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Social Sciences & International Politics
Grenoble, France
About the Program
Spend a semester abroad in the heart of French Alps, at one of France’s prestigious “Grande Ecoles”. Instruction is available in both French and English, and coursework is organized in tracks based on your language level. Each track includes courses that ground you in foundations of social and political science as well as a variety of elective courses to round out your curriculum, and further enhance this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.
Requirements
Overview
Grenoble
late Aug 2025 - mid Dec 2025
$17,995
14 - 17.5
Deadlines
5/1/25
6/1/25
Requirements
Eligibility
Some courses may have prerequisites.
1 Year of College completed prior to program start
2.5
All Levels
Where You'll Study
Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA
Founded in 1948, Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA is one of 10 Political Studies Institutes in France and part of a network of French Ivy League Schools (“Grande Ecole”). Renowned for its multid...
Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA
Founded in 1948, Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA is one of 10 Political Studies Institutes in France and part of a network of French Ivy League Schools (“Grande Ecole”). Renowned for its multidisciplinary education and research in the social and political sciences, the school also holds HRS4R (Human Resources Strategy for Researchers) Accreditation due to its excellence and commitment to researcher career development.
Sciences Po is a part of the Université Grenoble – Alpes (UGA), one of Europe's oldest educational institutions. The school is housed on UGA’s modern, spacious campus, located approximately fifteen minutes by bus or tram from the center of town, and features well-equipped facilities, up-to-date audiovisual equipment, new language labs, and outstanding athletic centers. Students enroll in courses in Political Science, Economics, History, International Relations, and Sociology, with courses taught in English and French.
Credit Transfer Information
Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA awards credits based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) system. CEA CAPA credit hour recommendations are based on the following conversion: 2 ECTS credits equals 1 U.S. semester credit. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Transcript Information
Students receive a transcript from Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA upon successful completion of the program. The transcript reflects ECTS credits and contact hours.
Accreditation
Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA is recognized by the French Ministry of National Education as a degree-granting institution.
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
- Courses are taught by French and international faculty
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
- Attendance of classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- Class size ranges from 20-22 students in seminar and around 150 students in lectures.
- You’ll take classes with other international students of equivalent language level; students with superior or advanced French language skills have the option to take classes with French students.
- The French teaching style differs from that in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
Amenities
Student Offices
Clubs & Organizations
Student Center
Study Room
Counseling Services
Student Health Center
University Library
Computer Lab
Printing Facilities
Student ID
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Language Learning Services
Language Exchange with Local Students
Fitness Facilities
Student Sports Teams
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
Banks & Post Office
Copy & Mail Center
On-campus ATM
Bookstore
Laundry Facilities
14-17.5
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
You’ll enroll in a track based on your language level:
- Track 1 - English Track: All courses in English (Beginner Level French)
- Track 2 - Mixed Track: Most courses in English, one or two courses in French (High Intermediate/Advanced Level French)
- Track 3 - French Track: Most courses in French (High Advanced & Above Level French)
Each track has 3 mandatory courses and 3-4 elective courses as part of the curriculum. Mandatory courses include: a French language course, a French society course taught in English or French (FSIS/FEIS), and a seminar on international/comparative politics (CMINT/CM). In addition, you’ll choose 3-4 elective courses from a variety of subject areas taught in English or French. Elective courses may be taught in a lecture format (Cours specializes/CS) or as seminars (Conférences de méthode/CM), which emphasize discussion and student interactions in class.
Class meeting times and days per week vary by course. Contact hours vary by course and may be comprised of lectures, seminars and independent work. In general courses are granted 5 ECTS, which convert to 2.5 US credits per course. You enroll in 6-7 courses and may earn a total of 14 – 17.5 US credits per semester. 15 US credits are recommended.
