay their regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term they are on a UVA Exchange Program. Students are additionally responsible for room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. Students will pay the host institution or make their own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution web site for accommodation choices, cost, and application procedures.
Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own international airfare as well as researching and obtaining the necessary visa.
UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance.
Expected Expenses
Tuition and Fees: Students will pay their regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term they are on a UVA Exchange Program. Tuition and fees will be billed to each student’s SIS account and can be paid as normal.
Housing and Meals: Students are responsible to pay for accommodation and any required or preferred meal plan. Students will pay the host institution or make their own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution web site for accommodation and meal plan choices, cost, and application procedures.
Travel and Travel Documents: Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own international airfare as well as researching and obtaining the necessary visa. Students should also budget for in-country transportation costs.
Insurance: UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance. More information can be found on the
insurance web page.
Additional Expenses: Students should be prepared to purchase required books and supplies. Students should also budget for additional personal expenses; examples include laundry, phone costs, personal travel, meals out, etc.
If you are not able to find accommodation costs or application, cost of living, or other information you need in order to prepare for your study abroad program, please contact your Education Abroad Advisor.
Financial Aid
You can find detailed information regarding financial aid and study abroad on the following websites:
Accessibility
The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual and flexible basis. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.
Passport and Visa
All participants will need a valid passport in order to participate in the program. Students must ensure that their passport is valid at least six months past the program return date. US passport holders will need a visa to participate in this program. The ISO and Sciences Po: Lille will assist with the visa application process by providing the required enrollment letters, however the responsibility of applying for a student visa falls on the student. Please visit the Campus France (http://www.usa.campusfrance.org/en/) website to review the expectations and requirements for a student visa. International students should meet with their International Student Advisor and Education Abroad Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process.
France Requirements
PLEASE NOTE: French Social Security law
French Social Security law requires that all international students under the age of 28 who will be staying in France for longer than three months pay the full year of social security insurance.
Health and Safety Information
All students considering Education Abroad should consult the Students Abroad section of the U.S. Department of State’s web-based travel resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health web resources to research health, safety, and security conditions; visa requirements; immunization requirements; and recommendations on staying healthy and safe in their target destination(s). Students should also carefully review the UVA Education Abroad Health & Safety Abroad web page. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to review all of these resources, as well. UVA students and visiting students enrolled in UVA Education Abroad programs are subject to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Student International Travel.
