A unique and impressive year-long Master’s program has been created in Paris through a joint effort by two of France’s most highly regarded universities—the Institut d'Études Politique de Paris (Sciences Po) and University Paris I Pantheon – Sorbonne Law School (Sorbonne).  The two universities are located close to one another in Paris on the historic Left Bank.

The program awards a Master’s in Global Economic Law from Paris I and a Master's degree from Sciences Po.  In addition, Georgetown students receive 14 Georgetown credits toward their J.D. degree.  This program requires that the students take an additional semester at Georgetown (though without any additional tuition requirement).  

The aim of this highly selective, multi-disciplinary, and international program is to provide in-depth analysis of issues involved in the global market, with a European perspective.  The program is specially designed for a small group of students of law and political science from Europe and the United States.  Taught by experts from Sciences Po, the Sorbonne Law School, and occasional American experts, the program involves interactive, bi-lingual discussion in small groups in which American students, who will be offered linguistic support, will mingle with their European counterparts.  Some of the courses will be taught in French and some in English.  In addition to two semesters of course work, students can also complete an internship.  Sciences Po and the Sorbonne will provide assistance to students in finding internships with law firms, businesses, and governments. 

With the successful completion of all course work, American students will obtain a French national law degree, entitling them to sit for the French bar exam.

Only 30 students—about 10 from Sciences Po, 10 from the Sorbonne, and 10 from American law schools—will participate in this program each year.  The small number of students ensures close attention and assistance. 

The courses include, among others, international business transactions and contracts, the World Trade Organization, international finance, international arbitration, intellectual property, and the fundamentals of the French legal system.  For further information on courses, see http://americancenter.sciences-po.fr/Studyat/Studyatgradex.htm

Click here to view the Sciences Po Application Brochure.

Students will register for classes either online or in person the first week of September. 

To view a copy of the 2007-2008 calendar that includes vacations and holidays, see http://www.sciences-po.fr/formation/calendriers/calendrier_2007_2008.htm

The 2008-2009 Academic Calendar has not been finalized yet.  A tentative schedule is provided below.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR – Autumn Semester 2008-2009

 

TBD	Orientation Program
Sept. 29	Classes Begin
Nov. 10 - 14	Break
Dec. 13	Last Day of Classes
Dec. 16 - 19	Final Exam Period
Dec. 20 - Jan. 4	Christmas Break

 

ACADEMIC CALENDAR – Spring Semester 2008 - 2009

 

Jan. 5	Classes Begin
Feb. 14 - March 1	Winter Break
March 28	Last Day of Classes
March 31 - April 3	Final Exam Period

 

HOUSING

Housing information for the area is found at:

http://americancenter.sciences-po.fr/Studyat/Internatl2.htm 

LANGUAGE

Georgetown students accepted into the Global Economic Law program will be asked to take an online language proficiency test provided by Sciences Po.  The test will determine whether or not additional language training is necessary.

APPLICATION TIME LINE

Deadline to submit the Georgetown Law Center Semester Abroad Application to the Office of International and Transnational Programs (OITP).	March 13
Deadline for OITP to notify applicants if their Sciences Po applications have been approved.	March 19
Deadline for approved students to do the following: Email completed Sciences Po application and resume to OITP.	March 31
Deadline for Sciences Po to notify approved students if they have been admitted to the Master’s in Global Economic Law program.	April 22

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

While studying in France through this program, students are eligible to receive the following funding during that year: Federal Stafford loans, commercial or Grad Plus Loans, as well as any Law Center grant or scholarship awards for which they have qualified. The same deadlines and application procedures for renewal of aid funds should be followed as if the student were attending at the Law Center. Note that students who have a final semester to complete their J.D. degree after the year-long program in France attend their final semester at the Law Center tuition free.  Should the student need loans to meet their living expenses during the last semester, students are limited to non-federal, commercial loans only.

Students participating in this program must purchase the French state insurance, in compliance with the national social security law.  The cost of this insurance is $680 (500 euros).  This fee will be factored into the student's financial aid.

Georgetown University health insurance requirements still apply to these students. Information about the Georgetown study abroad plan, including cost and coverage, is available at http://www.georgetown.edu/student-affairs/insurance/studyabroad.html.

CAMPUS FRANCE

Students who are admitted to the program will need to apply for a visa.  Before doing so, they must register with Campus France.  The registration process can take some time and must be completed before a visa application can be completed.  See http://usa.campusfrance.org/en/1.html for more information. 

After considering the material here and on the websites, a student who plans to apply for this Sciences Po-Sorbonne program might seek the advice of Professor Barry Carter, Faculty Advisor to the program.  Prof. Carter’s telephone number is 202-662-9322 and his e-mail is carter@law.georgetown.edu.  Students who are admitted to the Sciences Po program should consult with Prof. Carter regarding course selection.

Click here to read reports from 2006-2007 participants.

Revised March 3, 2008 (MS)