EDUC gap semester at University Paris Nanterre

The EDUC gap semester is a physical mobility programme that was developed as part of the EDUC alliance - European Digital UniverCity. It can last for one semester and allows students from each member university of the EDUC alliance to study one or more subjects at a partner university that are different from those of their degree.

For example, if you are a geography student and you have always dreamed of studying sociology or law, then the EDUC gap semester is for you! This opportunity allows you to develop new skills and to reflect on your future career.

As an international student, you can take an EDUC gap semester at one of the two French universities in the EDUC alliance: the University of Rennes and the University Paris Nanterre (UPN).

Taking part in the EDUC gap semester will give you:

• disciplinary openness through the study of disciplines, different from those of your diploma degree;
• linguistic immersion through the practice of French or/and another languages taught at the host university;
• cultural openness through the discovery of dynamic French student cities (Rennes and/or Nanterre, near Paris);
• the opportunity to develop your "soft skills" and your openness to Europe, which will be an asset for your future professional integration;
• the recognition of your experience with an EDUC certificate.

Who can apply?

This scheme is open to all students enrolled at one of the member universities of the EDUC alliance. The gap semester is available to Bachelor's and Master's students.

What are the selection criteria?

The application will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• completed application;
• validation of the administrative documents to be provided;
• quality of the letter of motivation: development of linguistic and cultural skills; openness to Europe; added value for your social and professional integration; coherence of the courses selected in your student mobility project.

When to leave?

EDUC semester departures are in the first semester (autumn semester) or in the second semester (spring/summer semester) depending on the academic calendars of your university of origin. It will therefore be possible to study for a semester in one or both of the French universities in the EDUC alliance (the University Paris Nanterre and the University of Rennes).

Academic calendar:

• First semester (autumn): September to January.
• Second semester (spring): January to May.

What financial assistance is available?

Selected students will be eligible for a mobility grant of up to €900 per month for a maximum period of 5 months. Students may also receive financial assistance of up to €600 to cover travel expenses.

When and how to register for the EDUC gap semester?

• To take an EDUC gap semester at the UPN, interested students must follow the internal procedure of their university of origin. The application period for an EDUC gap semester may vary depending on the university. Applications can be made twice a year. For all EDUC gap semester requests, students must contact the International Relations Department of their home university.
   
• An application form must be completed and sent to the person in charge of EDUC gap semester requests at your home university.
   
• A selection committee will meet twice a year. Once selected for an EDUC gap semester, additional documents must be sent to the host university. A tripartite gap semester agreement must be completed by the student, then signed by the host university, the university of departure and finally by the student. Once the EDUC gap semester agreement is signed by all three parties and all documents have been sent to the host university, you are ready to go!

If you have any question, please reach out to the contact point at your home university.

Most of the available courses at UPN will be in French. We are working to offer more courses in English. Depending on the course offered, it will be possible to take courses taught in other languages, such as German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.