Visit the UBC Vancouver campus for the annual US Thanksgiving event: learn about UBC’s curriculum and opportunities, and meet program manager (and alumnus) Tim Flanagan to discuss the Dual Degree specifically!
Friday, November 24, 2023 (in-person 10AM–3PM)
Name: Gautier Parthon de Von (alum, Class of 2020)
Nationality: France and Belgium
Programs Completed in Dual BA program: Sciences Po’s North America program at Reims; double major in International Relations and Political Science at UBC Vancouver
I chose to pursue the UBC–Sciences Po Dual Degree because I wanted to have a unique and interdisciplinary education in the social sciences and humanities while experiencing two different cultures and academic systems. I was attracted by the opportunity to earn two Bachelor of Arts degrees in four years while studying in Canada and France. I was also interested in the specialization of each Sciences Po campus in a particular region of the world and the linguistic and cultural focus of the curriculum. I wanted to learn from distinguished and internationally-focused professors and researchers and join a diverse and dynamic community of students. I believed that this program would challenge me to think critically, creatively, and globally and prepare me to contribute positively to a complex and changing world.
In Reims, I enjoyed studying on the historic and beautiful campus of Sciences Po, which was formerly a Jesuit college dating back to the 17th century. I also loved exploring the city of Reims, which is famous for its cathedral, its champagne, and its role in the coronation of the kings and queens of France. I made many friends from different countries and cultures and learned a lot from the professors and researchers who are experts in their fields. I also had the opportunity to travel to other parts of France and Europe during my breaks.
Sciences Po Field Internship – In the summer of 1A, Gautier instructed English to middle and high schoolers in a Peruvian community organization that aims to reintegrate into society abandoned youth.
In Vancouver, I was amazed by the natural beauty and diversity of the UBC campus surrounded by forests, oceans, and mountains. I also appreciated the vibrant and multicultural city of Vancouver, which offers many attractions and activities for students. We benefited from the high-quality education and facilities at two of the world’s top research universities.
Go Global: UBC Research Abroad Funded Seminars – Gautier traveled to the Azores archipelago and the Canary Islands with UBC faculty member Professor Carlos Teixeira to study human displacement and migration. Thanks to UBC research abroad funding, he also traveled to Guatemala with UBC faculty members Professor Thomas Kemple and Professor Sylvia Berryman to study the Maya genocide and its theoretical implications for power and oppression.
I also participated in various clubs, events, and volunteer opportunities on and off campus, which enriched my personal and professional development. My most memorable experience was as Philanthropy Chairman of UBC’s chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon, helping to organize an annual hockey tournament to raise awareness and money for cancer research and relief, which resulted in fundraising of $80.000,00 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Delta Kappa Epsilon Philanthropy – Gautier was Philanthropy Chairman of UBC’s chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon. He was presented with the Charles O’ Blaisdell DKE Leadership Award, which is awarded each year to the undergraduate who is judged the best all-around Deke in that academic year based on his contribution to the University, standing in extracurricular activities, and standing in scholastics.
Currently, I am a part-time parliamentary assistant in the Cabinet of MP Lisa Yasko of the Supreme Rada of Ukraine, who I met during one of my master’s degree classes at Harvard University in geopolitics. I am also a Risk and Strategy Trainee at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, a transatlantic think tank.
Post-graduation work experience in the UN– Gautier was part of the Peace & Security team, headed by Monsignor Charters (pictured), during his fellowship at the Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, US. He attended the General Assembly and Security Council meetings on a regular basis to report on the multilateral negotiation of States when dealing with conflicts and periods of political instability.
My experience as a UBC–Sciences Po student has helped me to succeed in these opportunities in several ways. First, I have learned to appreciate different perspectives and values and to communicate effectively in multiple languages. This has enabled me to work with diverse teams and stakeholders and to adapt to different cultural and institutional contexts. Second, I have acquired a solid foundation in the social sciences and humanities, as well as the ability to analyze complex problems, conduct research, and work in teams. This has given me the tools and methods to produce high-quality work and deliver innovative solutions. Third, I have benefited from the course material and approaches of UBC and Sciences Po, which have exposed me to cutting-edge theories and practices in various disciplines. This has helped me to develop a critical, creative, and global mindset, and to stay updated on the latest developments and trends in my fields of interest.
It is with great pride and honor that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the UBC–Sciences Po Dual Degree Graduating Class of 2023!
It was lovely to see everyone at our recent Graduation Reception, where Consul General of France in Vancouver, Nicolas Baudouin, Associate Dean Dr. Stefania Burk, and Academic Advisor Jonathan Lee shared some words with the graduates at the podium. Program Chair Professor Yves Tiberghien, though unable to make it to the event, had some words shared on his behalf.