You'll take a language placement exam online prior to departure and confirm your level after you arrive in Grenoble. If you are a complete beginner, you may opt out of taking the language placement exam by providing a sworn written statement explaining your complete beginner status. You’ll enroll in the appropriate program track based on the results of the language exam. You’ll complete a course registration after you arrive in Grenoble and choose elective courses within the selected track. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home university pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for France. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Please be aware that in the fall semester the university exam period runs past the CEA program dates. Therefore, it is your responsibility that you enroll in courses with continuous assessment or arrange an alternate exam due date or assessment, if necessary, with your instructor. We recommend speaking about this with your instructor at the beginning of the semester.English Track Course Structure
Available Levels
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner French | 100 | Fr | 65 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France, State, Institutions and Society | 300 | En | 50 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change in Global Politics | 300 | En | 56 | 2.5 |
| Change in Global Politics (Case Study Research) | En | 56 | 2.5 | |
| Contemporary Issues in the Arab and Muslim World | 300 | En | 56 | 2.5 |
| Foreign and Security Policies | 300 | En | 56 | 2.5 |
| Globalization & Security: A Perspective in Border Studies | 300 | En | 56 | 2.5 |
| International Policy Lab | 300 | En | 56 | 2.5 |
| Money and Politics in Europe | 300 | En | 56 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language and Methodology Peer Tutoring | 100 | En | 0 | 0 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| German Language - High Beginner to Advanced | 300 | De | 44 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender, Sexuality and Politics | 300 | En | 38 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Issues in the Middle East - The Two Gates to the Middle East: Egypt and Turkey | 300 | En | 38 | 2.5 |
| Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping/Protection | 300 | En | 38 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Language - Intermediate & Advanced | 300 | It | 44 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Elective | 100 | En | 0 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Theories of Justice | 300 | En | 38 | 2.5 |
| Environment, Natural Resources, and Armed Conflict | 300 | En | 38 | 2.5 |
| Geoeconomics of International Security | 300 | En | 38 | 2.5 |
| Geopolitics | 300 | En | 38 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science for Society? Socially Responsible Research in the Western World | 300 | En | 38 | 2.5 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language - Intermediate & Advanced | 300 | Sp | 44 | 2.5 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Apartment
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
All CEA CAPA students studying in the French Alps have the option of living in apartments while abroad. Generally located in the town center, these apartments cater to the independent, do-it-yourself type students who want to experience Grenoble just as the locals do. Cook tasty French meals with your roommates in your kitchen, meet your new neighbors – local and international alike – and make your new French apartment a home.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in the French Alps: 10-15 minutes by bus/tramway
- Université Grenoble - Alpes: 20-25 minutes by bus/tramway
- Grenoble Ecole de Management: 5-10 minutes by bus/tramway
- Sciences Po Grenoble: 20-25 minutes by bus/tramway
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 2 students per room
- 2-4 students per apartment (apartment size may vary according to our numbers)
Unit Amenities
- Shared Kitchenette
- Shared bathroom
- Full bed linens
- Towels included
- Internet Access
- Telephone access available
- Pay-per-wash
- In-room heater or central heating
- A/C
Studio Residence
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
CEA CAPA students studying in Grenoble have the option of living in a studio residence while abroad. The residence is conveniently located in the town center, close to mass transportation stations, and is open to university students and young professionals around Grenoble, making it a unique option to allow students to interact with the local student body. Students live in individual studios fully equipped, with a private kitchen and bathroom.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in the French Alps: 20 minutes by bus/tram; 25 minutes walking
- Université Grenoble - Alpes: 15-20 minutes by bus; 15 minutes by tramway
- Grenoble Ecole de Management: 15-20 minutes by bus; 10 minutes by tramway
- Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA: 10-25 minutes by buys/tramway
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 1 student per room
- 1 student per studio
Unit Amenities
- Private kitchenette
- Private bathroom
- Partial bed linens included
- Internet access
- Pay-per-wash
- Central heating or space heaters
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Summer: $400 - $1,000
- Semester: $900 - $2,100
Homestay
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Engage in the French Alps' vibrant culture firsthand when you live in a homestay with a French family. For the culture-seeking type whose study abroad goals include improving French language skills and cultural understanding, homestays provide the opportunity to dive headfirst into the daily lives of Grenoble locals. (Additional Fees apply)
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Office in the French Alps: 20-45 minutes by bus/tramway
- Université Grenoble - Alpes: 20-45 minutes by bus/tramway
- Grenoble Ecole de Management: 20-45 minutes by bus/tramway
- Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA: 20-45 minutes by bus/tramway
Meals Included
- Breakfast everyday, 5 dinners (M-F)
Roommates
- 1-3 students per host family
Unit Amenities
- Limited Kitchen
- Shared-co-ed bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet Access
- Telephone access available
- Washer
- Central Heating or space heaters available
- Fans available
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Summer: $400 - $1,800
- Semester: $1,000 - $2,500
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Grenoble. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Student Clubs & Organizations
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.
Sample Budget
The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.