Quick Facts

Sciences Po Aix is a 'grand ecole' in Provence. Since 1956, the institution has acheived its goal of immersing its students in contemporary issues and sustainanibly rooting them into socioeconomic or political and geopolitical realities. Dedication to internationalization, Sciences Po Aix utilizes its location in the Mediterranean to further research critical themes in the Euromediterranean and Arab-Muslim world, intercultural and religious mediation,  and Mediterranean cultural projects management. It is one of 9 Political Studies Institutes (IEP) in France, but the only one situated on the Mediterranean coast.

This program is sponsored by the School of Politics and Global Studies. Students may choose the semester abroad program enrolling in courses relevant to their program of study at ASU in either the POS or GS major. Regarding the latter, students seeking to meet their SGS 484 requirement must, in addition to their academic course work, engage in practical fieldwork such as a service learning project or a volunteership. Please contact the Global Studies internship coordinator for more information.   

 

Location Details

At Sciences Po Aix, students are the "heartbeat of the city." The student population represents nearly one third of the total urban population (40,000 of 150,000). Ideally located between Marseille and Avignon, between the Rhone and the Alps, hundredes of students surround the Saint-Sauveur cathedral each day, bringing life to the city. Aix-en-Provence, or simply Aix, is home to multiple museums, galleries, historicial sites, and fountains. It hosts two musical events and enjoys 300 days of sunshine each year. 

Visa Information

U.S. citizens will require a visa* in order to participate in this program. Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or your host institution, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas. If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

Students may pursue courses in English or French:

1. Students with a good working level in French may enroll in all courses indicated in the international student course catalogue. A signed and stamped stattement from your Departmental Coordinator stating that your level of spoken and written Frenceh is sufficient is required. Students are encouraged to adopt a critical approach to their academic work. Instruction takes the form of lectures, seminars and laboratory courses. 

2. Students with a basic level in French may enroll in classes in English, classes in French specifically for international students, French language and civilization classes and foreign language classes. Registration in other courses is possible with authorization from the international student advisor.

3. Students with no French background may enroll in all courses offered in English, and foreign language classes (French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic).

The normal recommended course load for exchange students is up to 30 ECTS credits per semester (equivalent of 15 ASU credits).

There is a wide range of courses offered in many subject areas including:

• History
• Sociology
• Media Studies
• Gender Studies
• Religious Studies
• Middle Eastern Studies

Credit & Grade Conversion Scale

Program Housing

Student accommodation (halls of residence)

A room in student halls of residence is the most affordable accommodation option in Aix. Residence halls contain shared showers, bathrooms and kitchen. The rent is approximately 250 € per month. A deposit representing one to two months of rent is required.

The Department of International Relations helps international students to get a room in a hall of residence by grouping all the applications and submitting them directly to the CROUS (organisation dealing with student accommodation). Students will then be asked to register on line (mid-July) and pay their deposit.

There are student cafeterias near the residence halls.

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. For example, in France, while there are a variety of accessible forms of transportation, Paris Metro stations remain largely inaccessible to people with mobility disabilities. Students may find that sidewalks are narrow and uneven, and cobblestone streets make access difficult in some areas.

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact the Disability Resource Center and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. 

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. 

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services. For example, in France, racism and discrimination do occur, but seem to be directed more towards immigrants from Africa and the Middle East. 

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

Exchange program participants will pay ASU tuition and fees for the term of the Exchange program, according to the individual student's classification and degree level. In addition to ASU tuition and fees, participants are also responsible for paying the following fees:

• $50 Application Fee (non-refundable)
• $400 Administrative Fee (non-refundable)
• Carbon Offset Fee*
• International Travel Service Fee (Including Insurance)*

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet or the Academic Year Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Photos

Videos

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Department of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• STA Travel Airfare Deposit Program

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.