A big final congratulations to our esteemed graduates! We are honored to have played a part in your journey. Whatever future path you take, we are certain that, with your dedication and resilience, you will rise above obstacles and leave an inspiring mark on society.
Dr. Stefania Burk, Associate Dean, Academic
Consul General of France in Vancouver, Nicolas Baudouin
Tim Flanagan, Academic Program Manager, speaking on behalf of Professor Yves Tiberghien, Program Chair
Jonathan Lee, Academic Advisor, Academic Systems
Our warmest congratulations to the UBC – Sciences Po Dual Degree Graduating Class of 2022!
On May 24, 2022, the program hosted a celebration for the graduates to celebrate their journey in the Dual Degree program and all of their achievements. Our special guests, including Deputy Consul General Guillaume Roy from the Consulat Général de France à Vancouver, UBC Faculty of Arts Dean pro tem Dr. Stefania Burk, Program Chair Dr. Tara Mayer, faculty, and staff shared some heartfelt words and came to celebrate the graduates’ accomplishments.
Seeing you grow throughout your studies was inspiring, and we are immensely proud of your achievements.
Wherever your path may take you, we are excited to see how you will impact the world. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey.
Deputy Consul General Guillaume Roy from the Consulat Général de France à Vancouver
Dr. Stefania Burk, Dean pro tem, Faculty of Arts
Nancy Campbell, Associate Director, Advising Management Systems, Faculty of Arts
Tim Flanagan, UBC – Sciences Po Academic Program Manager
Happy Last Day of Classes, UBC—Sciences Po Dual Degree students! We wish you all the best of luck on your final exams and projects.
UBC—Sciences Po Dual Degree admissions are open for the 2022/2023 Academic Year!
Students in the UBC Sciences Po Dual Degree program are bright and enthusiastic individuals who have a keen interest in global affairs and perspectives.
Program Overview
UBC—Sciences Po Dual Degree is a partnership between the University of British Columbia and Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) that allows students to earn two Bachelor of Arts degrees in four years, studying in Canada and France.
In Year 1 & 2, students study at one of three Sciences Po campuses in France, engaging with an intensive core curriculum, multidisciplinary specialization, and regional focus. In Year 3 & 4, students deepen their knowledge by engaging with the research-intensive culture of the Faculty of Arts and experiential learning opportunities at UBC’s Vancouver campus.
Application Deadlines
Apply by December 1, 2021, to be considered for entrance scholarships and awards.
The final deadline to apply for the UBC—Sciences Po Dual Degree program is January 11, 2022.
More Information
UBC—Sciences Po Dual Degree Admissions
Name: Sara Owen-Flood (Alumni)
Hometown and Country: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Degrees Completed at UBC Sciences Po: Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Economics) at Sciences Po and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at UBC Sauder School of Business
“The Best of Both Worlds”
Sara refers to the UBC Sciences Po Dual Degree as her “dream program to study” when reflecting upon why she chose to pursue this unique program.
A partnership between the University of British Columbia and Sciences Po, the Dual Degree provides students the opportunity to earn two Bachelor’s Degrees in their undergraduate studies studying in France and Canada. Sara pursued the Dual Commerce and Arts Degree, over the four years Sara earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Sciences Po and a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Sara particularly enjoyed the inherent duality of the program, and shared that for her, this was truly “the best of both worlds.” Two countries and two distinct disciplines offered her a unique experience from both the pedological and cultural sense.
Sara shared for her the combination of studies in both the Canadian and French education system allowed for intellectual challenge and curiosity through its array of offerings of unique teaching elements. For example, the French focus on finding a problématique (research question) in each course and structuring it into a dissertation or presentation with the Sciences Po deux parties deux sous-parties methodology differed greatly from her quantitative and lecture-heavy courses at UBC. The exposure to both styles of learning allowed her to develop big picture critical thinking skills, analytical reasoning skills, and business acumen.
The program also allowed for duality from a cultural sense. Sara recounts the opportunity to meet diverse people from around the world – including professors, mentors, and classmates, and learn about new cultures and social, historical, and political contexts.
As Sara reflects on the program, she believes the experience of independently moving to a new country, adjusting to a new language, culture, and social system, while completing the demanding course load, all made for an invaluable experience. “It’s difficult to think of another undergraduate program,” she recounts, “which develops so much personal, intellectual, and emotional maturity in such a short span of time.”
La rentrée solennelle, Sciences Po’s opening ceremonies of the school year, at the historic Reims campus, August 2016
Visiting the European Parliament in Brussels during Reading Break, October 2016
The Transatlantique Association’s visit to the Chateau de Versailles, a perfect complement to the European XIXth Century (1780-1914) History course, November 2016.
