The second year at Sciences Po Bordeaux is a mandatory year of study in an institution other than Sciences Po Bordeaux. As part of the program, the students study in another institution abroad, or under certain conditions, in France. As this year abroad is to be validated as part of the course of studies within the institute, a number of requirements apply.
There are two possible options: a year of study in an academic environment outside Sciences Po Bordeaux, or a professional internship abroad. Applications for this second option are only considered under exceptional circumstances and are only approved based on the recommendations of an ad-hoc committee in charge of reviewing internship project proposals. In any case, there is absolutely no need, at the beginning of the year, to concern oneself with the practicalities of this mobility project. A precise timetable and procedure are prepared by the relevant departments of Sciences Po Bordeaux. Several information meetings are held on the subject, during which students are encouraged to ask questions.
See list of destinations | 2019-2020
Sciences Po Bordeaux is one of the founding members of the Aquimob scheme, which aims to improve the coordination of mobility grants in Aquitaine.
Each year the various international mobility grants (Aquitaine Cap Mobilité, Erasmus+, Ministry of Higher Education, Sciences Po Bordeaux Aid) are distributed among students who apply for them, in accordance with the following rules:
No cumulation of the main grants is permitted
Consideration of social criteria
For more information, visit www.aquimob.fr
Mobility period in a university environment
Mobility projects outside France consist almost exclusively of academic project in a foreign university. They either take place within the Erasmus area or in other parts of the world. In both cases, students must have their year of study recognized by achieving the 60 ECTS credit points required for studying in an Erasmus host country, or, for those wishing to study in a country that is not included in the Erasmus program, by submitting a transcript of grades confirming that they have successfully completed their academic year.
The question of the learning agreement is essential: students studying abroad as part of the year of mobility are not free to choose any course they like. Your choice of courses should be based on the following principles:
Choose courses in the field of humanities and social sciences;
Choose courses in fields of study which the host university focuses on.
It is advisable, if possible, to continue studying a second foreign language. Although improving proficiency in one foreign language is an important aspect of the international mobility program, the latter cannot be reduced to a language-learning opportunity.
Mobility in the framework of an internship abroad
During the year of mobility, internships in France are not permitted [even in a foreign public or private organisation]. Internships in a French Embassy abroad are not permitted for the year of mobility.
Exceptionally, and provided that they submit a precisely defined project, justified by the areas of specialization considered for the 2nd cycle and based on a rigorously defined plan in terms of learning objectives, supervision and follow-up, some students may, by waiver, be allowed to carry out their mobility project abroad, in the framework of an internship, after examination and approval by a committee chaired by the Director of Sciences Po Bordeaux. In this case, the students concerned will have to produce an internship report which will be subject to a stringent review process upon their return. The grade awarded will or will not validate the year of mobility and will grant access to the third year of study.
Choice of destination for the academic year abroad
Academic stays abroad are managed by the International Relations Department. The organisation of this form of mobility is lengthy and complex. It follows a strictly defined timetable from which students must not deviate. The choice of destinations is limited and students are required to choose among the university institutions with which Sciences Po Bordeaux has an exchange agreement; but the number of places available is much higher than the number of applications.
The choice of destination is made according to the wishes expressed by the students, according to a ranking based on several grades earned during the first year. It is also made according to specific requirements formulated by partner institutions (language tests for example). Generally speaking, almost all first destination choices are approved.
Year of mobility in France
Students may be allowed to carry out their year of mobility in France; In this case, the students must spend their period of mobility in a French higher education institution [in Bordeaux or elsewhere]. In all cases, students must submit a learning agreement to be approved by the academic directorate of Sciences Po Bordeaux.
Validation of the year of mobility for an academic stay for a:
Academic year in a university in the Erasmus program: the year of mobility is validated when the student has earned 60 ECTS points [NB. 120 British credits = 60 ECTS]. Failing this, his/her case is examined by a jury;
Academic year outside Europe: a transcript of grades confirming that the student has successfully completed his/her academic year must be submitted;
Academic year in a French university: Following his/her second year of study in a French higher education institution, and following certification of successful completion of this second academic year, a student can join the third year at Sciences Po Bordeaux. In cases of complete or partial examination failure, the procedure is similar to that followed in cases of academic stays in an Erasmus university.
Type of education
Access to ENT
