Welcoming the 2026 Cohort

From August 26 to 30, during what we call "Pre-Semester Week," the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) proudly welcomed its newest cohort: 882 students, the largest in PSIA's history. This impressive number reaffirms both our attractiveness to students worldwide and our position as the largest school of international affairs. 

The week was filled with a dynamic and engaging program, featuring everything from French language courses to team-building workshops—and of course, plenty of petits fours to keep the energy up!

While PSIA’s programs are entirely taught in English and proficiency in French is not required, we encourage our students to embrace the French language. To support this, we offer an optional French language course during the semester, as well as an intensive French program during Pre-Semester Week. This year, 240 first-year students took advantage of the intensive program, diving into 20 hours of French over just three days! Organized in small groups according to their language proficiency—from beginner to advanced—the program provides students with an excellent opportunity to start or further develop their French language skills and gain insight into French culture.

While the French language program is optional, our team-building workshops are a must for all new students. As a leading school of international affairs, we are committed to instilling the values of collaboration, leadership, and decision-making in our students. During these workshops, students are grouped by their academic programs to engage in activities that develop these critical skills. Not only do these sessions foster valuable teamwork and leadership abilities (even with some unconventional tools), but they also provide a fantastic opportunity for students who will be studying together for one or two years to connect and build friendships.

Pre-Semester Week is also a time for essential information sessions, where students are briefed on their academic requirements, the importance of academic integrity and reminded of Sciences Po's strong commitment to combatting discrimination and gender-based violence. These sessions reinforce our shared values and ensure that every student understands their role in fostering an inclusive and respectful community.

PSIA's Dean, Arancha González, welcomed the incoming students with a powerful message about the importance of listening and respect. She encouraged students to confront ideas, to debate, to call into question, all with respect and with the power of arguments.  At PSIA, students will find ways to agree while learning the art of disagreeing. She ended her speech by quoting Olympic gold medal Carl Lewis, who said: "it is all about the journey, not the outcome!"

The week concluded on a celebratory note with a welcome cocktail reception on our beautiful Saint-Germain-des-Prés campus. Surrounded by the unique atmosphere of Paris, new students enjoyed an evening of conversation, connection and, naturally, more petits fours!

We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2026 to Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs. Here’s to an inspiring and transformative journey ahead!