Study Abroad

   Rennes, France - Sciences Po University
   

Created in 1991, Science Po Rennes, the Institute of Political Studies of Rennes  is the latest addition to the network of nine French Sciences Po. Science Po offers a specific educational model whose focus is to pass on the plurality of knowledge and keys to students throughout their academic careers. Science Po is strongly marked by its international dimension. It is multidisciplinary with a common core of law, economics, history, and social sciences. Sciènces Po offers a wide curriculum of undergraduate and graduate courses specializing in the disciplines Political Science, Management, and Economics.

Practical information about studying and living in Rennes

To apply for the Exchange Program:

1. Confirm that this program works for you both academically and financially. Check the courses offered and speak with your academic advisor on which courses you should try to take while abroad that will count towards your degree. If you are receiving financial aid or want to apply for financial aid for the study abroad program, contact Nicole.Brennan@umb.edu so you know what you can expect in aid for the program. 
2. Once you are sure this is the program for you, apply on this website for the program (click apply at the bottom). 
3. Once completed, contact the Office of Global Programs to have your nomination submitted to Sciences Po. From there you will also need to submit the exchange application through Sciences Po directly: https://www.sciencespo-rennes.fr/en/international-programmes.html

For all of the steps and information on applying to study abroad through UMass Boston, download the checklist: Study Abroad Steps to Stay on Track 2020.pdf

COURSES
Here is Sciences Po France list of courses in English available to international students in the English taught program. English taught courses are limited. There is also a program taught in French, which offers many more course options. For that program you would need a good level of French to participate. 
Please scroll down to "Course Transfers Reference Table" to see how courses from Rennes transferred to UMB. 

CREDITS
Students must study full time at the home and host institutions. With the completion of the Request for Prior Approval of Transfer Credit of Study Abroad Programs form, your credits (not grades) will transfer towards your degree at UMass Boston. This form can be obtained from the Study Abroad office.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Fall semester (First semester): Late August - December
Spring semester (Second semester): January - May

ELIGIBILITY
Undergraduate and graduate students who have currently completed at least one year of full-time study with the most recent semester completed at UMass Boston are eligible. Students must be in good academic standing (at least 2.75 GPA) with no disciplinary problems. If a student is taking classes that are taught in French they must have at least two semesters of French in order to apply to the program.

After being nominated by the UMass Boston Study Abroad office, the students will receive the link to complete the on-line application form. This form will be available (in English or in French) in March. When the application has been submitted with the required documents, the International Relations Office sends a letter of admission or refusal to the students within 4 weeks. They will receive an information package by email, according to the chosen study program, mid-July for the admission in September or at the end of November for the admission in January.
Documents to be submitted:
- 1 passport size photo,
- Most recent transcript(s) of records,
- Proof of language proficiency,
- Copy of identity card or passport

COSTS
See Budget sheet. Please note, the Office of Global Programs use estimated price values for our UMass Boston Reciprocal Exchange’ budget sheets. Actual prices may vary, please contact your program provider for more details. 

Do you receive any financial aid, such as scholarships or grants to fund your education? Find out if your financial aid will apply towards studying abroad using the following Financial Aid Guide here

The Financial Aid Guide provides lots of information. However, prior to applying it is advised to contact Financial Aid services for financial aid inquiries and concerns. Link to Financial Aid services website: https://finaid.umb.edu/

HOUSING
There is a limited amount of student housing available, or students can rent a room in the city.

      

VISA                
U.S.-passport holders studying abroad longer than 90 days must apply for a French student visa. Before applying for a visa, students must first complete an on-line application with Campus France. Once Campus France has validated a student's dossier, they may apply for a visa with the French Consulate in Boston. It usually takes 6 weeks to get a French visa. The consulates will accept the application no more than 90 days prior to the start of the study term. Students may check the NAFSA website for more information about the visa processing.  

Be sure to check out the following Visa Process link provided by NAFSA for more information: 
https://www.nafsa.org/Professional_Resources/Browse_by_Interest/Education_Abroad/Visas_For_Education_Abroad/

Course Transfers Reference Table:

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Pre-decision Phase Instructions: 
This is a UMass Boston Reciprocal Exchange Program. There are two separate applications. First, students apply to the program by completing this online UMass Boston application. If eligible to study abroad, the UMass Boston Study Abroad Office nominates the student to the university abroad. The student is then informed with a letter or an email about next steps to complete the university's abroad application (online or hard copy forms). Please click here for application instructions. 
 
Post-decision Phase Instructions: 
The final decision to accept a student is made by the university abroad and the student will be emailed. Once accepted by the university abroad, UMass Boston students must complete all the requirements indicated by the university abroad, in addition to completing all forms and submitting all the post-acceptance documents to UMass Boston Study Abroad Office. Please click here for instructions and forms.