A post-graduation visit to the UBC Campus, May 2021.
Discovering and Crafting a Niche of Study
Having various interests, Sara enjoyed how the interdisciplinary Dual Degree allowed her to personalize, nurture, and hone her passions. By pursuing studies in two traditionally distinct departments: International Relations and Political Science, as well as Business and Finance, Sara was able to craft a niche area of study where government and business intersect.
The rigorous interdisciplinary coursework, combined with a commitment to various extra-curricular activities, helped Sara discover her career path with the Public Sector and Strategy Consulting. Sara was involved with the Reims International Model United Nations, where she directed committees and represented Sciences Po at conferences abroad, made lifelong friendships in the Canada on Campus initiative, and was a Consultant, Director, and then President of UBC’s pro-bono student consulting program, the Strategy Consulting Initiative.
Participating in the London International Model United Nations Conference, January 2017
Opening Ceremonies of the Oxford International Model United Nations, October 2017
Chairing a debate committee at the Reims International Model United Nations, February 2018
Representing UBC at the Sauder Summit Global Case Competition, March 2020
Direct Application of Studies into a Professional Setting
Having found her niche area of study in government and business through coursework and extracurriculars in the Dual Degree, Sara sought hands-on work experience in this domain. Sara has held various positions as a Trade Finance Intern with the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C., as a Public Sector Consultant with Deloitte, and most recently as a Summer Intern with the United Nations Capital Development Fund in New York.
She looks forward to applying her learnings as she forges a career path at the intersection of the public and private sectors.
Internship at the Embassy of Canada in Washington D.C., Summer 2019
An intern tour of the U.S. State Department, Summer 2019
Sara is immensely grateful to have been a part of the Dual Degree program, describing it as “one of the best decisions [she has] made.” She encourages highly motivated and curious students, willing to engage in various languages, cultures, and disciplines, to apply.
When students in the Faculty of Arts apply the critical lens they’ve developed in the classroom to systemic issues beyond the academic world, they gain the confidence and courage to contribute to important conversations that affect us all.
Our UBC Sciences Po alumnus Patrick Leong (’21) and English Language and Literatures MA candidate Amanda Wan were two of the many students whose contributions were instrumental to the success of the National Forum.
Find out how these two incredible students helped shape UBC’s National Forum on Anti-Asian Racism, the advice they have for getting involved, and what they learned about themselves through the process.
Check out the link below to read the full article!
We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the UBC Sciences Po Class of 2021 graduates! On June 23, 2021, the program hosted an online celebration for the graduates to celebrate their journey in the Dual Degree program and all of their achievements. The Dean of UBC Faculty of Arts, UBC Associate Dean Academic of the Faculty of Arts, Consulate General of France and the UBC Sciences Po team shared their congratulations, celebrating all of the graduates’ accomplishments.
We are so proud of each student, and are excited to see all the amazing endeavours that the future holds for our graduates!
Name: Iyolquetzal Martínez (Alumni)
Hometown and Country: Ciudad de México, México
Degrees Completing at UBC Sciences Po: Major in Sociology and Minor in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice
Why did you choose to pursue the UBC Sciences Po Dual Degree?
I applied to the UBC Sciences Po Dual Degree because of the opportunity to travel and study abroad, as well as to have an intercultural experience that would broaden my horizons.
What are some of the meaning experiences you’ve had from your time at Sciences Po, and at UBC?
Being able to travel to 35 countries in four different continents, living by myself, couchsurfing, hitchhiking, and making friends from all across the world.
How has being a UBC Sciences Po student helped your personal and professional aspirations?
Being a UBC Sciences Po student has helped my personal and professional aspirations by widening my cultural and academic horizons. I initially started out my degree intending to major in Political Science, however, as I discovered the field of Sociology at Sciences Po, it ended up appealing more to me. Additionally, I was introduced to subjects that would forever change my life, such as gender, queer, and critical race theory.
What extra-curricular activities are you involved in?
During my studies at Sciences Po I joined the Feminist Society where we planned workshops and events, like poetry nights and dialogues. During my time at UBC, I volunteered for the AMS SASC (Sexual Assault Support Centre) where we worked around raising awareness about sexual assault and consent on campus.
What is unique about being a UBC Sciences Po student?
The uniqueness about being a UBC Sciences Po student is that you get to graduate with two degrees from some of the best schools in Europe and North America in just four years.
What are the top three things every UBC Sciences Po student should do before they graduate?
Every UBC Sciences Po student should travel as much as they can, take as many courses in diverse fields as possible, and dedicate time to find a community/friends before they graduate.
Faculty of Art